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Learning Modules

Across four applied learning modules, CPIA takes participants from understanding the fragmented world of impact tools to measuring, comparing, estimating, and communicating impact in ways that support better decisions.

Module 1

From Evidence to Decisions

In this module, you will learn how impact analysis connects evidence, tools, and decisions.

You will learn to:

  • Understand the fragmented landscape of impact-related tools, including EIA, ESG reporting, SIA, evaluation, cost-benefit analysis, regulatory impact analysis, SROI, and related approaches
  • Recognize what each tool is designed to do, where it is useful, and where its limits begin
  • See how different sectors use different languages to talk about impact, value, risk, accountability, and decision-making
  • Define impact clearly by identifying what matters, to whom, and in what context
  • Understand how evidence can support better decisions rather than simply report past activities
  • Recognize why impact depends on perspective, including the perspective of decision-makers, rights-holders, communities, funders, and future generations
  • Build a foundation for using the Impact Analysis Toolkit as an integrated approach rather than a collection of disconnected methods
Module 2

Measuring Impact

In this module, you will learn how to measure impact with greater rigour and confidence.

You will learn to:

  • Distinguish between activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts
  • Use data to understand change over time
  • Identify relationships between actions and observed results
  • Move beyond simple correlation toward stronger claims about causation
  • Understand common measurement challenges, including attribution, contribution, selection bias, spillovers, and missing data
  • Interpret impact evidence critically and transparently
  • Choose measurement approaches that are practical, credible, and appropriate for the decision at hand
  • Communicate measurement findings in ways that decision-makers can understand and use
Optional Bootcamp

Building Transparent Impact Models

In this optional bootcamp, you will learn how to use spreadsheets to structure analysis, organize evidence, and build practical impact models that are transparent, flexible, and easy to review.

You will learn to:

  • Structure an impact analysis model in a clear and logical way
  • Organize assumptions, inputs, calculations, and outputs
  • Build formulas that are transparent, traceable, and easy to audit
  • Use tables and formatting to reduce errors
  • Translate impact pathways and decision frameworks into spreadsheet models
  • Run basic sensitivity analysis to test how assumptions affect results
  • Present results clearly through summary tables, charts, and dashboards
  • Confidently review models built by others
Module 3

Valuing and Estimating Impact

In this module, you will learn how to compare different types of impact and estimate what cannot be directly observed.

You will learn to:

  • Understand why decision-making often requires comparing impacts that are different in nature
  • Identify which impacts can be monetized, quantified, ranked, or described qualitatively
  • Apply valuation concepts to make trade-offs more explicit and transparent
  • Compare impacts across different stakeholders, sectors, and perspectives
  • Work with time horizons, discounting, and long-term effects
  • Estimate impacts when direct measurement is not possible
  • Use forecasting, benefit transfer, scenarios, and other estimation approaches responsibly
  • Recognize the ethical and practical limits of comparability, especially when working with contested values
Module 4

Integrated Impact Analysis

In this module, you will learn how to bring impact evidence together into a complete decision-support framework.

You will learn to:

  • Integrate measurement, valuation, estimation, uncertainty, financing, and communication into a coherent analysis
  • Assess risk and uncertainty without pretending the future can be predicted with certainty
  • Use scenarios and sensitivity analysis to test how conclusions change under different assumptions
  • Understand the role of finance in making impact-driven action possible
  • Build transparent analytical models that make assumptions, calculations, and trade-offs visible
  • Translate technical analysis into clear narratives for decision-makers and stakeholders
  • Communicate impact findings in ways that can influence decisions, build trust, and support collective action
  • Apply the full Impact Analysis Toolkit to real-world decisions across sectors

Learning Assessment

The final step in achieving the Certificate in Professional Impact Analysis is a learning assessment. It verifies your understanding of the key components of each learning module and how they fit together. It establishes your knowledge of the role of evidence at all stages of the impact analysis project cycle. The assessment is designed to be very achievable for those who have completed all four learning modules.

Stand out among your peers with this certified credential from Queen’s University.