How do you find the best executive talent?Earn Your Certificate in Executive Research
Flexible, Online Learning
Up to 15 hours
AESC Certificate
Interactive learning for groups and individuals.
This program can help you and your team learn in a collaborative environment to strengthen your executive research and candidate development skills
Key industry-specific methodologies.
You can explore various avenues to common scenarios with fellow search professionals while tackling unique challenges with a seasoned industry expert
Multi-faceted course.
The three-part program features various forms of study, engagement, and assessment to ensure mastery of knowledge
Expert instructors.
Stephanie Franklin and Kerryn Wilson have extensive experience in the profession and are executive research experts.
PROGRAM FACILITATOR
Rachel Roche is the Founder and President of Smart Search, a consulting firm that specializes in the training and education of retained executive search professionals. She has more than 30 years of experience in retained search and has designed and delivered live, online and webinar training to AESC members all around the world for more than a decade.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
- Gain a comprehensive introduction to the executive search profession
- Discover how to uncover a list of high-caliber individuals that align with your criterion and client needs
- Understand the components of a compelling search strategy to deliver value to your consultant
- Explore the sourcing method and how to best engage with knowledge experts as an authority of referrals and resources
- Take charge in how to assess and determine competence and interest to effectively recruit the best suitable candidate
- Review the importance of building rapport to gauge and qualify the right candidate
Who is this for?
- Researchers looking to identify and master the key competencies for every assignment
- Associates who wish to deliver quality work and always add value
- Analysts that generate shortlists of candidates and sources
- In-house recruiters interested in updating their everyday approaches
- Talent acquisition managers seeking unique solutions to common challenges
- Team leaders looking to provide industry-specific professional development opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the program run?
When will the program run?
Individuals or groups can enroll in AESC’s Certificate in Executive Research at any time. The online Foundation Course is offered year-round and is self-paced. The interactive Expert Forums are 2 hour sessions held over the course of 3 consecutive days. The Expert Forums are scheduled throughout the year to accommodate a global audience of participants.
View the Expert Forum Schedule
Are there any prerequisites to enrolling in the program? Do I need to have experience in executive research or working with clients?
Are there any prerequisites to enrolling in the program? Do I need to have experience in executive research or working with clients?
No, there are no prerequisites to enrolling in the program. We welcome executive search professionals of any experience level to participate in CER, especially those who are new to executive search and are looking for a foundational education in the executive research profession.
How long does the Certificate in Executive Research program take to complete?
How long does the Certificate in Executive Research program take to complete?
The program takes approximately 15 hours to complete. The program includes three parts:
- The Foundation Course - this self-paced component takes approximately 5-8 hours to complete.
- The Expert Forum Sessions - these virtual, synchronous sessions take place over three consecutive days for two hours per session (totaling 6 hours)
- The Final Exam - this lasts approximately 30 minutes, but preparation work is necessary before sitting for the exam.
What happens if I do not pass the exam?
What happens if I do not pass the exam?
If you do not pass the final exam on your initial attempt, you may re-sit the examination once for a $150 USD fee. Failure to pass the re-examination will result in the inability to earn a certificate. Refer to the AESC Education program policies for more details.
How long do I have to complete the Certificate?
How long do I have to complete the Certificate?
You have one year from your registration date to complete the Foundation Course and Expert Forum and sit for your final exam. Expert Forums are offered throughout the year at various times to accommodate your schedule and give you multiple options to complete this course component. You must complete the Foundation Course and the Expert Forum before you are able to sit for the Final Exam. Refer to the AESC Education program policies for more details.
Do you provide group training?
Do you provide group training?
AESC provides dedicated Expert Forum sessions to accommodate large groups of 12 or more. These dedicated sessions help build alignment across different offices while providing a strong networking experience. These dedicated sessions can be scheduled at a date/time that works best for the group. AESC also works closely with large groups to ensure everyone completes the certificate promptly. Dedicated Expert Forum sessions are available as a live in-person or virtual session. Contact education@aesc.org to schedule a dedicated session.
What will I receive upon completing the Certificate in Executive Research?
What will I receive upon completing the Certificate in Executive Research?
Upon completion of your final exam, you will receive a detailed grading report with areas of strength and places for improvement. You will also receive a certificate and LinkedIn badge, which you can proudly display on your LinkedIn profile.
Where Can I Learn More?
Where Can I Learn More?
Below is a list of resources to help you learn more about how the Certificate in Executive Research can enhance your research toolkit
- To learn if this is the right program for you, connect with an AESC team member.
- To learn how this can impact your career, read the AESC Certificate in Executive Research Case Study.
- To see who else has participated, view past participant organizations.
- To read full session descriptions, download the brochure.
Master every step of the executive search process
AESC Education programs help you advance your skills at any stage in your career. Participants from more than 100+ organizations have discovered how to elevate and diversify their research toolkit with AESC's Certificate in Executive Research.
Custom Solutions
If you have questions about customized solutions for your team or requests for alternative payment methods, contact education@aesc.org.
