Become the Chief of Staff executives actually hire.
The Chief of Staff certification built from the hiring side. Gain the skills, confidence and executive presence to become the right hand senior leaders can't do without, taught by a Chief of Staff recruiter who knows exactly what they hire for.
Or as low as $78/month with a payment plan.
“Completing the Elevation Chief of Staff Certification was an invaluable investment in my career growth.”
Most courses only teach the role. Elevation teaches you the role AND how to land it.
Certification, coaching and community from the team founders and CEOs call when they need a Chief of Staff.
Built from the seat, not the sidelines
Our team is made up of current and former Chiefs of Staff and COOs. Every lesson comes from doing the job, not studying it from the outside.
A recruiter's inside view
Elevate Search, our retained search practice, places Chiefs of Staff with founders and CEOs. You'll learn what hiring executives actually screen for, and how to show it.
Practical, affordable, yours to keep
Video lessons, graded written assignments, quizzes and real-world exercises you can use on Monday. Lifetime access, unlimited email support, and about half the cost of other certifications.
Where are you coming from?
The certification meets you where you are. Pick your starting point.
Five modules. One clear climb.
Video lessons, plus graded written assignments and quizzes in every module, all built around real situations. Most students finish in 4–5 weeks.
- MODULE01
Introduction
Why the role mattersThe levels of Chief of StaffYOU'LL BE ABLE TOExplain the value of the role and where you fit in it.
- MODULE02
Roles + Responsibilities
Strategic advisorGatekeeperExternal liaisonProject managerYOU'LL BE ABLE TOKnow the four hats you will wear, and when to switch.
- MODULE03
Soft Skills + Competencies
Leadership & influenceInterpersonal skillsStrategic thinkingProblem solvingDiscretionTime managementEmotional intelligenceYOU'LL BE ABLE TOLead and influence without formal authority.
- MODULE04
Hard Skills + Competencies
Effective meetingsProcess improvementPolicies & proceduresFinancial acumenData analysisYOU'LL BE ABLE TORun the operating rhythm your leader relies on.
- MODULE05
Career Growth + Development
Landing the roleYour first 30/60/90 daysWork-life balanceYOU'LL BE ABLE TOLand the job and make your first 90 days count.
Melanie Jones
Founder, Elevation Chief of Staff
Melanie Jones is the Founder of Elevation Chief of Staff, a training and certification program built to help ambitious professionals become confident, effective Chiefs of Staff. A three-time Chief of Staff with more than 15 years of experience supporting and partnering with executives, she brings firsthand knowledge of what it takes to earn an executive’s trust and succeed in the seat.
Melanie began her career as an Executive Assistant before moving into project management and then the Chief of Staff role. Having made that transition herself, she understands that success requires both a new skillset and a new mindset. This is why Elevation takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to developing the practical skills, strategic judgment, and confidence to thrive.
She also leads Elevate Search, a specialized Chief of Staff recruiting firm. Her work with founders, CEOs, and candidates gives her a direct view into what executives look for when hiring—and what makes someone stand out beyond their résumé. She brings that perspective into training designed to help students both position themselves for the opportunity and deliver once they’re hired.
Through Elevation, Melanie turns her experience across venture capital, high-growth startups, and mission-driven organizations into practical tools, actionable frameworks, and guidance students can apply immediately.
“I know what it’s like to see yourself in a bigger role and wonder how to get there. I built Elevation to make that path clearer, to help you connect the experience you already have to the skills, judgment, and confidence you need to become an exceptional Chief of Staff.”
Students who made the climb.
Everything you need. One investment.
- The full 5-module certificationVideo lessons, graded written assignments and quizzes in every module
- Third-party verified certification + LinkedIn digital badgeShow your credential the day you finish
- Lifetime course accessCome back to any lesson, any time
- Private community, for lifeAspiring and current Chiefs of Staff swapping strategies
- Unlimited supportDedicated email support, plus kickoff coaching calls
- Chief of Staff toolkitReady-to-use tools and templates for the role
Or as low as $78/month with a payment plan
Get CertifiedAbout half the cost of other Chief of Staff certifications. Trusted by 1,000+ students.
Hiring a Chief of Staff?
Elevate Search, our retained search practice, specializes exclusively in Chief of Staff and senior executive support placements.
Is the Chief of Staff role right for you?
Take the readiness quiz for a personalized next step, plus access to our free library of Chief of Staff tools and templates.
Questions, answered.
Still deciding? Send us a note and we'll help you figure out if it's the right fit.
See all FAQsHow long does this course take?
It's self-paced, so it depends on how much time you put into the video lessons and quizzes. Many students finish in 4–5 weeks and start applying what they've learned right away. You keep lifetime access, so you can revisit any lesson later.
Are there prerequisites for taking this course?
No. The course is designed for people from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including Executive Assistants, operations and HR professionals, project managers, consultants, founders and current Chiefs of Staff.
What will I learn in this course?
The skills you need to land and succeed in a Chief of Staff role in any industry: business planning, strategic prioritization, executive project management, advanced communications, leadership, relationship building, professionalism and networking.
How is the course structured?
Video lessons across five modules: Introduction, Roles & Responsibilities, Soft Skills & Competencies, Hard Skills & Competencies, and Career Growth & Development. Each module includes graded written assignments, quizzes, practical exercises and real-world examples. Complete every lesson, assignment and quiz to earn your third-party verified Chief of Staff Certification.
Who should take this course?
Professionals who want to understand how a company operates at the highest levels, whether you're sharpening the skills you use today or preparing to move into a Chief of Staff role.
What kind of support will I receive?
Unlimited, dedicated email support from our team of current and former Chiefs of Staff, plus kickoff coaching calls to get you started and a community of fellow students and professionals. We can help with course questions, job applications and the day-to-day work once you're in the role.
What's the difference between an Executive Assistant and a Chief of Staff?
An Executive Assistant mainly handles a leader's administrative work, such as schedules, meetings and correspondence. A Chief of Staff is a strategic advisor who oversees organization-wide projects and makes sure strategic initiatives get carried out.
What do I get when I finish?
A third-party verified Chief of Staff certification and a LinkedIn digital badge, plus the Chief of Staff toolkit and lifetime access to the course and student community.
Can my employer pay for the course?
Often, yes. Many companies cover professional development like this. Our employer sponsorship guide includes a ready-to-send request template, and we can help with any documentation you need.
Do you offer reduced pricing?
Yes. Through Elevation's Accessibility Commitment, we offer reduced pricing for people who are recently laid off, facing financial hardship, current students, learners in emerging markets, veterans, and students who already paid for other CoS resources that didn't work for them. Email hello@elevationchiefofstaff.com to learn more.
How do I enroll?
Enroll here for $897, or choose a payment plan from $78/month at checkout. You can start right away.
The best investment you can make is investing in yourself.
Learn exactly what top executives expect from their Chief of Staff, on your own schedule, with unlimited support from people who've done the job.