Knowledge-Centered Success Training and Certification

Summary

The latest evolution of KCS, Knowledge-Centered Success, was announced in April 2026. Updated training and certification will roll out during late 2026 and early 2027. Current KCS v6 training and certification remains fully valid and continues to provide a strong KCS foundation. There’s no need to delay while future updates are in development!

• New Cadence: While the Practices Guide has been and will continue to be a living document, going forward, KCS certifications will be refreshed every two years.
• Bridge Exams: People who are KCS v6 certified will be eligible to update their certification by completing a bridge exam through the Consortium's online learning platform.
• Complimentary Access: If you get KCS v6 certified between April 2026 and April 2027, your bridge exam will be complimentary.
• Support: More details will be added here as they become available. Please contact support@serviceinnovation.org with any questions not covered below.

KCS Versioning

The latest evolution of KCS methodology, Knowledge-Centered Success, no longer has a version number because it is continuously evolving. Instead, Certifications will have versioning (by year it is released).

• Certification Versions: New certifications will be released every two years (2027, 2029, 2031, etc).
• New versus Updating: Bridge exams (less intensive) will be available for folks updating their certification versus taking it for the first time.
• Price: Costs will be determined with each release depending on scope of the updates. As a nonprofit organization, the intent is to keep it as affordable as possible while maintaining funding for the ongoing development of a globally adopted methodology.

Training Timeline

• Q2 2026: Knowledge-Centered Success Practices Guide released.
• Q4 2026: KCS Fundamentals training - updated online course and exam
• Q1 2027: Training updates will include bridge self-paced course, bridge exam, and Practices workshop materials for KCS Certified Trainers.
• Q2 2027: By Service Innovation Summit 2027, all of the other material around KCS will be updated.
  • KCS 2027 certifications will be released in April 2027.
  • The following KCS certification update will take place in 2029.