20th February 2023
Digital Skills Authority, is developing a new web site, and as part of this process, we are migrating COBCertified.com to DigitalSkillsAuthority.org. Please take a look at all our news updates for the last year and moving forwards.
26th January 2022
Our organisation Digital Skills Authority has launched a NEW YouTube Channel which will feature insights and event content from our company, experts and event guest speakers. The NEW channel launched this month with a recent keynote talk from The Certificate in Online Business Series founder.
20th October 2021
Digital Skills Authority's NEW Professional Series from The Certificate in Online Series has been rolling out on our e-learning platform since January 2021. Our high-impacting practical series of 16 programs were born from the original manager series (described as "The Mother Ship" by our founder. This includes the first ever Content Strategy and Audience Enagement training developed, delivered, evolved and constantly updated to be delivered in it's own unique certification 'COB Certified Content Strategist'. Other team programs in marketing and e-commerce, as well shorter ertifications courses for publishers and writers have gone live. The training is offered as on-site classroom programs (returning in 2022) as well as interactive e-learning editions or blended live online + e-learning.
19th October 2021
The Certificate in Online Series creator Deborah Collier, President of Digital Skills Authority will be delivering a keynote speech at the largest business show in Europe - The Business Show. Her talk which takes place at 14:00 24th November 2021, entitled 'Diversity-of-Things (DoT)' will discuss current and future skills and how digital interplays with traditional roles. She will also share the hands-on and leadership skills needed to build Digital Skills Authority and it's online courses (our digital business) organically, as well as some revealing and motivational anecdotes about it's journey to today
16th December 2020 - COB Certified Manager - NEW 2021 Editions
In preparation for our forthcoming year, Digital Skills Authority has launched newly upgraded 2021 editions of our decade plus established COB Certified E-Commerce, E-Business and Digital Marketing Manager series. As well as our regular quarterly updates, we have audited and refreshed our e-learning versions to include more animation, video and music with a focus on enhancing engagement, knowledge retention, and a positive psychological experience. We will also be adding COB Certified Digital Marketing Manager as a blended e-learning and live webinar option in 2021, alongside a new 'COB Certified Professional Series'.
19th August 2020 - Digital Skills Authority's New Web Site
Today marks an important phase in our 2020 relaunch as the Digital Skills Authority. We have launched a Digital Skills Authority web site, which has a broader and wider audience including new suites of certifications programs. The Certificate in Online Business remains Digital Skills Authority's suite of business certication programs, and we will continue to deliver focused content regarding digital business, e-commerce and marketing here at COBCertified.com
14th April 2020 - NEW Live Virtual (Remote) Exam Invigilation
The Digital Skills Authority continually seeks the latest advancements in all aspects of exam adminstration and invigilation (also known as proctoring). In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, we have now launched the option for our e-learners, to sit their exams virtually with a live exam invigilator leading and monitoring the exam via a specialist secure platform and web cam. This opportunity, will not permanently replace face-to-face physical attendance exams, with our 'Authorised Testing Centres' around the globe. However, our Live Virtual (Remote) Exam Invigilation does provide a suitable option for those with adequate technology at home (or other safe location), such as a suitable reliable speedy Internet connection, computer and smartphone. We have overcome some interesting challenges, implementing temporary measures relating to developing wireframes and storyboards for exam case studies. As time progresses we hope to implement a finessed version of our remote exam invigilation, using ever growing technologies and partners to help us facilitate that process.
14th April 2020 - Digital Skills Authority's New Board
As part of our exciting 2020 relaunch the Digital Skills Authority is building a diverse highly-skilled and experienced international board of directors, from senior leadership roles at tech giants and in industry and media. The Digital Skills programs will continue to remain impartial with regards to the platforms and technologies discussed during our training programs, however, with the additional knowledge, experience, understanding of challenges, innovations and opportunities in a variety of industries, a diverse collaborative industry led-board will ensure we are fit to digitally skill the global workforce. Non-Executive and Executive Director positions are part-time roles that enable board members to maintain their existing jobs, as well as working a minimum 1-2 days per month at the Digital Skills Authority. Shareholding in the company are also available to board members, as part of their remuneration, as well as additional share purchase options.
