What do I need to complete to graduate?
To graduate from the Core Skills Level, you must complete all requirements by the program deadline:
- Finish the 5 digital courses in your learning plan:
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Problem Solving
- Communicating for Impact
- Relationships & Well-Being
- My Digital Toolkit
- Attend the mandatory webinar “Lead Forward: Mindsets for Growth.”
- Submit the Case Assignment: Solve a Traffic Problem.
The deadline is listed in your Welcome email and repeated at the bottom of all Forward team communications.
Can I get an extension?
Unfortunately, extensions are not possible. All program requirements must be completed by the specified deadline in order to graduate.
When do I get my badge and certificate?
About one week after the program deadline, all graduates will receive:
- A digital badge via an email from Credly (credly@admin.com)
- A Certificate of Completion (accessible through your badge on Credly)
Even if you finish earlier, your badge and certificate are only issued after the program deadline, along with all other graduates.
Note: The badge represents completion of the McKinsey.org Forward online learning program. Please note that McKinsey is not an accredited education body, and thus participants of the Forward program will not receive an accredited qualification or credential.
I received the badge but not the certificate.
Your certificate is included with your badge on Credly.com. To download it:
- Log in to Credly.com.
- Open your McKinsey Forward badge.
- Click “Share” → “Download Certificate.”
How should I list Forward on LinkedIn?
Add your badge under Licenses & Certifications in your LinkedIn profile. We recommend describing your Forward experience through the skills you developed and applied (for example: problem solving, communication, adaptability, digital tools).
What happens after graduation?
After completing the Core Skills Level, you’ll automatically move to the Network Level.
- Platform access will end after graduation, so be sure to download your Forward Learning Workbook before the deadline.
- We’ll share more details about the Network Level once you graduate.
What if I withdraw, can I reapply later?
Yes. If you still meet the eligibility criteria, you’re welcome to reapply in a future cohort.
Please note: if you rejoin, you’ll need to restart the program from the beginning, regardless of your past progress, so that you can complete the full learning journey.