For Apprentices/Academy/Courses
Academy · Courses

The course catalog.

Build-first. Cohort-driven. Every course supports real client work in the field.

6 wks
per period
2 courses
concurrent
16/year
total courses
Cert I→III
certificate path

Build-first. Classroom supports the field.

Apprentices ship real work every sprint. Class sessions accelerate what’s happening at the client site — not the other way around.

Week 1
Discovery
Overview, first exercise, first deep dive.
Weeks 2–3
Sprint 1
Build Alpha. Class reviews alongside client deliverable.
Weeks 4–5
Sprint 2
Build Beta. Deeper integration and peer critique.
Week 6
Launch: V1
Final review, publish, credentials issued.
Each session: overview → deep dive → workshop → cohort working session.

From M-shape to T-shape to X-shape.

Certificate I

M-Shape

Strong core across all four practice areas. Broad competency before depth. Quarters 1–2.

Certificate II

T-Shape

Deep vertical specialization extends from the core. Second area of depth begins forming. Quarters 3–4.

Certificate III

X-Shape

Two deep specializations intersecting. Your unique value bridge. Year 2.

16 courses across 3 tracks over one year.

Courses stack into cumulative certificates. Each work period = 2 courses, 6 weeks, alongside real client work.

Design & Impact

Designers

UX Strategy
UX Research
AI Design Tools & Workflows
Designing for AI Interfaces
Design Operations
Design Ethics
Product & Engineering

Developers & PMs

Business Strategy & Analysis
Project Estimating & Costing
How to Secure a Budget
Mental Frameworks
AI-Augmented Development
Systems Thinking
Professional Practice

All Tracks

Emotional Intelligence
Storytelling & Pitching
Executive Presence
Preventing Burnout
Working in a Team
Career Path: IC or Executive
Freelancing & Studio Building
Legal Foundations

External courses before you start.

CF negotiates group rates. Can be attended as a learning cohort alongside a reduced course load.

NN/g
UX Fundamentals
BJ Fogg
Behavioral Science
Dan Klyn
Information Architecture
Indi Young
Mental Models
Sarah Doody
Portfolio

What a full work period looks like.

Courses per work period2
Weekly class time6 hrs (3 per course)
Weekly coursework outside class~14 hrs
Client work hours per week30 hrs
Combined weekly commitment~50 hrs
Courses per year16

Ready to apply to Cohort 1?

One designer. One developer. One product manager. Applications open.

Apply to Cohort 1