Certified Agile Digital Strategy Expert (CADSE)
New Zealand’s First & Only Agile Digital Strategy Certification
CADSE · Certified Agile Digital Strategy Expert
Lead the
transformation.
New Zealand's first and only Agile Digital Strategy certification — built for leaders who design the strategy others execute. 11 sprints, weekly 1:1 mentoring, your workplace as the case study.
Digital Strategy in 2026
The numbers
behind leadership.
Every CADSE module is grounded in current C-suite and transformation data. These are the strategic realities your leadership skills will be built to navigate.
2026 Strategy Trends
What strategic leaders
face this year.
CADSE's curriculum reflects the six biggest forces reshaping digital leadership in 2026. You don't observe transformation — you lead it.
CMOs become Chief Transformation Officers
CMOs are increasingly expected to act as Chief Transformation Officers — mastering tech, data and human dynamics. Sprint 9 builds the digital leadership mindset that boards now demand.
Of martech leaders piloting AI agents
81% of marketing technology leaders are piloting or have implemented AI agents. Sprints 6 and 8 train you to govern AI rollouts, set policies and measure ROI — not just deploy tools.
Marketing budgets as % of revenue
Marketing budgets have flatlined at 7.7% of company revenue, with half of CMOs below 6%. Sprint 7 teaches you to defend, prioritise and reallocate budget to high-impact strategic initiatives.
Of transformations meet objectives
Only 35% of digital transformations achieve their goals — the rest fail on strategy, leadership and data integration. Sprint 8 builds the analytics and decision frameworks that close that gap.
Of CMOs prioritising brand awareness
In 2026, CMOs are reinvesting in brand awareness to drive long-term growth in an AI-mediated environment. Sprints 3 and 4 cover modern brand-building across traditional and digital channels.
Of B2B leaders expect budget growth
83% of B2B marketing leaders expect budget growth — but only those who can pitch a clear, measurable strategy will get it. Sprint 11 trains you in board-ready strategy storytelling.
"86% of our learners got promoted and elevated their career."
— Institute of Digital Marketing New Zealand
Why Now
Strategy is the
scarcest skill in marketing.
Anyone can run a campaign. Few can build the strategy that makes campaigns matter. CADSE is New Zealand's only certification that combines agile methodology, digital leadership and board-level strategy formulation — preparing you for the roles that get hired, not replaced, in 2026.
The Strategic Opportunity
Global digital transformation spend by 2026
The global digital transformation market is projected to reach $3.4 trillion. 94% of large organisations now have a digital transformation strategy — but only 35% successfully execute it. Strategists who can close that gap are in extreme demand.
Of CMOs say AI defines 2026
68% of CMOs surveyed say AI will be the defining topic of their year. The CMO role is being rewritten in real time — those with strategic AI literacy and agile transformation skills are landing on the upside of the change.
Of B2B leaders expect budget growth
83% of B2B marketing decision-makers expect increased investment in 2026, with 40% anticipating at least a 5% boost. The leaders who win that budget are those who can pitch a clear digital strategy linked to revenue.
Why Choose IDNZ
Built for NZ's
strategic leaders.
NZ's First & Only Agile Strategy Cert
CADSE is the only Certified Agile Digital Strategy programme in New Zealand. Designed for leaders, not executors — covering strategy formulation, digital leadership and board-level pitching alongside agile methodology.
Big Data, AI & Analytics for Decision-Makers
Modules 6 and 8 build the data fluency strategic leaders need — from marketing automation to big data and analytics interpretation. Move from signal to decision faster than reactive marketing teams.
NZ Market Lens, Global Recognition
Training calibrated to New Zealand's economy and consumer behaviour, but globally recognised — validated by Google, Meta, LinkedIn and Microsoft. Recognised beyond NZQA standards, accepted by NZ and international employers.
Proven Track Record
Join 1,200+ alumni who have advanced their careers with IDNZ. 86% of CADSE graduates reported a promotion, pay rise or new strategic role within 12 months — backed by testimonials from ANZCO Foods, Auckland Council and more.
