Frequently Asked Questions

Leadership Development programs are open to officers, employees, and ministry leaders across The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory. Specific eligibility criteria for different programs are listed on each program page.

Every leader brings unique experiences, styles, and responsibilities—but everyone begins their Salvation Army Leadership Development journey in the same place. Our Leadership Formation programs provide a shared starting point for all participants, regardless of role, rank, or experience:

1. Introduction to Leadership Development– Learn what’s available and how to begin your journey.
2. LEADS Basics– Explore the foundation of leadership through the LEADS in a Caring Environment framework.
3. Foundational Leadership Certification– Strengthen your core leadership capabilities with Harvard ManageMentor® courses and practical, mission-based learning.

Leadership Development covers the cost of program materials, travel, and other expenses. There is no cost to you or your ministry unit.

Yes, but only after completing the Leadership Development Introduction, LEADS Basics and the Foundational Leadership Certification. We recommend focusing on one program at a time so you can fully engage with the experience and apply your learning effectively.

Yes, you need your supervisor's approval to apply to any Leadership Development program. This helps ensure your participation aligns with your ministry unit’s goals and capacity.

Our programs are designed for busy leaders who are actively serving in ministry. If you need to pause or step away temporarily, just let us know. We’ll work with you to help you rejoin the program when you're ready.

Yes. We’re committed to creating a learning environment that supports all participants. If you have specific learning or accessibility needs, please let us know. We’ll do our best to work with you and provide reasonable support to help you engage fully in the program.

Yes. Select Leadership Development programs are available in French, and we’re continuing to expand these offerings. Harvard ManageMentor content used in our certification programs is fully available in French, and translation of additional resources is underway. If language is a barrier to your participation, please contact us to explore available options.

The Foundational Leadership Certification (FLC) is a self-paced program for graduates of the LEADS Basics Leadership Certification who want to build core leadership capabilities. It develops essential skills in areas like communication, feedback, and decision-making through Harvard ManageMentor® courses, leadership cafés, and On-the-Job Action Plans—all at your own pace within a three-year window.
To be eligible, you must: 1) complete the LEADS Basics Leadership Certification and 2) receive your supervisor’s approval. There is no cost to you or your ministry unit. Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital badge and certification from The Salvation Army. Learn more.

The Advanced Leadership Certification (ALC) is a self-directed program for graduates of the Foundational Leadership Certification (FLC) who want to expand their leadership impact. It builds advanced capabilities in strategic thinking, change management, and team leadership—all at your own pace within a three-year window. To be eligible, you must: 1) complete FLC, 2) have at least two years of full-time experience with TSA and 3) receive your supervisor’s approval.
ALC includes Harvard ManageMentor® core and elective courses, leadership cafés, and a practical action plan. There is no cost to you or your ministry unit. Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital badge and certification from The Salvation Army. Learn more.

The LEADS Basics Leadership Certification is a self-paced online introduction to the LEADS framework, ideal for anyone starting their leadership development journey. Learn more.
The LEADS Applied Leadership Certification is an in-person, two-day workshop for current people leaders who have completed the Foundational Leadership Certification. It focuses on applying the LEADS framework through peer discussion, reflection and real-world leadership challenges.Learn more.

The Emerging Leaders Program is an 18-month learning experience for Salvation Army officers and employees who want to grow their leadership impact. Grounded in the LEADS framework, the program blends in-person and online learning, coaching, peer learning, applied projects, and a capstone gathering.
To apply, you must: 1) be a current people leader, 2) Have completed the FLC and 3) receive your supervisor’s approval.
Cohorts are offered on a rotating basis across divisions. Check our program calendar for upcoming opportunities.program page.

The Leader Internship is a unique 18-month program designed for graduates of the Emerging Leaders program. What sets it apart is its emphasis on real-world leadership exploration through practical leadership experiences, reflective practice and peer engagement. This program goes beyond skill-building - it helps participants gain deeper insight into their leadership potential and how it connects to succession planning and the broader mission of The Salvation Army.
This program is currently in development. To learn more, visit the program page.

Yes. All of our programs include opportunities to apply what you’re learning to your real-world leadership context. In the Foundational and Advanced Leadership Certifications, this may include On-the-Job Action Plans. In more advanced programs, projects may increase in scope and complexity—but they are always grounded in your current leadership responsibilities. Leadership Development will equip you with the tools, concepts, and support to help you confidently put your learning into action.

Program length varies depending on the structure and the time commitment required from participants. Leadership Formation programs like LEADS Basics and the Foundational Leadership Certification (FLC) are self-directed, so you can progress at your own pace. FLC includes some optional virtual sessions with multiple scheduling options. Cohort-based programs like Emerging Leaders and the Leader Internship take 18 months to complete and include live sessions, peer collaboration, and instructor-led learning. For specific timelines and requirements, visit each program’s information page.

A digital badge is an online version of a certification that can be verified as belonging to you. The Salvation Army uses Credly to issue and manage these badges, making it easy to recognize your learning achievements. Each badge includes details about what you accomplished to earn it. You’ll receive an email when your badge is available, and you can highlight your leadership development by sharing it on LinkedIn or other professional platforms. Learn more.