Become the
Certified OBM®
the AI era
demands.
For experienced business support professionals ready to stop executing someone else's strategy and start leading their own. Trained by a team of Certified OBMs, not just a course library.
You've outgrown
VA work.
You can feel it.
You're the one who keeps things running. The person clients
actually rely on. Solving problems before anyone notices them.
But the title hasn't caught up. The pricing hasn't caught up. And the level
of trust you've earned isn't reflected in the work you're allowed to lead.
If that's where you are, you don't need another course.
"You need a credential, a structure, and a community that takes you seriously enough to put you in the room where decisions are made." — The Thrive OBM Academy Team
Want to see the difference between what you're being paid now vs what you could be earning as a Certified OBM®?
Yes, Take Me There →The result of Certified OBM®
Built for the AI-led
business era.
Through structured modules, hands-on projects and live mentoring, you can start offering paid operations and AI-supported services while you're still training. By the end, you've built the credential, the systems, and the client-handling confidence to run an OBM business that pays for itself many times over.
Master the systems, decision-making, and team oversight that put you at the right hand of any founder.
FoundationGo beyond surface prompting. Learn to select tools, govern workflows, and decide where human judgement must sit.
AI-PoweredPackage and sell your services at the level your expertise demands, without underselling.
Business-ReadyOnboarding, contracts, and delivery frameworks that protect your brand and your clients'.
Client-FacingRun projects, manage contractors, and keep delivery on track across complex, multi-stream businesses.
LeadershipThe final assessment and the global credential that recruiters and business owners actively seek.
CredentialWhat Could You Really Be Earning?
Put in what you're paid right now. See it side by side with what a Certified OBM® earns per hour. Same skills, same you, different pay structure.
Tell us where you're starting from
Your pay gap, right now
Same hours. Same skills. Just paid properly.
What that looks like in a working week
Based on your 20 hours a week, that equates to...
OBMs Get Paid in Different Ways, Not Just by the Hour
Hourly is only the entry point. Certified OBMs® price retainers, packages, and premium services too, which is how many move well past an hourly ceiling.
Certified OBM® rate shown is an illustrative average. Actual rates vary by market, experience, and specialism.
Certified OBMs
who took the leap.
Graduates working with UK and international businesses.
"It gave me the structure and frameworks I needed to really excel in my role. I now have the tools to contribute at a higher level, and that confidence has been genuinely transformative."
"From admin work to strategic contribution. I gained so many valuable skills to take forward, thanks to Amanda's expertise and unwavering encouragement. Highly recommend."
"During results week I landed my first proper OBM retainer client, and reached out in a moment of panic. Amanda coached me through the conversion process every step of the way."
Bonuses worth more than
the programme itself.
Real inclusions. Not padding the value. Each one removes friction so you can step into operations leadership sooner.
A team of Certified OBMs.
Not just a course.
We are a team of Certified OBMs, each bringing deep expertise in different areas of business operations: sales and marketing, tech and systems, team management, and much… MUCH more.
That means wherever you are in your OBM journey, someone on this team has been there, done it, and can support you through it. Between us, we've got you covered at every stage.
A conversation,
not a sales pitch.
A discovery call for the Certified OBM® Programme exists to help you decide whether it's right for you. If it isn't, we'll tell you and point you somewhere that fits better. No card details. No pressure you don't want.
Every student is covered by a money-back guarantee, with the details set out in your Student Agreement. No awkward conversation.
In writingEvery student gets direct support from the Thrive team until they land their first paying client. That's the standard.
GuaranteedSpread the investment across your first revenue months. Discussed on the discovery call, no pressure, no obligation.
FlexibleYour questions,
answered.
What is an Online Business Manager (OBM)?
An Online Business Manager is the operations leader in a small or growing business. The OBM runs the systems, team, projects and performance so the founder can lead. Unlike an assistant who completes tasks, an OBM owns outcomes and makes operational decisions, usually on a part-time retainer.
What is the difference between a VA and an OBM?
A virtual assistant carries out tasks the business owner assigns. An OBM decides which tasks matter, who does them and how success is measured. OBMs manage the team, including VAs, and are paid for outcomes and judgement rather than hours, which is why Certified OBMs command higher rates.
How do I become a Certified OBM in the UK?
Complete the Certified OBM® Programme with an IAOBM-licensed trainer such as Thrive OBM Academy, finish the practical projects, then pass IAOBM Certification Week, a live week of real-world scenarios graded against a strict rubric. Successful candidates earn the Certified OBM® designation from the International Association of Online Business Managers.
How long does Certified OBM training take?
Most students complete the Certified OBM® Programme in as little as 10 weeks, at around 4 hours a week and at their own pace. Live mentoring runs throughout, and IAOBM Certification Week is the final stage.
How much does Certified OBM training cost?
There are several ways to invest in the Certified OBM® Programme, including flexible payment plans and finance options, so you can choose the route that suits you best. We talk through each option on a free, 30-minute discovery call, with no obligation to proceed.
Who awards the Certified OBM® designation?
The International Association of Online Business Managers (IAOBM), established in 2009, awards the Certified OBM® designation. Training is delivered only by IAOBM-licensed trainers. Thrive OBM Academy has been a licensed trainer since 2022 and was the first UK-based Certified OBM® training provider.
Do I need experience to become a Certified OBM?
Yes. The programme is designed for people with at least two years' experience in business support, for example as a VA, PA, executive assistant, office manager or operations assistant. It is not an entry-level course.
Can I train while working full-time?
Yes. The programme is online and self-paced, with live calls and drop-in sessions, so most students study around 4 hours a week alongside a job or existing clients. Many start offering paid OBM services while they are still training.
What if the programme is not right for me?
Every student is covered by a money-back guarantee, the details of which are set out in your Student Agreement.
Is Thrive OBM Academy the same as the IAOBM?
No. The IAOBM is the professional body that sets the Certified OBM® standard and awards the designation. Thrive OBM Academy is a separate training brand that delivers the Certified OBM® Programme under authorised licence from the IAOBM.
Ready to lead,
not just execute?
The next step is a 30-minute exploratory discovery call. No pitch. No card details. No pushy sales tactics.
Purely exploratory. If it's not the right fit, we'll tell you and point you somewhere that is.