8th April 2020 - COB Certified CXO
The Digital Skills Authority's is delighted to announce the COB Certified CXO Certification Program - a a cutting-edge strategic program for C-Suite leaders and Board Level Directors, which enables boards to collaboratively lead digital best-practice and fully leverage the business and organisational opportunties offered by digital business (from transformation to commercial). The certification program is delivered at an industry-led conference, hosted by our President and supported with insight, case studies and experience from cutting-edge innovators and leaders at well-known organisations around the globe. The exciting conference which was planned as part of our '2020 Relaunch Program' will now take place in 2021. Please watch out for further news later this year.
6th April 2020 - Digital Skills Authority Rebrand
As the first phase of our '2020 Relaunch', we have transformed our organisation to the 'Digital Skills Authority', which as the global industry's digital skills authority, will continue to offer a growing suite of certifications - The Certificate in Online Business series of COB Certified Qualifications. A new web site for the Digital Skills Authority will be launching at DigitalSkillsAuthority.org, and in recognition of The Certificate in Online Businesss audience, we will continue to maintain the COBCertified.com web site with it's own branding, for the near future. This will enable the digitalskillsauthority.org to focus on the wider arena of digital skilling the global workforce. The majority of our social network profiles have also been rebranded as 'Digital Skills Authority', as well as on our partner web sites. Please watch out for more news of our exciting 2020 Relaunch over the coming weeks, as well as enhancements to The Certificate in Online Business web site.
23rd October 2019 - 2020 Relaunch Planned
The Certificate in Online Business, from the industry's global digital skills authority, is planning an exciting relaunch in 2020. The organisation, a Future Knowledge Group company, has been operating cautiously during the last three years and will be making some important announcements next month and into the new year. The company which has certified managers, leaders and teams at well-known companies, brands and government organisations around the globe, will be revealing news about a new board of directors, a high-profile advisory board, financial investment, new certifications and initiatives in 2020.
4th July 2019 - Partnership Opportunties
Global Digital Skills Certification Authority - The Certificate in Online Business, which has accredited leaders and teams, at well-known goverment organisations, blue-chip brands, global corporations, small busineses and startups, through it's COB Certified Series of programs, is currently in talks with potential established training and value-add partners globally. Deborah Collier, COB President and founder of the certifications, is currently delivering a limited number of programs around the globe, to support promotion of the programs.
The Certificate in Online Business already partners in the UK, with Reed as a reseller partner of e-learning courses, and The Institute for Business Advancement (a boutique research, educational and strategic advisory institute), for classroom courses.
The Certificate in Online Business are looking for territority exclusive partners around the globe and courses can be localised and translated into any language within an estimated 2-month timeframe. Reseller partners such as banks, institutes and other professional organisations ca buy volume e-learning course subscription to give or sell it's customers.
4th February 2019 - Limited Edition Training
The Certificate in Online Business Founder and President Deborah Collier, who is a respected educational, digital and marketing leader, is delivering a limited number of courses in Dubai, to support promotion and acquisition of training partners in the region. Delegates attending these courses, will get a rare opportunity to be taught by a reknowned expert in her field.
The NEW Programs, include the relevant consultative COB Certified Manager Program and the Leader Strategy & Innovation Program.
