Certified Innovation Professional Level 1: Associate

1.1

Mission & History

Global Innovation Management Institute, Inc. (GIMI) is a non-profit organization registered in December 2010 with the Companies Board of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, USA, with registered address at 110 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141. Founded in 2009 by a group of chief innovation officers, executives, academics, and consultants, GIMI’s mission is to advance global standards in innovation management through competence-based certification of persons.

GIMI develops, maintains, and operates certification schemes that recognize the demonstrated competence of professionals in innovation management and related disciplines, in line with ISO/IEC 17024:2012. Our work spans 60+ countries, 140+ universities, and 1,200+ corporations. In 2023, GIMI merged with the International Association of Innovation Professionals (IAOIP), establishing the largest professional organization on innovation worldwide.

GIMI certification programs are designed for professionals who are, or will be, responsible for promoting and managing innovation within an organization. Certified professionals gain insights into new approaches across various functional areas including marketing, technology, finance, and sales.

1.2

Accreditation Status

1.3

Public Information & Contact

Public Information (ISO/IEC 17024 Clause 7.2)

In conformity with ISO/IEC 17024:2012 Clause 7.2, GIMI publishes the following information without request:

• Scope of certification and general description of the certification process: Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
• All prerequisites and routes to certification: Section 2.1
• Examination process (format, blueprint, identity verification, technical requirements, retake policy): Section 2.2
• Application process and fees: Section 2.3
• Recertification requirements (3-year cycle, 60 CPE units): Section 3.1
• Use of certificate and Code of Conduct: Section 3.2
• Impartiality statement: Section 4
• Public verification of certifications: Section 5
• Appeals and complaints handling process: Section 6

All public information is reviewed annually and updated as needed. For corrections or to request additional information, contact certification@giminstitute.org.

Contact

2.1

Scope & Prerequisites

Scope. This page covers the Certified Innovation Professional Level 1: Associate scheme (CIP-1) only. This certification validates foundational knowledge of innovation fundamentals, tools, techniques, and processes for breakthrough innovations. Other GIMI certifications are administered separately and fall outside the scope of this program, which is in the process of being accredited.

What You Get & What You’ll Learn

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must satisfy at least one of the following routes to certification:

Note: Completing a training program does not guarantee certification and confers no advantage in the examination process. The certification decision is based solely on examination performance.

2.2

Examination

Domains & Weighting

Identity Verification

All examinations are administered remotely. Before the examination begins, candidates must complete: webcam identity verification using a valid government-issued photo ID; a 360-degree environment scan; and confirmation that network and technical requirements are met. Continuous webcam, screen, and audio monitoring applies throughout the session. Unauthorized applications and websites are blocked. The session is recorded. Authorized aids are pen and paper only. GIMI does not administer onsite or in-person examinations.

Before each examination, candidates complete an automated identity verification process: system compatibility check, consent and facial profile capture, ID card capture, and automated validation. Candidates must have a physical, unexpired photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or official state-issued ID), a well-lit environment, and a working webcam.

Technical Requirements

The examination is administered entirely online. Candidates must use a personal computer (desktop or laptop). Tablets, smartphones, and Chromebooks are not permitted.

Minimum system requirements:

GIMI recommends running the proctor platform’s system check at least 24 hours before your scheduled examination to confirm all requirements are met.

Retake Policy

Candidates are permitted up to 3 attempts to pass within the active eligibility period for each application. Attempt 1 is included in the original examination fee. Attempts 2 and 3 are governed by the retake fee policy set out in the GIMI Scheme Document. After 3 unsuccessful attempts, the candidate must wait 12 months before submitting a new application. All attempts must be completed within the active eligibility window; unused attempts expire when the window closes. Each attempt draws different items from the item bank, and the examination platform enforces this rule so that no candidate sees the same items on consecutive attempts.

2.3

Apply & Fees

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application via the GIMI website
2. Review and digitally sign the GIMI Candidate Agreement
3. Receive notification of your eligibility outcome within 10 business days
4. Pay the examination fee directly to GIMI
5. Receive your scheduling confirmation by email
6. Sit the remote-proctored online examination within your scheduled window
7. Receive the certification decision by email

Fees & Certificate

3.1

Recertification & CPE

What Counts as CPE

Qualifying CPE activities include:

Evidence required. Each CPE submission must include the attendee name, course or event title, sponsoring organization, number of credits, and date. Registrations, invoices, and course syllabi alone are not sufficient. GIMI conducts an annual sample audit of CPE records.

