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Behavioural Change Programmes

Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) is a scientifically proven, evidence-based approach to optimizing organizational performance.

Increasingly recognized as “The Science of Success”, OBM is based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), combining a 7-step protocol with hard data to positively change behaviors.

The OBM Foundation course (2 days) – developed by our partners at OBM Dynamics B.V. – equips participants with the knowledge to start successfully applying OBM within their team and organization with a view to developing and cultivating effective behaviors.

The OBM Practitioner course (1 day) is followed by a 6-month coaching period in which candidates will learn to apply OBM theory to a real-life case within their own organization.

Course content is based on several leading OBM/ABA publications. It also pays tributes to Aubrey C. Daniels, Ph.D, a pioneer in introducing the principles of behavioral psychology to the workplace.

The benefits of OBM

Effectively implementation of OBM offers a range of benefits including:

  • Enhanced employee performance
  • Increased productivity
  • Improved employee morale and job satisfaction
  • Reduced turnover rates
  • Better communication and collaboration
  • Effective conflict resolution
  • Optimized leadership development
  • Adaptability and change management
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction
  • Improved organizational performance and bottom line

For more, head to our "Benefits of OBM" blog.

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OBM Foundation

Gain knowledge and understanding to help improve performance

Resource Management
Who is it for?

Anyone with a responsibility for improving individual and team performance, including leaders, managers, consultants and human resources professionals.

What are the key things you will learn?
  • The underpinning philosophy and principles of OBM;
  • The principles that govern human behavior;
  • Common pitfalls and errors in influencing the behaviors of others;
  • The effective application of key OBM techniques such as behavior analysis;
  • The protocol for effective interventions.
Exam format:
  • 40 multiple-choice questions
  • 60 minutes duration
  • Closed-book
  • 70% pass mark (28/40)

 

OBM Practitioner

Demonstrate your ability to apply the principles learned during Foundation level training

Resource Management
Who is it for?

The target audience typically consists of leaders, managers, directors, internal and external consultants, HR business partners, QSHE professionals, coaches, etc. who want to learn to apply the theory learned in the OBM Foundation Level Training™ in practise.

What are the key things you will learn?

The skills needed to:

✓ Specify performance in term of desired results and desired behaviors

✓ Measure performance

✓ Perform root-cause analyses of behaviors using an ABC-analysis

✓ Perform behavioral interventions regarding Performance Feedback, Goal setting and Reinforcement.

How do I achieve the Practitioner certification?

Individuals will need to attend a 1-day Practitioner training course offered by accredited trainers and then undergo a 6-month coaching period whilst they implement a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) within their own organisation, using the principles of OBM.

With the use of a dedicated online platform, delegates will design and document this PIP according to the criteria set for each phase. These phases and criteria are reviewed and discussed with the Trainer/Coach and signed-off. After completion and a positive recommendation from the Trainer/Coach, the PIP can be submitted to the Exam Committee. After a positive assessment, APMG International will grant the OBM Practitioner certificate and digital badge.

Individuals must have already passed the OBM Foundation exam before progressing to the OBM Practitioner level.

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SFIA Framework

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The SFIA Framework is the global common reference for skills and competency for the digital world
SFIA is a globally recognised framework that “identifies skills needed for the Information age”. This APMG certification has been mapped against the SFIA Framework to help you see which certifications are most relevant to your professional development.
OBM Foundation
Knowledge
This certification confirms (endorsement)
Generic attribute Knowledge up to level 3, Organisational Change Management level 3
...
This certification would be useful for (development)
Same as above
...
OBM Practitioner
Knowledge
This certification confirms (endorsement)
Generic attribute Knowledge up to level 3, Organisational Change Management level 3
...
This certification would be useful for (development)
As above plus Organisational Change Management level 4 and Competency assessment up to level 4
...

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TESTIMONIALS

I also advised some team members to follow this training because of the value added.

Annet Hiemstra, Plant Manager

I learned a lot during the training about behaviors and how we can have influence on them. The trainer knew a lot about the theory and the way he taught it to us was excellent. He also had many practical examples and there was time to discuss elements with fellow delegates. I like OBM and I am surely going to use it in my professional life.

Jochem Hiddes, Shift Manager

I have experienced the OBM training as very valuable. It has given me new insights regarding the behavior of others, but also of myself. So definitely recommended!

Marjolijn Esmeijer, Continuous Improvement Manager

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FAQs

What is Organizational Behavior Management?

Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)™ is a scientifically proven method for optimizing organizational performance, combining a seven-step protocol with hard data and a focus on encouraging and reinforcing positive behavioral changes. The ‘seven-steps’ include how to determine pinpoints, develop a measurement system and designing and implementing a solution.

