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The certification is designed to recognize your depth of understanding and signal that you’re serious about applying these principles.
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The test is designed to confirm that you’ve engaged with IBL concepts and understand how they fit together. If you’ve read the books thoughtfully, you’re ready.
The Intent-Based Leadership Foundation level certification represents a formal recognition of your commitment to Intent-Based Leadership (IBL) — a leadership paradigm created by former U.S. Navy submarine commander L. David Marquet, and made famous through his bestselling books Turn the Ship Around! and Leadership Is Language.
This likely isn’t your first exposure to Intent-Based Leadership — and that’s the point. The certification is designed to recognize your depth of understanding and signal that you’re serious about applying these principles.
You’ll be tested on your understanding of the core principles, language, and mindset of Intent-Based Leadership — the same ideas used by forward-thinking leaders and organizations around the world.
What you’ll get
What to Expect from the Certification Test
This is a serious assessment of your understanding of Intent-Based Leadership, developed together with L. David Marquet, former U.S. Navy submarine commander and author of the bestselling books Turn the Ship Around! and Leadership Is Language.
You’ll be tested on your knowledge of the core principles, language, and mental models that form the foundation of Intent-Based Leadership.
Test format and details
60 multiple-choice questions
75-minute time limit
Based directly on the core concepts found in Turn the Ship Around! and Leadership is Language
You'll receive your results immediately after completing the test
Cost for individuals: $200, which includes one retake, if you need it. You’ll be asked for payment details when you reach our test page
If you are taking the test through your organization’s group rate, you will be prompted to enter your group coupon code when you arrive at our test page
How to Prepare
Take the Intent-Based Leadership Foundation Level Certification here. You will be directed to our independent test site, where you can register to get started.
To succeed on the certification test, we recommend reviewing the following:
Turn the Ship Around! by L. David Marquet
Leadership Is Language by L. David Marquet
Key concepts like:
Give control, create leaders
Red work vs. Blue work
The Ladder of Leadership
Language that builds clarity and ownership
Shifting from permission to intent
You may also want to sign up to receive the Intent-Based Leadership Toolkit, at no charge, as part of your preparation for the test. Find the practice test here
Attaining this certification shows that you truly understand the foundations of Intent-Based Leadership — not just the buzzwords, but the thinking behind it. It’s a credential you can be proud to share and apply.
We offer group rates for organizations looking to train and certify multiple team members. Contact us today to learn more and get a customized quote.
Whether you’re pursuing personal growth, team development, or organizational change, this certification is a meaningful way to demonstrate your commitment to leading with intent.
Coming Soon
The Foundation level certification is the starting point on a broader certification path. In the coming months, we’ll introduce Coach and Master level certifications for those looking to go deeper into applying, guiding and/or teaching Intent-Based Leadership.