- COB Certified E-Commerce Leader
- COB Certified Marketing Leader
- COB Certified E-Business Leader
11th October 2018 - NEW Leader Programs
Global Digital Skills Certification Authority - The Certificate in Online Business, which has accredited leaders and teams, at well-known goverment organisations, blue-chip brands, global corporations, small busineses and startups, through it's COB Certified Manager Series of programs, has launched an advanced series of qualifications alongside a rebranding initiative. Senior Leaders such as the Director of Online at Three, Executive Leadership Team at South African Post, Marketing Director at Schneider Electric and E-Commerce Leader at Proctor & Gamble (now Director of Omni-Channel at Mattel), have already been certified in management, through the existing management qualifications over the years. Deborah Collier, President and founder of the certifications, wanted to deliver an advanced level to enhance the existing qualifications, with additional advanced learning and examination, to test leaders, help them push the boundaries and innovate. These advanced consultative programs, will inititally be delivered through our strategic partner -The Institute for Business Advancement. The first events will be hosted by Deborah, with speakers and leaders with a history at well-known brands and organisations delivering their insight and training, within the COB training format and standards.
8th August 2018 - Digital Ethics and Content
Deborah Collier President and Chief Information Marketing Officer at The Certificate in Online Business, has joined Krishnan Guru-Murphy's debate on Channel 4 News, regarding the banning of InfoWars on social media platforms. Deborah is keen for industry, tech giants and the media to find the right balance between 'Freedom of Speech', content responsibility and monitoring. In her E-Business Predictions 2017, Deborah advised "Just as accessibility is a critical ingredient of online content strategy, the monitoring and responsible action on unacceptable user-generated content is absolutely critical to the reputation of any organization. For organizations who have not implemented a policy for the appropriate handling of user-generated content, whether this be in relation to child protection or other sensitive areas such as terrorism, this should be a priority".
Watch the Channel 4 Debate Read Deborah's Advice in her E-Business Predictions
10th January 2018 - 10th Year Annivesary E-Business Predictions Deborah Collier
Deborah Collier President and Founder at The Certificate in Online Business, has just published her 10th Year's annual predictions. Deborah who has not only advised boards, helped and trained organisations around the globe with digital business, has religiously written her predictions and advice for digital business during the year, since 2009. The predictions which have so far in majority, come to fruition also include valuable strategic advice for both entrepreneurs and organisations around the globe. Deborah's following has included a 200,000 newsletter subscriber list, and a current 20K+ followers on Twitter. Deborah's 2018 predictions include subjects such as e-risk and e-business law, e-commerce strategy and Brexit, international commerce, artificial intelligence for marketing and digital business in India.
Read E-Business Predictions 2018 E-Business Predictions 2008 - 2017
13th December 2017 - Launch NEW COB Certified Product Store with Gift Cards
The Certificate in Online Business has launched a new online learning products shop at COBCertified.co.uk. In contrast to the global site, the UK store which ships globally, sells physical products in British Pounds, and offers gift cards. COBCertified.co.uk offer's customers the opportunity to give the gift of learning this Christmas. It also enables organisational learning and development buyers, to purchase self-study course box sets in bulk, or e-learning vouchers in volume.
15th August 2017 - Update: Launch of COB Accredited Learning & Development Department Program
Last month, The Certificate in Online Business announced the launch of a program to enable large organisational Learning & Development Departments with their own training centres, to deliver the COB Certified E-Commerce Manager, E-Business Manager and Digital Marketing Manager Programs to their employees. We are delighted to announce that the new initiative for 'COB Accredited Learning and Development Department' has now been revised to enable organisations to partner with us, through pay-per-delegate licensing package. L&D Departments can either have their own digital experts trained and accredited or employ existing 'Accredited COB Certified Trainers'. Organisations can also supplement their training with e-learning options. The idea is aimed to support organisational learning and development budgets, so that staff can access the valuable high-impacting learning provided in the programs. The Certificate in Online Business remains dedicated to maintaining the standard and quality of current, as well as future programs which is it translating into multiple languages, and enabling trainers, 'Licensed Training Providers' and organisations.
