Direct answer
A consultant scopes a problem, delivers a recommendation or output, and disengages. A fractional CTO provides ongoing technical leadership — direction, decisions, team management, and strategic planning — on a part-time basis.
In practice, the roles blur. Many engagements start as consulting (an operating diagnostic, a tech stack review) and evolve into something closer to fractional leadership as the relationship deepens.
When to use each
- Consultant: defined problem, specific deliverable, time-limited (diagnostic, workshop, stack review)
- Fractional CTO: ongoing technical leadership needs, regular cadence, open-ended or 3–12 month engagement