SAI Pricing and Guarantee
SAI PRICING & GUARANTEE
Clear Pricing. Clear Requirements. Know What Applies Before You Purchase or Enroll.
Schneider Axiom Institute offers the $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™ and three levels of diagnostic credentials—FDC, CAS, and CAE—along with group Diagnostic deployments, credential cohorts, and institutional licensing.
This page explains what each offering costs, who it is for, what you receive, what is required before you purchase or enroll, and what is refundable.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
The $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™ is the required starting point before FDC, CAS, or CAE enrollment.
$89 BUSINESS CONSTRAINT DIAGNOSTIC™
Find Out What the Evidence Indicates Deserves Attention First
The $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™ is a structured diagnostic instrument designed to help determine what the evidence indicates deserves attention first in a business or organization.
It evaluates your responses across the Seven Classes of Business Constraint™ and provides a personalized written finding identifying the probable governing constraint class indicated by the diagnostic evidence and the structural condition within that class that appears to be limiting performance.
It is not a personality test, consulting engagement, or generic business assessment.
You can purchase the Diagnostic by itself. You are not required to purchase a credential, consulting engagement, membership, or any other SAI product afterward.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE WHEN YOU COMPLETE THE $89 BUSINESS CONSTRAINT DIAGNOSTIC™
81 Targeted Questions
The questions examine how the business is actually operating so SAI can evaluate evidence across the Seven Classes of Business Constraint™ rather than assume that the problems you can already see identify their underlying cause.
Approximately 30 Minutes to Complete
The 81 questions are structured so the Diagnostic can normally be completed in approximately 30 minutes.
A Personalized 2,200+ Word Written Finding
Your written finding explains what your responses indicate may be limiting performance, why it appears to matter, and what the evidence indicates deserves attention first.
Delivery Within 72 Hours
Your personalized written finding is delivered within 72 hours after you complete and submit the Diagnostic.
Review Before Delivery
Each written finding is reviewed by Lawrence M. Schneider or a Senior SAI Executive before it is delivered.
WHAT YOUR WRITTEN FINDING EXPLAINS
Your written finding addresses:
The probable governing constraint class indicated by the evidence — which of the Seven Classes the evidence most strongly points toward.
The structural condition within that class — the condition that appears to be limiting performance.
Why the condition matters — how it appears to be affecting the business.
How it relates to visible symptoms — why problems such as declining sales, weak margins, cash pressure, execution problems, or owner overload may not reveal their underlying cause by themselves.
Why previous improvement efforts may have missed it — how legitimate solutions can fail when they are applied to the wrong priority.
Corrective direction — what the evidence indicates should receive attention before a detailed implementation plan is developed.
Understand What the Evidence Indicates Deserves Attention First Before Deciding What to Fix.
THE GUARANTEE ON YOUR $89 BUSINESS CONSTRAINT DIAGNOSTIC™
If your written finding does not identify a clear, actionable governing constraint, your $89 will be refunded.
That is the guarantee.
There is no requirement to purchase another SAI product to qualify for it.
$89 BUSINESS CONSTRAINT DIAGNOSTIC™ — GROUP DEPLOYMENT
Use the Same Diagnostic Across Multiple People or Parts of the Organization
Companies and organizations can deploy the $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™ across a Board of Directors, leadership team, individual departments, organizational population, franchise system, enterprise divisions, or other participating groups to see whether people in different roles or parts of the organization are identifying the same performance limitations, seeing materially different ones, or revealing where organizational flow appears to break down.
Each participant completes the same 81-question Business Constraint Diagnostic™ individually, so each person's responses can be evaluated independently rather than allowing a group discussion or dominant viewpoint to determine the answers.
Each participant receives an individual personalized 2,200+ word written finding based on that participant's responses.
For deployments of 10 or more participants, the organization also receives a Constraint Distribution Report so leadership can see patterns across the individual findings.
WHAT A GROUP $89 DIAGNOSTIC DEPLOYMENT COSTS
The participant completes the 81-question Diagnostic and receives an individual personalized 2,200+ word written finding.
Every participant completes the Diagnostic individually and receives an individual personalized written finding.
The organization also receives a Constraint Distribution Report showing how the individual findings are distributed across the participating group.
A pre-deployment coordination call with SAI is included so SAI and the organization agree on who will participate and how the deployment will be conducted before it begins.
