Structure of the CCIA Program

The Certified Competitive Intelligence Manager (CCIM) program is structured into seven modules, divided into two key phases. Phase 1 emphasizes live, instructor-led sessions, which can be attended either in person or remotely. As the program advances, you'll transition to Phase 2, where you’ll apply your knowledge through graded, real-world projects. This phase offers the flexibility to progress at a pace that fits your schedule.

Orientation Module

Get acquainted with ICI’s learning platform and connect with your cohort of fellow professionals. This module lays the foundation for your learning journey.

Module 1: Design and Operation of In-house CI Centers 

A high-performing Competitive Intelligence (CI) center must be thoughtfully designed and tailored to your organization’s specific needs. This module provides frameworks for designing a CI center that becomes a strategic pillar of your company. Engage with the challenge of shaping a core component of your organization's competitive success.

Module 2:Counterintelligence Essentials 

In today’s high-stakes business landscape, proprietary information, technology, and systems are constant targets. This module prepares you to identify and mitigate threats—including corporate espionage — by establishing effective counterintelligence measures that safeguard your company’s most valuable assets.

Module 3: Ethical Information Warfare 

From disinformation and fake news to sock puppets and information bots, modern information warfare tactics can seriously impact a company’s reputation and performance. This module covers the principles behind these tactics, methods to ethically counteract them, and techniques for using strategic communication to defend your brand and enhance resilience.

Module 4: Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 

Thriving in today’s competitive landscape requires sharp analytical skills and a mindset for innovation. This module introduces proven methodologies to elevate your team’s critical thinking, enhance the depth and reliability of your intelligence insights, and generate creative, actionable solutions to complex challenges.

Module 5: Competitive Technology Intelligence - CTI 

Technological innovation — whether emerging or competitor-driven — can significantly alter market dynamics. This module provides structured methodologies for scanning the technology landscape, tracking competitors' R&D activities, and assessing the strategic implications of new and evolving technologies. You’ll learn how to generate timely, actionable intelligence that supports technology forecasting, risk assessment, and long-term innovation planning.

Module 6 Projects

Apply your learning in two supervised, individual projects that address practical challenges within your company or sector. This hands-on phase is tailored for flexibility, allowing you to manage professional commitments while enhancing your expertise.

Module 7 Final Exam
Demonstrate your mastery of competitive intelligence concepts in a written, proctored exam conducted remotely.

Aimed at

The CCIM program is designed for working professionals aspiring to advance into managerial roles within Competitive and Market Intelligence. Ideal participants include:

• Managers of Competitive or Market Intelligence units
• Competitive and Market Intelligence professionals seeking leadership growth
• Management consultants focused on strategic intelligence
• Market researchers and analysts aiming to deepen their competitive insight
• Business analysts looking to enhance their strategic decision-support skills

Your support team

Enjoy a personalized, people-based learning experience that will make you feel supported at every step of your journey with the ICI.

• Your faculty will guide you through any content-related challenges.
• A helpline will support you with administrative steps, from application to receipt of your printed certificate upon completion of the program.
• One-on-one support is available during working hours (9am–5pm CET) to help resolve any technical issues.

Application Procedure

Places on our program are limited and are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you submit your completed application form as early as possible, preferably six weeks before the program start date. The Admissions Committee will review your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about which program is most suited to your objectives or if you need any additional information.

About the Institute for Competitive Intelligence (ICI)

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Germany, ICI is a leading, independent institution dedicated exclusively to competitive/market intelligence education. With an international expert faculty, ICI provides world-class programs designed for working professionals from over 100 countries. Most participants work in B2B industries and generally have at least 10 years of professional experience. ICI’s proprietary programs guarantee a learning experience that is of superior quality, intimate and personalized for CI professionals. All programs are seamlessly interconnected, offering opportunities for you to continue your learning journey.