Repeated research has shown that a staggering 70% of organizational change programs fail to meet all their objectives. In no less than 60% of those cases, ‘Behavior’ is determined as the root cause.

Used successfully worldwide for over 40 years, OBM has a proven track record of improving organizational performance in every field of business, in hundreds of reported cases, by focusing on behaviors instead of just results.

By understanding how to influence behavior, leaders can start to better understand and manage people at work, in forming a culture that contributes to meeting strategic goals such as improved customer satisfaction.

Find out more at https://obmdynamics.nl/ 

Do I have to receive training to sit the exam?

Yes, training is mandatory for both the Foundation and Practitioner levels. Details of OBM Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) can be found higher up this page.

How do I book a training course?

Training for both OBM Foundation and Practitioner is available from our network of Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) who are assessed and certified by APMG.

Details of OBM Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) can be found higher up this page. Only these organizations and registered partners/affiliates are authorized to deliver OBM training.

How do I sit the OBM Foundation exam?

Most, if not all, OBM Foundationaccredited training organizations (ATOs) will include the examination as part of the associated training course. Please check with your training provider at the time of booking. For classroom courses, a paper exam may be taken at the end of the course. For virtual/online course delivery, the exam can be taken online.

How much do the certifications cost?

The cost of the Foundation exam/Practitioner assessment is generally included in the course fee, but please check with your training provider at the time of booking.

Are there any pre-requisites for the certifications?

Candidates must attend an approved OBM Foundation training course (delivered by APMG / OBM Dynamics accredited providers) prior to completing the OBM Foundation exam. This ensures that candidates receive the best available training materials to support their exam preparation and future OBM success.

Candidates must have passed the OBM Foundation exam before they can register for the OBM Practitioner training and certification. OBM Foundation certificates issued by APMG and VU University (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) will be accepted.

What is the main publication for OBM Foundation and where can I purchase it?

The course is based on 'Organizational Behavior Management - An Introduction' by Robert den Broeder and Joost Kerkhofs. The book is available in English, Dutch and German via the Van Haren Publishing website.

Which languages is the OBM Foundation examination available in?

The OBM Foundation examination is available in English, Dutch and German.

How long will it take to learn the OBM Foundation material?

OBM Foundation courses are generally delivered over 2 days (including the exam). We recommend that you contact the training providers directly, as some will offer tailored, online or blended learning solutions

What is the structure of the OBM certifications?

The OBM Foundation examination structure is below:

  • Multiple-choice format
  • 60 minutes duration
  • 40 questions
  • Pass mark: 28 out of 40 (70%)
  • Closed book

The OBM Practitioner certification structure is below:

  • 1 day training course
  • 6 months of coaching with an accredited OBM Trainer/Coach
  • Submission of a Performance Improvement Plan, demonstrating you have applied OBM to a real-life situation

Is there a sample paper that I can practice on?

Yes, all candidates can access an OBM Foundation sample exam paper via the APMG Candidate Portal. Access to the Candidate Portal is given once your ATO has registered your exam with APMG.

How long are the OBM certifications valid for?

The OBM Foundation and Practitioner certifications do not expire and there are no on-going maintenance requirements.

When can I expect the results of my examination/assessment?

OBM Foundation examinations can be marked at the end of your exam with provisional results provided immediately. APMG will issue formal notification of your OBM Foundation exam result once your exam paper is returned to APMG. Your result will be made available in the APMG Candidate Portal.

OBM Practitioner assessments will be marked by the OBM Examination Committee and their recommendation to award certification will be ratified by APMG.

When will I receive my certificate?

Candidates will be able to claim their digital badge and electronic certificate from their APMG Candidate Portal within two business days of their result being issued.

What is the pass mark for the OBM Foundation examination?

The pass mark for the OBM Foundation exam is 28 out of 40 (70%).

How do I access my digital badge and/or certificate?

You can always access all your electronic certificates and badges via the APMG Candidate Portal. Once you have logged on to the Candidate Portal, click on the ‘Badges and Certificates’ option from the menu bar at the top of screen. From here you should click on the ‘Create Badge/Certificate’ button. This will take you to the Credly platform to create and account and download your badge and certificate.

Step-by-step guidance is available to download from the ‘Badges and Certificates’ area in your Candidate Portal.

Electronic certificates are environmentally friendly, but you can print the certificate yourself at home or work, if required.

If you have any problems with accessing your digital certificate, please contact our Customer Interaction Team - servicedesk@apmg-international.com

Can I earn PMI® PDUs for attending an accredited training course?

It is possible to earn PMI Education PDUs for attending third-party provider training (training courses not offered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner), as long as the training meets the requirements around the skill areas of the PMI Talent Triangle. Please check the PMI website (https://www.pmi.org/certifications/certification-resources/maintain/earn-pdus/education) for further details on how to record your PDUs and what supporting evidence is required.

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