Every participant completes the Diagnostic individually and receives an individual personalized written finding.
The organization also receives a Constraint Distribution Report showing how the individual findings are distributed across the participating group.
A pre-deployment coordination call with SAI is included so SAI and the organization agree on who will participate and how the deployment will be conducted before it begins.
BEFORE A COMPANY DEPLOYS THE $89 DIAGNOSTIC™ TO A GROUP, THE LEADER COMPLETES IT FIRST
The organizational decision-maker or engagement leader first completes the $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™ personally.
The reason is simple: the person deciding whether others in the organization should complete the Diagnostic should first experience the 81 questions, receive an individual written finding, and decide whether a broader deployment makes sense.
What Happens If the Leader's Finding Does Not Meet the Guarantee?
The same $89 guarantee applies:
If the leader's written finding does not identify a clear, actionable governing constraint, the leader's $89 will be refunded.
The leader then decides whether to proceed with the group deployment.
If the organization proceeds, SAI confirms the number of participants, price per participant, participating group, deployment process, and delivery requirements before the deployment begins.
Group deployment charges are non-refundable once the organization approves the deployment and SAI initiates it.
WHAT THE COMPANY RECEIVES AFTER 10 OR MORE PEOPLE COMPLETE THE $89 DIAGNOSTIC™
The Constraint Distribution Report Shows Where Individual Findings Agree, Differ, or Form Patterns Across the Group
The Constraint Distribution Report brings the individual findings together at the group level so leadership can see how the probable governing constraint classes indicated by those findings are distributed across the participating population.
For example, the report may show that findings from one part of the organization are concentrated in Operational constraints while another part is showing Organizational, Strategic, or other constraint patterns.
This gives leadership something specific to investigate: Why are different parts of the organization experiencing the business differently, and what might those differences reveal about where performance or organizational flow is breaking down?
Does the Report Diagnose One Governing Constraint for the Entire Organization?
No. The largest concentration of individual findings does not automatically establish the organization's governing constraint. The report shows leadership where findings are concentrated, where they differ, and what may deserve further examination before organizational priorities are established.
Are Individual Findings Identified in the Group Report?
No. The Constraint Distribution Report presents group-level patterns and does not identify individual participants by finding. An individual's written finding remains confidential unless that participant authorizes its disclosure.
The Report Provides Evidence for Leadership to Examine—Not a Prescription for What Leadership Must Do.
FDC — FOUNDATIONAL DIAGNOSTIC CREDENTIAL™
For Business Owners & Leaders Who Want to Develop Diagnostic Capability Inside the Business They Own or Lead
The $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™ provides a written finding based on your responses.
FDC teaches you how to develop and apply the diagnostic capability yourself.
The program develops the foundational capability to examine evidence, distinguish symptoms from structural causes, determine what deserves priority, and apply the SAI Business Constraint Discipline™:
IDENTIFY → PRIORITIZE → RESOLVE → CONFIRM
WHAT YOUR $697 FDC ENROLLMENT INCLUDES
9 Learning Modules
The nine modules teach the foundational concepts and application of the SAI Business Constraint Discipline™, including how to evaluate business evidence, distinguish symptoms from structural causes, determine what deserves priority, and apply the four-stage Discipline inside the business you own or lead.
Self-Paced Study
There are no required weekly class times; you work through the curriculum on your own schedule.
Lifetime Access to Included Program Materials
After enrollment, you retain access to the curriculum and program materials included with FDC so you can return to them as you apply the Discipline in the future.
Competency Assessment Required to Earn FDC
Completing the nine modules is not enough by itself to earn the credential; you must also demonstrate the required foundational diagnostic capability before SAI awards FDC.
WHAT IS REQUIRED BEFORE YOU CAN ENROLL IN FDC?
You must first complete the $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™.
The reason is practical: you experience SAI's diagnostic process on your own business before learning how to apply the Discipline yourself.
No other SAI credential is required before FDC.
WHAT DOES FDC COST, AND IS IT REFUNDABLE?
$697 · One-Time Enrollment
FDC enrollment is non-refundable.
The $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™ is a separate purchase and must be completed before FDC enrollment.
CAN AN ORGANIZATION ENROLL A GROUP IN FDC?
Yes. Organizations can enroll 8 or more participants in an FDC cohort when they want multiple owners, leaders, or managers to develop the same foundational diagnostic capability. Each participant completes the FDC curriculum independently and must demonstrate the same required competency before earning the credential. FDC cohort pricing is confirmed with SAI before the organization enrolls the group.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU EARN FDC?