Course Highlights
Six leadership skills that
put you in the boardroom.
Strategy Formulation & Planning
Master the frameworks that turn business goals into actionable digital plans — SOSTAC, RACE, OKRs and agile hybrid models — using your own organisation as the live case study.
Agile Strategic Leadership
Develop the ability to lead cross-functional teams through digital transformation — closing the gap between the 94% of orgs with a strategy and the 35% who actually execute it.
Digital Channel Architecture
Understand how every digital channel connects — owned, earned, paid, social, search, email, automation — and how to architect them as one cohesive customer journey.
Big Data, AI & Analytics
Build the data and AI fluency strategic leaders need in 2026 — interpreting analytics, governing AI deployment, and using both to drive decisions, not just dashboards.
Budget & Resource Strategy
Defend, prioritise and reallocate marketing budgets in a 7.7%-of-revenue world — with frameworks to demonstrate ROI to CFOs and boards under increasing scrutiny.
Strategic Storytelling & Pitching
Apply story-telling techniques to digital strategy pitching. Present a complete board-ready strategy — the same skill that gets your initiatives funded and your career promoted.
The Full Curriculum
11 Agile Sprints.
Your 11-week leadership journey.
Each sprint is one week. Your workplace is the case study.
Strategic Framework
Six phases of
agile digital strategy.
CADSE teaches strategy as a continuous voyage — six phases your team revisits every quarter, not a one-off plan that sits on a shelf.
| Phase | Strategic Focus | Sprint Activities | Key Output | Sprint Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🧭 Marketing Exploration | Data, demographics, trends | Audience & market research | Insight Dossier | Sprints 2–3 |
| 🗺️ Strategy Compass | Direction, positioning, vision | Framework selection & objectives | Strategic Brief | Sprint 2 |
| ⛵ Setting Sail | Plan into manageable sprints | Roadmapping & resource allocation | 90-Day Plan | Sprints 1, 7 |
| 🌊 Navigating the Waves | Channel execution & orchestration | Content, channels, automation | Live Campaigns | Sprints 4–6 |
| 🔭 Continuous Lookout | Real-time data & adjustment | Analytics, MMM, attribution | Decision Dashboard | Sprint 8 |
| 🏆 Treasure Trove | Synthesis, pitch, celebration | Strategy formulation & pitching | Board-Ready Pitch Capstone | Sprints 9–11 |
Adapted from IDNZ's Agile Digital Strategy methodology. Each phase maps to one or more CADSE sprints — building the full strategic leadership skillset.
Why CADSE
delivers strategic leaders.
NZ's first & only Agile Strategy certification.
CADSE is the only programme of its kind in New Zealand — combining agile methodology, digital leadership and board-level strategy formulation. You graduate with a credential that no other NZ marketer can claim.
Your workplace is the case study.
Every sprint produces real strategic deliverables for your own organisation. By Week 11, you're not graduating with a hypothetical capstone — you're graduating with a 12-month digital strategy your CEO can fund.
Strategy + Leadership + AI in one curriculum.
Most courses teach one of these in isolation. CADSE integrates strategy formulation, digital leadership and AI governance — exactly the combination CMOs and Chief Transformation Officers need in 2026.
Weekly 1:1 mentoring with strategic leaders.
Each sprint is supported by a private session with mentors Sai Constantine and Seann Lautner — leaders with 10+ years of corporate communications, training and digital strategy experience. You don't just learn theory — you stress-test your decisions with people who've made them.
A boardroom-credible certification.
CADSE is validated by Google, Meta, LinkedIn and Microsoft — recognised beyond NZQA standards. The credential signals to NZ and international boards that your strategic skills are externally verified, not self-declared.
IDNZ Certifications
Lead the
strategy. Lead the room.
Enrol in CADSE or stack your credentials with IDNZ's full suite of agile digital marketing certifications — all online, all with weekly 1:1 mentoring.
Agile Digital Strategy Expert
CADSE · NZ's first & only
Strategy formulation, digital leadership, big data, budget and pitching — for the marketer ready to lead, not just execute.
