Self Study Curriculum

The ICxA Self-Study Curriculum defines the knowledge scope and competency expectations for ICxA certification examinations. Aligned with the ICxA certification framework and Body of Knowledge, it provides a clear reference for candidates preparing through independent study and professional experience.

Structured across commissioning project management, operational readiness, and outcome assurance, the curriculum reflects real-world capital project delivery and emphasizes practical application, professional judgment, and verified outcomes. It establishes a consistent foundation against which certification competence is assessed, while allowing flexibility in learning approaches and study resources.

Certification Self Study Guide

Commissioning Project Management Certification

Certification Purpose

This certification validates the ability to plan, manage, and execute commissioning to verify that systems are complete, functional, and ready for startup and handover.

Scope Focus:

Execution and system-level verification

Commissioning Fundamentals

• Purpose and objectives of commissioning
• Commissioning lifecycle phases
• Key terminology and definitions
• Relationship between construction, commissioning, and operations

Commissioning Strategy and Planning

• Project Commissioning Plan
• Systemization and sequencing
• Roles and responsibilities
• Resource planning and scheduling

Commissioning Engineering and Preparation

• Commissioning Execution Plan
• Commissioning procedures
• Vendor coordination
• Documentation preparation

Construction Completion and System Handover

• Construction completion verification
• Punch list management
• System completion certification
• Transfer to commissioning

Static and Dynamic Commissioning

• Static commissioning activities
• Dynamic commissioning activities
• Integrated testing
• Startup readiness milestones

Startup Support and Handover

• Startup support
• System acceptance
• Documentation closeout

Commissioning Safety and Risk Management

• Commissioning hazards
• Control of Work
• Safe transition to operations

Commissioning Management and Leadership

• Organizational structure
• Interface management
• Progress monitoring

Operational Readiness Certification

Certification Purpose

This certification validates the ability to prepare the organization to safely operate and maintain the facility at handover.

Scope Focus:

Organizational readiness and operational capability

Operational Readiness Fundamentals

• Purpose of operational readiness
• Relationship to commissioning and operations
• Transition to operations

Organization and Staffing Readiness

• Organizational structure
• Staffing readiness
• Roles and responsibilities

Procedures and Systems

• Operating procedures
• Maintenance procedures
• Emergency procedures

Asset and Maintenance Readiness

• Maintenance systems
• Spare parts readiness
• Asset documentation

Training and Competency

• Training programs
• Operator training
• Competency verification

Operational Infrastructure

• Control room readiness
• Operational tools
• Support systems

Handover and Operational Acceptance

• Transfer of operational control
• Readiness reviews
• Operational acceptance

Operational Risk and Safety

• Risk identification
• Emergency preparedness
• Safe startup

Outcome Assurance Certification

Certification Purpose

This certification validates the ability to lead and govern the verification and authorization of project outcomes.

Scope Focus:

Outcome leadership, authorization, and governance

Outcome Assurance Fundamentals

• Purpose and principles
• Difference between execution, readiness, and assurance
• Outcome lifecycle

Outcome Definition and Success Criteria

• Definition of outcomes
• Outcome criteria
• Alignment with project delivery

Outcome Assurance Strategy and Stage-Gates

• Assurance planning
• Stage-gate structure
• Authorization milestones

Outcome Verification

• Verification methods
• Verification evidence
• Performance demonstration

Outcome Risk Management

• Outcome risk identification
• Managing exposure
• Preventing premature authorization

Outcome Authorization

• Outcome Authority role
• Authorization decisions
• Decision basis

Outcome Leadership

• Outcome-first leadership
• Leadership accountability
• Leadership integration

Governance and Lifecycle Integration

• Governance integration
• Lifecycle assurance
• Sustained outcomes