Your Credential Can Be Verified
Your FDC credential is listed in the public SAI Credential Registry so employers, organizations, clients, and others can verify that you earned it.
You Become Eligible for the Axiom Leaders Circle
After successfully earning FDC, you become eligible to participate in the Axiom Leaders Circle, SAI's ongoing community for credentialed leaders and professionals who want to remain connected to the Discipline and the Institute.
You Keep Access to Your Included Program Materials
Your lifetime access continues after you earn FDC, allowing you to return to the included curriculum and program materials as you apply the Discipline to future business conditions.
You Can Continue to the CAS or CAE Curriculum
If your role or intended application changes, the FDC curriculum is already incorporated into CAS and into the broader CAE curriculum architecture; the $89 Diagnostic remains the common prerequisite, and CAE additionally requires application and acceptance.
CAS — CERTIFIED AXIOM STRATEGIST™
For Advisors, Consultants, Coaches & Practitioners Who Want to Apply the Discipline With Client Organizations
CAS develops professional diagnostic capability for use before recommendations are made, solutions are proposed, or the scope of a client engagement is determined.
The objective is to help the professional begin with evidence about what deserves attention first rather than beginning with the solution the professional happens to provide.
WHAT YOUR $1,997 CAS ENROLLMENT INCLUDES
12 Learning Modules
The 12-module CAS curriculum includes the complete nine-module FDC foundation plus additional curriculum that teaches how to apply the Discipline professionally with client organizations.
Self-Paced Study
There are no required weekly class times; you complete the curriculum on your own schedule.
Lifetime Access to Included Program Materials
After enrollment, you retain access to the curriculum and program materials included with CAS so you can return to them when applying the Discipline in future client engagements.
Professional Competency Must Be Demonstrated Before CAS Is Awarded
Completing the 12 modules does not automatically result in certification; you must demonstrate that you can apply the Discipline at the professional level required by SAI for work with client organizations.
WHAT IS REQUIRED BEFORE YOU CAN ENROLL IN CAS?
You must first complete the $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™.
This gives you direct experience with the diagnostic process before you learn to apply the Discipline professionally with clients.
Do You Have to Earn FDC Before Enrolling in CAS?
No. The complete nine-module FDC curriculum is incorporated into the 12-module CAS curriculum, so you do not have to purchase or earn FDC separately before enrolling in CAS.
WHAT DOES CAS COST, AND IS IT REFUNDABLE?
$1,997 · One-Time Enrollment
CAS enrollment is non-refundable.
The $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™ is a separate purchase and must be completed before CAS enrollment.
CAN AN ORGANIZATION OR PROFESSIONAL FIRM ENROLL A GROUP IN CAS?
Yes. Organizations, advisory firms, consulting firms, and professional groups can enroll 8 or more participants in a CAS cohort when they want multiple professionals to develop the same client-facing diagnostic capability. Each participant completes the CAS curriculum independently and must demonstrate the same required professional competency before earning CAS. CAS cohort pricing is confirmed with SAI before the organization or firm enrolls the group.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU EARN CAS?
Your Credential Can Be Verified
Your CAS credential is listed in the public SAI Credential Registry so prospective clients, employers, organizations, and others can verify your certification.
You Become Eligible for the Axiom Leaders Circle
After successfully earning CAS, you become eligible to participate in the Axiom Leaders Circle, giving you an ongoing connection to other SAI-credentialed leaders and professionals and to future Institute activities available through the Circle.
You Become Eligible for Consideration for the SAI Professional Referral Network
Successful CAS certification makes you eligible for consideration for inclusion in the SAI Professional Referral Network.
The network gives SAI a pool of qualified credentialed professionals to consider when a business asks SAI for help locating a practitioner.
CAS certification does not guarantee admission to the network, client introductions, engagements, clients, revenue, or professional income.
You May Contribute to the Developing SAI Body of Knowledge
Through the Axiom Leaders Circle contribution pathway, you may submit white papers, case studies, and other substantive work for SAI review and possible publication. Submission does not guarantee acceptance or publication.
You Keep Access to Your Included Program Materials
Your lifetime access continues after certification so you can return to the included CAS curriculum and program materials when working with future client situations.