Full-Stack DigitalCertified Agile Digital Marketing Expert
CADME
The execution complement to CADSE — covering SEO, paid media, content, social, email, UX and analytics across 11 hands-on sprints.
Social · CommunityAgile Social Media Marketing Expert
CASME
Master every major social platform — Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube — with AI content workflows and community strategy.
1-Day Workshops & Micro-credentials
Funding may be available for eligible NZ businesses
IDNZ is registered with the Management Capability Development Fund. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees may qualify for subsidised training.
Get mentored one on one
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Boost your business with ai
At id.ac.nz, we harness AI to transform digital marketing, customer experience, and user experience in New Zealand. Our vision is to empower professionals with actionable insights, fostering innovation and setting new industry standards.
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Learn, Apply & Earn
At id.ac.nz, our learn-to-earn program empowers professionals across digital marketing, CX, and UX. With hands-on training from industry thought leaders, you gain practical skills that you can apply immediately—learn a concept one day and implement it at work the next, driving rapid career growth and real-world impact.
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Evening Classes
id.ac.nz, our evening classes are designed for both full-time and part-time professionals. Enjoy unlimited one-to-one mentoring during the business week for all certifications, ensuring you receive personalized guidance and support as you advance your skills in digital marketing, CX, and UX.
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1:1 Mentoring
At id.ac.nz, enjoy unlimited weekly meetings with your digital mentor. Engage in open-ended discussions to deepen your understanding and apply your learning effectively in digital marketing, CX, and UX.
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24/7 learning Portal
At id.ac.nz, access learning materials 24/7 through our online portal. Engage with videos, readings, activities, quizzes, and interactive learning designed to enhance your skills in digital marketing, CX, and UX.
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Learn & Work Agile
At id.ac.nz, you’ll develop an agile mindset—the modern approach to working and project management—enabling you to adapt, innovate, and drive success in digital marketing, CX, and UX.
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Industry-led Content
At id.ac.nz, our industry-led certifications integrate best practices and work-connected learning. Whether you run a business or not, all certifications include internship opportunities, ensuring you gain real-world experience in digital marketing, CX, and UX.
What our learners say
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Sarah Eddy
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO MD
”Completing the IDNZ certification has assisted me to grow hugely within our business, expanding into a space where we had limited capability and knowledge. Now our organisation is benefitting from me having fresh, up-to-date IP which I can put into practice daily.” -
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Harrison Mudgway
NEW ZEALAND MTB NATIONAL
”With the ongoing support and weekly cloud meetings, I was able to complete this course with ease while working full time. The modules are easy to understand, helped a lot with my time management and ensure I didn’t miss important principles.” -
![Black and white portrait of a smiling Asian woman with shoulder-length hair wearing a floral blouse.]()
Ying Watson
STAKEHOLDER MANAGER
”After 3 months of studying the digital marketing course every night (after putting the children to bed), I am so excited that I passed the exam and become a Certified Digital Marketing Expert. Thank you, Sai Constantine and Seann Lautner, for your generosity in mentoring.” -
![Black and white portrait of a young man wearing a collared shirt and blazer, smiling, with dark hair styled back.]()
Rohan Satghare
RETAIL SALES & OPERATION
”While looking for options, I was looking for something where I can study online with mentor support at the same time working full time. I was also looking for quality course material which will help me with my future job. IDNZ was offering both so I decided to go with IDNZ.” -
![Black and white portrait of a woman smiling with long dark hair, outdoors.]()
Irene Fortoul
UX/UI DESIGNER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER
”It was an amazing journey, right from the start until the end. The course challenged me to think to a more human-centered design, by learning the agile way with a real project. Thank you so much to my mentor Seann Lautner, who was incredibly patient.”
Our recent learners
What I will get
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12-Month 24/7 access to your learning portal that gives you 130+ topics and insights from digital experts via video, written, and interactive learning.
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Intake is open now to study for 11 weeks at your own pace through the learning management system and 1-to-1 mentoring.
You have the flexibility to book your mentor through your learning portal suited to your schedule.
