Certified Foresight Practitioner Requirements
Certified Foresight Practitioner
Driving business results with foresight.
A Certified Foresight Practitioner is trained in the foundational ideas and tools of the Natural Foresight framework, embodies the futurist mindset and understands the value of futures intelligence in his/her respective field. A CFP is able to conduct trendspotting, horizon scanning and pattern-making that informs future scenarios and impacts business results.
Eligibility
A non-refundable application process is in place to determine eligibility to sit for the CFP assessment. The Futures School and Kedge Alumni are best positioned to successfully pass the assessment based on their immersive training experience in the Natural Foresight® framework. However, anyone is encouraged to apply if they meet the required eligibility factors below.
Eligibility Factors Considered:
- Completion of a 4-year degree OR a minimum of 2 years of professional experience. (required)
- Prior foresight training from an approved program/institution. (required)
- The Futures School Accelerator (face-to-face or live-online) or Activator (live-online)
- Futures by Design (DFI and TFS partnership) (live-online)
- Kedge Training
- Institute for the Future 3-Day Foresight Training (face-to-face)
- Metafuture School: Become A Futurist – Futures 101 (Sohail Inayatullah, online)
- University of Houston’s Certificate in Foresight 5-day program (face-to-face)
- School of International Futures 5-Day Retreat (face-to-face)
- Graduate Foresight-specific Masters or Ph.D. programs from University of Houston, Regent University, Tamkang University, Ontario College of Art and Design, University of Turku and Finland, University of Stellenbosch, Swinburne University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Freie Universität Berlin
- If a program you attended is not listed, or you are an educational/training provider who would like to be considered for inclusion, please contact us at info@thefuturesschool.com
- Explanation of purpose for pursuing professional foresight certification. (required)
- Membership in a professional foresight (or related) association: APF, WFSF, WFS, FFCOI, Futures Space, PRIMER/Speculative Futures, IDC / IDSA, etc. (preferred)
Assessment
What’s on the exam?
- 50-question online multiple choice assessment covering the fundamentals of Natural Foresight®
- Exam must be completed individually in one sitting during a 60-minute time frame
- An 80% or higher is required to successfully pass the exam
- Pass/Fail result will show at the conclusion of the exam
How do I prepare?
- Immersive Training (recommended): Attend The Futures School’s 3-Day Applied Foresight Accelerator or online, 6-month Applied Foresight Activator – Experiment Tier. See program options here.
- Self-Study: Accepted applicants will receive a study aid, “The Guide to the Natural Foresight® Framework.” The Guide was developed to support anyone desiring to strengthen their foundational knowledge of foresight. For those seeking any level of accreditation within the Professional Foresight Certification designation, the Guide will serve as a resource to supplement your formal training.
Testing Window and
Application Due Dates
- May 1, 2021 – July 15, 2021 (Apps accepted until May 15, 2021)
- December 1, 2021 – February 15, 2022 (Apps accepted until December 15, 2021)
How do I become a Certified Foresight Practitioner?
STEP 1
Complete either the TFS Alumni* or General online Certified Foresight Practitioner application by the due dates indicated above for your desired testing window. A non-refundable $50 processing fee will be due at the time of submission.
*The following TFS programs are eligible for this application: 3-Day In-Person Accelerator, Activator – Experiment Tier, and Activator -Catalyst Tier.
STEP 2
TFS will schedule an interview with you if your application has been accepted.
STEP 3
Successful candidates will be notified and provided with a link to pay and register for assessment. The study aid, “The Guide to the Natural Foresight® Framework.” will be provided in a digital format. A physical copy may be requested with applicable shipping/printing charges.
What if I’m not accepted?
If your application is not accepted, we will send you information on how to re-apply.
STEP 4
Once the certification window opens, candidates have one attempt to score at least an 80% on the exam. Successful candidates will receive their signed certificate along with digital credentials for use online.
What if I fail the assessment? If you don’t score an 80% or better, you will need to re-apply when the certification window re-opens.
Certified Foresight Practitioner
Application Processing Fee- Successful candidates will be notified and provided with a link to pay and register for assessment.
- TFS Alumni*: $400 USD
- General: $850 USD
- Physical receipt of materials is subject to additional printing and shipping fees
- *The following TFS programs are eligible for the TFS Alumni pricing: 3-Day In-Person Accelerator, Activator – Experiment Tier, and Activator – Catalyst Tier.
“Attending training through The Futures School and obtaining the Certified Foresight Practitioner designation has proven to be a game-changer for me in my role as a professor and educator. On a professional level, certification has enabled me to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities in accordance with the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future’s UAE Future Foresight Strategy. On a personal level, this credential not only establishes me as a foresight practitioner within my organization but helps me to prepare my students for the new careers of the 21st Century.”
Recertification
Professional Development Requirements to Remain Credentialed and Build Your Futures Capacity
Two Options to Remain Credentialed
1.Earn 30 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) before your 3-year certification period expires.
2.Retake the Certified Foresight Practitioner assessment before your 3-year certification period expires.
PDC Option Requirements
- Contact The Futures School to receive the recertification application and remit the $250 recertification fee/application prior to your certification expiration date.
- Review the max allotments for approved recertification methods.
- Submit a recertification package (using designated templates) prior to the end of the certification term. Individual forms and/or a recertification packet without payment will not be accepted.