Submission

1. Log into your GIMI portal at least 60 days before your expiry date
2. Complete the Recertification Application and upload documentation for all 60 CPE units
3. Pay the recertification fee if applicable (no fee if all 60 CPE units are completed and documented)
4. Receive the recertification decision by email

Missed Window

There is no reinstatement window. If a certification lapses, the certified person must submit a new application and pass the examination again. There is no pathway to recertify without re-examination once the certification has expired.

3.2

Use of Certificate & Code of Conduct

Rules for Use

Certificates and marks are the exclusive property of GIMI and are non-transferable. Upon suspension or withdrawal, use must cease immediately and the certificate must be returned. Ordinary misuse is subject to written notice; gross violations result in immediate revocation. Continued unauthorized use may result in legal action.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct is the binding behavioral standard for every GIMI certified person throughout the certification cycle. It covers core principles of integrity, competence, impartiality, confidentiality, and cooperation with GIMI oversight. Acceptance is a condition of holding certification.

Suspension & Withdrawal

The certified person is notified in writing of the action, the reasons, the duration, and the right to appeal. All suspensions and withdrawals are reflected in the public certified-person registry. Withdrawal decisions may be contested through the GIMI appeals process (see Section 6).

4.1

Impartiality Policy

Top Management Commitment

Financial Independence

All Certified Innovation Professional Level 1: Associate certification fees are paid directly to GIMI. Fees are not collected by or channelled through training partners. The public fee schedule is available in the Apply & Fees section above.

Independence of Certification Decisions

Personnel who make certification decisions for the Certified Innovation Professional Level 1: Associate scheme have not participated in training or examining that specific candidate.

Report an Impartiality Concern

To report an impartiality concern related to the Certified Innovation Professional Level 1: Associate certification program, contact: certification@giminstitute.org

All concerns are investigated by personnel independent of the reported activity. Acknowledgment within 5 business days of receipt.

4.2

Separation from Training

Preparation training is available through GIMI Certified Training Partners (CTPs) as an optional pathway. Completing a training program is not a prerequisite for the Certified Innovation Professional Level 1: Associate examination and confers no advantage in the certification process.

Structural controls separating training from certification for this scheme:

• The certification body operates under governance that is independent of the training function
• All Level 1 certification fees are paid directly to GIMI, not through training partners
• This certification page contains no links to training partner offers or course sales
• Certified Training Partner agreements include impartiality obligations and are subject to ongoing monitoring
• Certification decisions are made by personnel who have not trained or examined the candidate in question

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6.1

File an Appeal

If you wish to contest a certification decision: eligibility, exam result, suspension, or withdrawal.

Who can submit: Any applicant, candidate, or certified person seeking reconsideration of a certification decision, including denial of certification or recertification, suspension, withdrawal, or reduction of scope.

How to submit: Complete the Appeals Submission Form, available on the GIMI website, and send it to certification@giminstitute.org. If you are unsure whether your matter is an appeal or a complaint, submit anyway, and GIMI will classify and route it.

Deadline: Within 30 calendar days of receipt of the decision being appealed.

Handling: Appeals are determined by the GIMI Appeals Board, which is independent of the original decision. Any Appeals Board member involved in the underlying decision is recused. All appeals are handled in strict confidence; information is shared only on a need-to-know basis.

Outcomes: Upheld (decision changed), denied (decision stands), or conditional (specific further requirements). The decision and reasons are notified in writing. Submission and resolution of an appeal shall not result in any discriminatory action against the submitter.

No fee. GIMI does not charge any fee for the submission, handling, or determination of appeals.

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6.2

File a Complaint

If you wish to raise concerns about service, conduct, process, or the behavior of a certified person.

Who can submit: Any person or organization regarding GIMI’s certification activities or the conduct of a certified person.

How to submit: Complete the Complaint Submission Form, available on the GIMI website, and send it to certification@giminstitute.org. If you are unsure whether your matter is an appeal or a complaint, submit anyway, and GIMI will classify and route it.

When to submit: Complaints may be submitted at any time relevant to the matter complained of.

Handling: Complaints are handled by personnel independent of the matter complained of. Where the complaint concerns the Certification Director, the CEO assumes handling responsibility. Where the complaint concerns the CEO, the matter is referred to the Advisory Commission. All complaints are handled in strict confidence.

Outcomes: Written outcome including the resolution and any corrective actions. Where the complainant remains dissatisfied, the option of escalation to an independent review is available. Submission and resolution of a complaint shall not result in any discriminatory action against the submitter.

No fee. GIMI does not charge any fee for the submission, handling, or determination of complaints.