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Your weekly one-to-one mentoring sessions with a certified business mentor will give you the skills to take your digital marketing knowledge further.
With over 10 years of experience in corporate communications and training, we will help turn that unproven concept into something great!
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Course content is validated by Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Microsoft.
IDNZ Course material is globally validated to a higher standard than that of the local NZQA. You learn what industry professionals put into practice in order to get results, rather than following outdated theoretical methods seen elsewhere on educational courses - giving you an edge when it comes time for your exam!
Completing this course also means sitting down through an online proctoring exam which will allow YOU THE POTENTIAL OF passing and earning YOUR very own Agile Digital Marketing Expert (CADME) title.
Upon passing the exam (200 multiple choice questions in 2.5 hours), you will be awarded digital certification that can be displayed on your LinkedIn to further your chances of getting a job from recruiters.
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Don't let money worries hold back what's important! Flexi-payment options are available to allow you the opportunity to better yourself and pay off your balance in full with no interest charges on course fee.
IDNZ is registered with the Management Capability Development Fund. You may be eligible for it. Funding from the RBP is not guaranteed for any customer. Click here to find out if you're eligible.
Benefits of Agile
““No matter the size of your marketing department, Agile Digital Marketing enables you to be more efficient, better address your customers’ wants, and be more aligned with the organisation’s goals””
You get more done - The Agile Digital Marketing approach results in up to 60% more quality-specific work done.
You get the right things done - As a squad or an individual, you develop ideas, score them, and execute them. It’s a team effort toward a team goal and agreed-upon priorities.
You adapt to change quickly - Digital marketers have been dealing with change since the invention of marketing, but agile means your ability to adapt to change is much quicker and more thoughtful.
You improve communications - Agile calls for teams to be aligned in their approach, and transparent in sharing what they’re working on. This leads to improved communication – and not just for the marketing team, but across departments including sales and senior management.
What I will learn
This agile digital marketing module introduces a focused method geared toward managing projects in which people fall into one of two buckets: sense and respond marketing or a scrum-like mentality. You will get to learn agile digital marketing isn't so much about working faster on a variety of projects. Rather, it focuses on applying proven workflows to prioritise tasks and carry out your marketing team's goals more efficiently.
This module introduces you to digital communication and ways to develop a measured and well-considered strategy for your digital marketing needs.
This module introduces the core principles and purpose of digital marketing. It will enable you to develop clear and actionable business objectives for a digital marketing plan, gain audience and industry insight.
The Content Marketing module will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills needed to plan and execute a content marketing strategy in a persona-oriented and data-driven way informed by business objectives, aligned with the buyer journey and overall marketing strategy.
Learn how to create engaging content on social media and how to plan, execute, optimise and report on social media marketing campaigns across the key social platforms.
The Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) module will enable you to build an organic search marketing strategy that brings the right kind of visitors to your website. It will help you understand how to boost conversions, stand out against competitors and ensure the best possible ROI.
This module begins with the fundamentals of paid search and it’s benefits and demonstrates how to implement and manage Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns using Google Ads. Through the Paid Search Module, you will understand the key concepts underpinning bid auctions, how to manage paid advertising budgets, and how to optimise paid search campaigns.
The Display and Video Advertising module begins with the fundamentals of display and video advertising and demonstrates how to set up and manage a YouTube channel. It covers the ad formats available within Google Display Network and YouTube and shows you how to set up and manage campaigns.
The digital leadership module begins with setting business goals and knows how the job responsibilities support it. You will learn how to take advantage of your digital assets to gain and also maintain a competitive edge. You will explore how technology can be used to help your business become much more responsive to the needs of their customers and the ever-changing business requirements. You will place high value on organisational communication, creativity and willingness to explore the ways that new emerging technology and digital information can be used to help business projects.
The Website Optimisation module will explore how to build and publish a well-designed, high - performing and optimised website that is aligned to your business goals. You will use the key components of web design to design, create and publish an effective website and choose the most suitable hosting option based on budget and business goals.
The module will explore and apply the story-telling techniques to your digital strategy pitching.