- Prior to pursuing, gain approval or seek further clarification from The Futures School regarding qualified programs, offerings, or content as well as the number of PDCs awarded.
| Advance Your Foresight Knowledge No Overall PDC Maximum |
Advance the Application of Foresight to Your Profession No Overall PDC Maximum |
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Advanced/Additional TFS Programming, including but not limited to: PDCs will equal the number of educational hours in the program Applied
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Public Speaking 24 PDCs max – 8 hours per presentation, 3 presentations max Must gain pre-approval before from The Futures School before pursuing this optiond
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Approved Strategic Foresight Training Programs: 15 PDCs max – see below for program specifics
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Writing/Research/Publication 20 PDCs max – see below for specifics
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Conferences/Learning Events/Seminars: 10 PDCs max – each session attendance/recap counts for 2 PDCs
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Organizational Foresight Project 25 PDCs max Must gain pre-approval from The Futures School before pursuing this option PDCs will be determined based on the project details
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College/University Courses: 15 PDCs max – must have a strong connection to foresight and be pre-approved by The Futures School |
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Professional Membership 5 PDCs max – 2.5 PDCs per association membership
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 Certified Foresight Influencer Designation 30 PDCs, recertification fee waived - must apply, gain acceptance, and complete all requirements prior to the expiration of your CFP designation |
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Certified Foresight Practitioner FAQs
What is the CFP pass rate?
Candidates must score an 80% or higher to earn the CFP designation. Given the recent public launch of the Certified Foresight Practitioner, pass rates are not yet available.
How do I determine if I am eligible to apply for the CFP assessment?
Specific eligibility requirements can be found on the website and within the certification application. If you have questions about whether your qualifications meet these requirements, please contact The Futures School.
Eligibility factors considered include:
- Completion of a 4-year degree OR a minimum of 2 years of professional experience. (required)
- Prior foresight training from an approved program/institution. (required)
- The Futures School Accelerator or Activator
- Kedge
- Institute for the Future 3-Day Foresight Training
- University of Houston’s Certificate in Foresight 5-day program
- School of International Futures 5-Day Retreat
- Association of Professional Futurists Emerging Fellows Program
- Graduate Foresight-specific Masters or Ph.D. programs from University of Houston, Regent University, Tamkang University, Ontario College of Art and Design, University of Turku and Finland, University of Stellenbosch, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Freie Universität Berlin
- If a program you attended is not listed, or you are an educational/training provider who would like to be considered for inclusion, please contact us at info@thefuturesschool.com
- Explanation of purpose for pursuing professional foresight certification. (required)
- Membership in a professional foresight (or related) association: APF, WFS, WFSF, PRIMER/Speculative Futures, IDC and more. (preferred)
Is the Certified Foresight Practitioner a prerequisite to higher levels of certification?
Yes, successfully achieving the Certified Foresight Practitioner designation is a requirement to sit for the Certified Foresight Influencer designation.
How do I apply for the CFP assessment?
Complete either the TFS Alumni or General online Certified Foresight Practitioner application by the due dates indicated on TFS’s certification page for your desired testing window. A non-refundable $50 processing fee will be due at the time of submission.
I’ve applied to sit for the CFP. What can I expect during the interview process?
The purpose of the interview is for the TFS team to determine eligibility. You will be asked to provide additional details regarding your foresight experience, education, and acumen level. The interviewer may also ask for clarification regarding information submitted on your application. In addition, the interview process allows applicants to pose any outstanding questions they may have regarding the certification process.
When approved to sit for the CFP certification, what materials are included?
The Guide to the Natural Foresight® Framework is provided electronically as the study material for those sitting for certification. A physical copy of the Guide is available upon request for an additional fee. The Guide will serve as a resource to supplement formal training.
Is the Guide content the same regardless of TFS alumni or general applicant?
Yes, regardless of application type you will receive “The Guide to the Natural Foresight® Framework (Guide).” Those individuals who have received training from The Futures Schools 3-Day Applied Foresight Accelerator and use the Guide will be best prepared to successfully pass the CFP assessment.
When I gain approval to sit for the CFP during a specific testing window, when can I take the assessment?
When your testing window opens (December 1 – February 15 or May 1 – July 15), you will receive information on how to access the online Learning Management System. Candidates may take the test at any point during the testing window via this platform. However, only one attempt is allowed and it must be completed in one sitting.
How long do I have to take the exam? How many questions is it?
Candidates will have 60 minutes to complete the 50-question examination.
Do TFS Alumni receive discounts on certification fees?
Individuals who have attended TFS Accelerator or Activator programs are eligible for reduced assessment fees.
I’m attending a TFS program. Are the CFP assessment fees included in my program tuition?
Assessment fees are not included in tuition fees for any TFS program.
Can I transfer my exam to the next testing window?
If they have not attempted the assessment, candidates will be allowed a one-time transfer which must be for the subsequent exam window.
Can I cancel my exam? What is the refund policy?
Examination fees are non-refundable. If they have not attempted the assessment, candidates will be allowed a one-time transfer which must be for the subsequent exam window.
How do I maintain my credential?
The Certified Foresight Practitioner designation remains valid for a 3-year period. Candidates have two options to remain credentialed:
- Earn 30 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) before the 3-year certification period expires and pay the $250 recertification fee.
- Retake the Certified Foresight Practitioner assessment prior to the end of the certification expiration date.
I have been awarded my designation. When will I receive my certificate?
Digital certificates and badges are issued within 2 weeks of the successful completion of the Certified Foresight Practitioner assessment. Once the testing window closes, please allow 2-4 weeks of processing and shipping time to receive your physical credentials.
Do I receive a digital badge when I am awarded certification?
Yes, as a validated indicator of your accomplishment and a way to take your learning achievement with you wherever you go, we will issue a digital badge that you may share with your network.
What if I do not pass the Certified Foresight Practitioner assessment?
If you do not pass the Certified Foresight Practitioner assessment with an 80% or higher on your first attempt, you may re-apply during the next testing window. You will be responsible for the full application and assessment fees.