CAE — CERTIFIED AXIOM EXECUTIVE™
For Senior Executives & Experienced Professionals Applying the Discipline in Complex Organizations
CAE is SAI's advanced diagnostic credential for experienced professionals applying the Business Constraint Discipline™ in situations involving senior leadership, multiple divisions or business units, governance, institutional responsibility, or board-level decisions.
The program incorporates the FDC and CAS curriculum foundations and extends them into advanced executive and enterprise application, where choosing the wrong priority can affect multiple parts of an organization.
WHAT YOUR $4,997 CAE ENROLLMENT INCLUDES
20 Learning Modules
The 20-module curriculum incorporates the FDC and CAS curriculum foundations and extends them into advanced executive and enterprise-level diagnostic application.
Self-Paced Study
There are no required weekly class times; you complete the curriculum on your own schedule.
Lifetime Access to Included Program Materials
After enrollment, you retain access to the curriculum and program materials included with CAE so you can use them for future executive and enterprise application.
Executive Capstone Required to Earn CAE
Completing the curriculum does not automatically earn the credential; the Executive Capstone requires you to demonstrate that you can apply the Discipline to an advanced executive-level business situation before SAI awards CAE.
WHAT IS REQUIRED BEFORE YOU CAN ENROLL IN CAE?
CAE is application-based, so completing the $89 Diagnostic does not automatically make someone eligible to enroll.
1. Complete the $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™
This gives you direct experience with SAI's diagnostic process before applying for the advanced credential.
2. Submit the CAE Application
The application provides SAI with information about your professional background, responsibilities, experience, and how you intend to apply the advanced credential.
3. SAI Reviews Your Application
SAI reviews the application to determine whether your experience, responsibilities, and intended application are appropriate for the advanced CAE program.
4. Receive an Acceptance Decision
Only applicants accepted by SAI become eligible to enroll in CAE.
5. Enroll and Pay $4,997
You Do Not Pay the $4,997 CAE Enrollment Until Your Application Has Been Accepted.
DO YOU HAVE TO EARN FDC OR CAS BEFORE CAE?
No. The FDC and CAS curriculum foundations are incorporated into CAE, so you do not have to purchase or earn either credential separately before entering CAE.
WHAT DOES CAE COST, AND IS IT REFUNDABLE?
$4,997 · One-Time Enrollment After Acceptance
There is no CAE enrollment charge before your application is accepted.
Once an accepted applicant enrolls and pays the $4,997 enrollment, the CAE enrollment is non-refundable.
CAN A COMPANY ENROLL A GROUP IN CAE?
No. CAE is an individual, application-based credential, so each prospective participant must be evaluated and accepted individually before enrollment. CAE is not offered as an FDC- or CAS-style cohort program.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU EARN CAE?
Your Credential Can Be Verified
Your CAE credential is listed in the public SAI Credential Registry so employers, boards, organizations, institutions, clients, and others can verify it.
You Become Eligible for the Axiom Leaders Circle
After successfully earning CAE, you become eligible to participate in the Axiom Leaders Circle, providing an ongoing connection to SAI and other credentialed leaders and professionals.
You May Contribute to the Developing SAI Body of Knowledge
Through the Axiom Leaders Circle contribution pathway, you may submit white papers, case studies, and other substantive work for SAI review and possible publication. Submission does not guarantee acceptance or publication.
You Keep Access to Your Included Program Materials
Your lifetime access continues after earning CAE so you can return to the included curriculum and program materials when confronting future executive and enterprise situations.
INSTITUTIONAL & CURRICULUM LICENSING
For Institutions That Want to Use SAI Curriculum Within Their Own Programs
SAI works with educational institutions, business programs, SBDCs, and other organizations interested in adopting or licensing SAI curriculum for use within their own educational or organizational programs.
Why Isn't a Price Published?
Institutional arrangements can differ in the curriculum being licensed, number of participants, method of deployment, licensing rights, and intended use.
For that reason, SAI first determines what the institution wants to use and how it intends to use it before providing institutional licensing terms and pricing.
QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU PURCHASE OR ENROLL?
Ask Before You Commit.
If anything about the $89 Business Constraint Diagnostic™, group deployment, FDC, CAS, CAE, or institutional licensing is unclear, contact SAI before making a purchase or enrollment decision.
Strengthen the Individual. Strengthen the Family. Strengthen the Company. Strengthen America.