“86% of our learners got promoted and elevated their career.”
— IDNZ
Common Questions
on Agile Marketing
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Agile marketing strategies will benefit businesses across various industries, including e-commerce, technology, retail, finance, and more. Any industry that values adaptability, collaboration, and customer-centricity can leverage Agile marketing to gain a competitive edge.
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Agile marketing enables businesses to respond quickly to changing market trends by allowing them to adapt their strategies and tactics in real-time. Through regular reassessment and data-driven decision-making, businesses can stay agile and capitalise on emerging opportunities.
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Agile marketing is suitable for businesses of all sizes. While larger businesses may have more complex marketing operations, the principles of Agile marketing can be applied to any organisation. It is the mindset of flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement that matters most.
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Agile marketing improves the customer experience by enabling businesses to iterate and optimize their marketing efforts based on customer feedback and data. This customer-centric approach ensures that businesses deliver relevant and personalised experiences that resonate with their target audience.
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While Agile marketing offers numerous benefits, there can be challenges in its adoption. These may include resistance to change, establishing effective cross-functional collaboration, and managing expectations. However, with proper training, support, and a commitment to the Agile mindset, these challenges can be overcome.
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To get started with Agile marketing, businesses can begin by educating their teams about Agile principles and methodologies. Establishing a culture of collaboration, setting clear goals, and implementing an iterative approach is essential. It is also recommended to seek guidance from Agile marketing experts or consultants for a smooth transition.
Start anytime, anywhere
FAQs
This is a full online learning programme that delivered through 30 hours of learning. Students do have 6 months or less to complete the course, depending on student's pace. Most students completed the course and get certified in 11 weeks.
IDNZ provides optional face to face online meeting with mentor (1 hour session x 1 module x 11 weeks). Feel free to book online.
All applicants must be educated to at least ‘A’ Level standard (or equivalent) and, be fluent in oral and written English language. Additionally, all applicants must fulfill at least one of the following criteria:
- Have professional work experience in any field
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Hold a Diploma with at least 2 years working experience.
Anyone with suitable work experience can apply for the certification programme. A background in a related discipline is not required; the aim of the certification is to enable you to learn everything you need to know at a foundation level, so you can kick start your digital career.
You could be a business owner, a traditional or digital marketing professional, a recent graduate, or simply looking to change your career. The only prerequisite is that you have an interest in digital marketing and want to progress your career.
No, this is not a programming course, and you will not have to learn any coding. This certification focuses on the commercial aspect of online marketing.
IDNZ is the certification body for the digital marketing education. The content is also validated by Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Microsoft.
The certification is assessed through a computer-based exam, which is 3-hours long and composed of a number of interactive question types including Multiple Choice, True or False, and Hotspots. We administer the exam through online proctoring. Your examination fee NZD $365 is included in the course fee. Subsequent re-sits due to failed attempts will incur a same fee.
Student can enrol anytime to gain access to the online learning portal and start studying.
Yes, we have flexi-payment options that are interest free of upto 12 months, made feasible with our partner Splitit.
Benefits of Agile
““No matter the size of your marketing department, Agile Digital Marketing enables you to be more efficient, better address your customers’ wants, and be more aligned with the organisation’s goals””
You get more done - The Agile Digital Marketing approach results in up to 60% more work done.
You get the right things done - As a squad or an individual, you are developing ideas, scoring them, and then executing. It’s a team effort toward a team goal and agreed-upon priorities.
You adapt to change quickly - Digital marketers have been dealing with change since the invention of marketing, but agile means your ability to adapt to change is much quicker and more thoughtful.
You improve communications - Agile calls for teams to be aligned in their approach, and transparent in sharing what they’re working on. This leads to improved communication – and not just for the marketing team, but across departments including sales and senior management.
This Agile
Digital Marketing
Certification is for
Many that are in traditional marketing careers wish to update their skillset
Marketers working in management and senior management
Those who have just graduated and want to hit the ground running and up their skills in digital marketing immediately
Entrepreneurs and small businesses owners
Anyone hoping to implement an up to date digital strategy for their company