COB Accredited Learning & Development Department Information (PDF 1510KB)
29th June 2017 - Launch of COB Certified Trainer Academy
The Certificate in Online Business has now made official it's 'Accredited COB Certified Trainer Program' through it's new academy. The Academy is attracting some of the worlds leading experts in e-commerce, digital business and e-commerce to deliver the certification authority's standard of e-commerce business, digital business and marketing. The COB Certified standard has been followed by leaders and their teams from blue-chip organisations around the globe. Accredited Trainers can be employed full-time or work freelance for 'Licensed Training Providers'. The Certificate in Online Business remains dedicated to maintaining the standard and quality of current, as well as future programs which is it translating into multiple languages, and enabling trainers and 'Licensed Training Providers'.
Accredited Trainer Program Information (PDF 799KB) Accredited Trainer Job Opportunities
19th June 2017 - Three Sponsors Staff for COB Certified E-Commerce Manager
In 2015 the 'Three' (Hutchison 3G) Online Commercial Performance team were trained by our founder Deborah Collier. We are delighted that Three have since included our COB Certified E-Commmerce Manager program in their staff approved training and certifications guide. 'Three' encourages and fully sponsors students wishing to take this course.
Three Training Case Study Three Training and Certifications Guide
9th June 2017 - Reed Partners with The Certificate in Online Business
We are delighted to announce that Reed have partnered with our organisation to resell selected COB Certified courses. Job searchers can find our courses recommended alongside e-commerce and other relevant positions advertised on their UK online recruitment web site at Reed.co.uk. We are looking forward to welcoming more partners around the globe.
1st June 2017 - New Careers Jobs Board
We are pleased to announce our new industry jobs board, which provides and enhanced experience for both job searchers and recruiters. Job postings are FREE and we hope this will help match qualified and experienced staff with exciting and relevant jobs. The Certificate in Online Business careers team, also posts a variety of positions within our own section on the jobs board. We are currently recruiting for a number of leadership roles for each of our regions.
26th April 2017 - E-Commerce Pioneer Michel Koch Joins as VP Europe & Latin America
Time Inc’s ex.Chief Marketing Officer and E-Commerce Director Michel Koch, has joined The Certificate in Online Business. Michel's wealth of experience includes E-Commerce Director at Maplin, Marks & Spencer and Senior Executive positions at Bertelsmann, Manutan, Quelle, Conrad and Camaïeu.
23rd March 2017 - Certificate in Online Business Expands Partnership Opportunities
The Certificate in Online Business has just published it's 2017 Partnerships Opportunities Presentation.
In addition to Universities, Professional Institutes, Chambers of Commerce and suitable government organisations, the COB Certified classroom courses are now available for license, in any language, by very large established training companies, professional service organisations, advertising agencies and consulting firms.
In addition, suitable organisations can resell our e-learning courses. Banks can also purchase bulk e-learning licenses and offer them to new or existing business customers as a free or subsidised business bank account signup incentive. In the UK this supports the goverment's Digital Strategy to Make Britain Best Place for Digital Business, and could well be followed in other countries.
Download our presentation to read more about all our partnership opportunities
1st June 2016 - Announcing Launch of Our New Web Site
The Certificate in Online Business which recently acquired the established industry-recognised Certificate in Online Business certification programs, is delighted to announce the launch of it's new web site
The new mobile responsive web site includes an ever expanding list of Authorised Testing Centres, and NEW E-Learning Only versions of the COB Certified E-Commerce and E-Business Manager courses
In addition, visitors can enjoy the latest industy news and insights, with job postings launching soon.
24th February 2016 - Universities and Professional Organisations Join Authorised Testing Centres
We are delighted to announce that students can now take their Certificate in Online Business™ Exams, at selected Universities in USA, UK and Canada, Cambridge Institut and Examinations International in Germany, as well as the British Council in Milan and Dubai. Universites in North American include, University of Toronto, University of California Irvine, California State University Northridge.
We are currently working on booking processes with the the organisations, to not ensure easy booking for our customers, as well ensure exam fees are both reasonable and affordable.
