FCCI - Fundamental Certificate in Competitive Intelligence™
Accredited as University Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
Are your competitors outsmarting you? Is your organization struggling to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced and rapidly evolving competitive landscape? The Fundamental Certificate in Competitive Intelligence™ (FCCI) program equips you with the tools, techniques, and strategies to decode your competitive environment, so you can outsmart the competition. Unlock your potential, gain the skills and confidence to drive actionable insights, and transform your career with this globally recognized university certificate. Learn from the experts and become your organization’s very own Sherlock Holmes for competitive intelligence (CI).
- Start:
Workshops:Feb 2026
- - Learning hours:
450 hrs (18 ECTS credit points)
Individually adapted program length - Price: € 6,795* (excl. VAT)
- Participation: Onsite or Remote
At a Glance
- Blended Format:
A mix of self-paced learning, live workshops, and hands-on projects. - Remote or In-Person Options:
Choose between fully remote learning or a blend of in-person and remote attendance. - Designed for Working Professionals:
Whatever industry you work in, with our FCCITM program, you can effectively balance your full-time work commitments with your studies. - Global Recognition:
Earn a prestigious certificate accredited as a University Certificate of Advanced Studies.
Visit Us
Find up-to-date information on our website: www.institute-for-competitive-intelligence.com/FCCI
Structure of the FCCI™ Program
The FCCI™ program comprises nine modules designed to build foundational knowledge and advanced competencies.
Orientation Module
Familiarize yourself with ICI’s online campus and meet your peers.
Module 1 Fundamentals of Competitive/Market Intelligence
Explore the basics of CI/MI research and analysis tools; understand your current market, how it’s changing and what to expect for the future.
Module 2 Competence Training for Competitive/Market Intelligence Excellence
Enhance your personal efficiency including the use of AI tools for intelligence work, as well as problem-solving approaches and analytical writing.
Module 3 Reporting and Communication
Learn how to structure intelligence/data/information for impactful communication with stakeholders. Gain inspiration from diverse hands-on examples from international corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises.
Module 4 Advanced Web Intelligence (OSINT)
Become proficient in online research techniques using databases and AI tools. Learn how to obtain focused, comprehensive, and thorough results by effectively planning and conducting your intelligence research operations.
Module 5 Dynamic Communication and Elicitation Skills
Master human intelligence (HUMINT) techniques for gathering actionable intelligence through direct interactions.
Module 6 Fundamental Analysis Methods for Markets and Competitors
Apply analytical frameworks to assess markets, competitors, industries, and futures effectively. Learn methods such as SWOT analysis, Porter’s 5-Forces Industry Structure Analysis, business model canvas analysis, analysis of competing hypothesis, strategic groups analysis, and distant profiling. Experience how and where AI can effectively support your analyses.
Module 7 Capstone Assignment
This capstone assignment integrates all the content covered in the FCCI™ modules.
Module 8 Projects
A critical element of the FCCI™ program is the learning application. Work on two supervised projects that address real-world challenges in your organization or industry context. You can balance your work commitments with the workload of this module.
Module 9 Final Exam
Demonstrate your mastery of CI concepts through a written exam.
Who Is the Program Aimed at?
Designed for working professionals, the FCCITM program is aimed at:
- Competitive/Market Intelligence Analysts looking to evaluate threats and develop strategic responses.
- Market Researchers seeking to assess new markets or craft entry strategies.
- Management/Strategy Consultants guiding businesses through transformations.
- Entrepreneurs identifying growth opportunities or scaling their startups.
- Professionals from any industry looking to advance their career with cutting-edge CI/MI 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 dedicated 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. The FCCI™ is the first of six certificate programs taught by ICI. All programs are seamlessly interconnected, offering opportunities for you to continue your learning journey.
Why Choose the FCCITM Program?
Competitive and market intelligence (CI/MI) is vital for understanding your market environment, analyzing competitors, and identifying opportunities and threats. The Fundamental Certificate in Competitive IntelligenceTM (FCCI) from the Institute for Competitive Intelligence (ICI) offers a hands-on, systematic approach to learning. As part of the FCCITM program, you’ll be able to skillfully apply proven models and frameworks to help you uncover actionable intelligence and make well-informed strategic decisions that drive organizational success. Guided by ICI’s renowned international faculty of experts, you’ll learn to rely on data-driven insights rather than intuition by:
- Monitoring market trends and anticipating changes.
- Analyzing competitors, suppliers, customers, and emerging technologies.
- Supporting strategic decision-making across business development, product management, sales, marketing, and R&D functions.
Enjoy the flexibility of the FCCITM program, which is divided into two phases. The first phase is built around live teaching events, which you can attend in-person or remotely. As the program progresses, you’ll apply what you’ve learned to two graded projects. During the second phase, you can adapt the pace of learning to meet your individual needs. All our workshops are available in English or German.
Throughout the program, you’ll have access to ICI’s learning platform as well as individual support and coaching. Besides the live events, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with your peers, faculty members, and coaches. Make the most of our classroom-based and remote learning options to meet professionals and add them to your professional network.
What Makes the FCCITM Program Unique?
- Comprehensive, hands-on, actionable
Enjoy a fast-track program designed by global experts using proven, state-of-the-art content - Interactive Learning
Engage and network with peers, faculty members, and coaches through live workshops and ICI’s advanced online learning platform. - AI Integration
Leverage AI as a key tool for competitive/market intelligence (CI/MI). - Foresight Focus
Go beyond traditional CI by exploring market trends, potential competitors, emerging threats, and disruptive technologies. - Real-Life Application
Learn through case studies from diverse industries—including emerging technologies—and apply insights directly to your workplace challenges. - Professional Support Structure
Enjoy ICI’s unique learning environment with a wide range of multi-media content and interaction with your peers and ICI faculty members. - Flexible knowledge build-up
Register for our modules at your own pace and upgrade to the certificate whenever you’re ready.
What You’ll Gain
By completing the FCCITM program, you’ll:
- Master how to collect data from open sources (OSINT) and human interactions (HUMINT).
- Learn how to validate information to eliminate biases and misinformation.
- Become an expert in business analysis methods like SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, Business Model Canvas, and more.
- Communicate intelligence insights effectively through impactful reporting methods.
- Apply your skills to real-world projects tailored to your professional challenges.
- Become familiar with business models and the strategic positioning of companies and products – applicable to any industry and business environment.
- Join ICI’s international Alumni organization.
- Once you’ve successfully completed the program, you’ll earn 18 ECTS credit points—recognized globally as part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)—and open up pathways to further university degrees.
Who You’ll Learn From
Testimonials from Past Participants
- “This program transformed my career by giving me the tools to anticipate market changes.”
- “The hands-on projects were directly applicable to my company’s challenges—money well spent!”
- “The blend of live workshops and self-paced learning made it easy to balance work commitments.”
