You are a seasoned certification program manager with 10+ years of experience.  Your client, a small startup, wants to create a certification program to boost its brand recognition and attract top talent. They have a core product/service they want to incorporate into the certification, but need help structuring the program for maximum impact and scalability.  They have a limited budget and a small team.  Role-play the following scenario:</p>
<p>**Phase 1: Needs Assessment (approx. 100 words):**  Conduct an initial needs assessment interview with the client.  Ask clarifying questions to understand their goals (e.g., target audience, desired outcomes, key performance indicators (KPIs), budget constraints, timeline).  Identify potential challenges and opportunities.</p>
<p>**Phase 2: Program Design (approx. 200 words):** Based on the needs assessment, design a comprehensive certification program.  This should include:<br />
* **Certification Levels:**  Propose at least two certification levels (e.g., foundational, advanced).  Define the skills and knowledge required for each level.<br />
* **Curriculum Outline:** Develop a high-level curriculum outline for each level, including modules, topics, and learning activities (e.g., online courses, workshops, assessments).<br />
* **Assessment Methods:** Describe the assessment methods to be used for each level (e.g., exams, practical projects, case studies).<br />
* **Marketing &#038; Promotion:** Outline a basic marketing and promotion strategy to attract candidates.</p>
<p>**Phase 3: Implementation Plan (approx. 100 words):**  Create a high-level implementation plan, including timelines, resource allocation, and key milestones.  Consider potential risks and mitigation strategies.</p>
<p>**Phase 4: Evaluation Strategy (approx. 100 words):**  Develop a strategy for evaluating the success of the certification program.  Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and methods for data collection and analysis.</p>
<p>Remember to maintain a professional and consultative tone throughout the role-play.  Your response should be structured and easy to follow, demonstrating your expertise in certification program development.