Certification Programme
Specialist Qualification Programmes · Lead, Teach, InspireBeyond Mere Study
— A Gateway to Global Authority
ICPA Certification is not merely a training programme. It is a gateway to becoming an internationally recognised authority — a professional acknowledged in the realms of diplomacy, global business, and refined society.
ICPA stands as Japan’s sole institution accredited in 2020 as the national representative of LEPSW (Leading Etiquette and Protocol Schools of the World) — the prestigious European VIP Protocol consortium that admits only one institution per nation. Official certifications and qualifying examinations are issued by IPAA (International Protocol Accreditation Association), ICPA’s partner organisation.
ICPA Certified Specialists attain a distinguished position — possessing both social sovereignty commanding respect from the world’s most influential figures, and academic rigour. While this is a teaching qualification, its value extends far beyond the classroom: it provides the intellectual foundation and authority to flourish as Executive Coaches, Strategic Advisers, and Global Consultants at the forefront of the world stage.
This certification is
the path to global influence
Those Who
Study With Us
ICPA Certification welcomes distinguished individuals from across the world — those who wish to flourish as protocol specialists, and those who seek to elevate their careers and influence to international standards. Each person finds the certification best suited to their position and aspiration.
Government Protocol Officers
Those serving in foreign ministries, embassies, consulates, and international organisations. They study diplomatic ceremonial — both academically and practically — for the formal occasions where they represent their nation. The Certified International Diplomatic Protocol Specialist qualification is particularly well received.
Executives, Directors & Founders
CEOs, CFOs, and Board Directors aspiring to expand internationally. They acquire executive bearing and strategic protocol for global business. The Certified Global Executive Protocol Specialist qualification (The Executive Pinnacle) has gained widespread support.
Etiquette Instructors & Aspiring Professionals
Existing etiquette school and seminar instructors, and those newly aspiring to independence in this field. They systematise world-class knowledge and elevate their careers to the next dimension. The Certified International Social Protocol Specialist and Certified Japanese Social Protocol Specialist qualifications are most popular.
Bilingual Instruction Specialists
Those teaching Japanese protocol to foreigners in English, and those communicating Japanese culture on the international stage. By acquiring the Certified Japanese Social Protocol Specialist and Certified Japanese Diplomatic Protocol Specialist qualifications bilingually, opportunities abroad expand substantially.
Organisational Delegates
Those dispatched by embassies, government agencies, global corporations, hospitality establishments, and educational institutions — representing their organisations. ICPA cultivates them as embodiments of institutional refinement.
Those Establishing Their Own Academy
Those envisioning their own protocol school, coaching business, or consultancy. Through ICPA certification and the franchise system, they leverage an established brand and proven infrastructure.
The Transformation
That Awaits
Acquiring ICPA Certification is not merely the addition of a title. Knowledge and refinement are updated, and one’s career and life are elevated to the next dimension — a transformation our graduates consistently report.
Updated Knowledge & Refinement
World-class protocol, diplomatic ceremonial, and cultural refinement are systematically acquired. With over 3,000 pages of specialist materials and case studies from across nations, you reach depths far beyond surface-level etiquette.
Elevation of Career & Life
The acquired certification is directly applied to your career and life. Your standing is elevated, confidence deepens, and the quality and influence of your activities are transformed with certainty.
A New Circle of Acquaintance
With world-class refinement and expertise, the quality of those with whom you engage changes. Dignified dialogue and exchange with those at the forefront of every field becomes part of daily life.
A Force of Global Influence
Your intellect and refinement come to influence ever more people. Certified specialists become forces of influence in the world’s most exceptional venues — generating new value.
Doors That Open
For our graduates who become ICPA Certified Specialists, the following opportunities specifically unfold.
Invitations to embassy and international organisation receptions
Opportunities to participate in state functions and official events
Networks with distinguished individuals across cultural boundaries
Contact with royal circles and high-net-worth society
Strategic advisory to corporate directors and executives
International media engagements, speaking, and publishing
Distinguished Recognition
— Why Transformation Occurs at ICPA
The ground upon which we speak of “global authority” lies in the institutions and individuals who have entrusted their faith to ICPA. From international accreditation, honorary patronage, state engagement, to the world’s most distinguished corporations — trust has been bestowed upon us.
International Accreditation
LEPSW · Leading Etiquette and Protocol Schools of the WorldICPA was admitted to LEPSW, the renowned European VIP Protocol consortium, in 2020 as Japan’s sole accredited institution — the country’s representative. LEPSW admits only one institution per nation; this is the highest international accreditation.
Honorary Patronage
Ambassador Ayman Kamel · Order of the Rising SunHis Excellency Ambassador Ayman Kamel — former Egyptian Ambassador to Japan, current Ambassador to Slovakia, and recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star (2024) — graciously serves as ICPA’s Honorary Patron.
Strategic Partnership
The English Manner · William HansonICPA holds a strategic partnership with The English Manner — renowned for its ceremonial instruction in British royal circles — with the personal endorsement of Director William Hanson.
State Engagement
United Nations · US Forces Japan / AFSOCThrough training contracts with the United Nations, and instruction of US Forces Japan and AFSOC (Air Force Special Operations Command) Chief of Protocol officers, ICPA has delivered protocol education to the world’s most distinguished institutions.
Corporate Engagement
Netflix · Toyoda Trike CorporationEngagements include British gentleman’s etiquette consultation for Netflix’s “10DANCE” (featuring Keita Machida), and executive protocol training for Toyoda Trike Corporation (descendants of Toyota’s founding family) — entrusted by the most distinguished corporations.
Global Reach
Europe · North America · Middle East · AsiaICPA graduates flourish across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia as ICPA Certified Specialists — active in distinguished settings. From Dubai to Monaco, the Czech Republic to the United Kingdom, ICPA’s education blossoms upon the world’s most renowned stages.
The Eight Certifications
— Registry of Global Protocol Specialist Qualifications
Eight internationally recognised qualifications, jointly awarded by ICPA and IPAA. Five at International Standard and three in Japanese Protocol — each certifying profound expertise in its domain, opening the gateway to authority on the global stage.
Certified International Business Protocol Specialist
Strategic protocol and cross-cultural adaptability in global business.
Certified International Social Protocol Specialist
Refined social engagement, cultivation, and advisory expertise on the international stage.
Certified International Gentlemanship Specialist
Distinction and cultivation in international society, designed for male leaders.
Certified International Diplomatic Protocol Specialist
Diplomatic ceremonial, refined upper-class etiquette, and protocol at the state level.
Certified Global Executive Protocol Specialist
— The Executive Pinnacle
The integration of social, business, and diplomatic protocol. ICPA’s apex qualification for those who stand alongside the world’s most distinguished figures.
Certified Japanese Business Protocol Specialist
The fusion of Japan’s distinct business logic with global standards.
Certified Japanese Social Protocol Specialist
The codes of conduct, traditional culture, and elevated cultural refinement of Japanese society.
Certified Japanese Diplomatic Protocol Specialist
The heart of Japan’s diplomatic ceremonial, imperial culture, and traditional protocol.
Master of Protocol
The apex title of our Academy. Awarded only to a select few who have completed and earned certification in three specialist programmes, including either the Certified International Social Protocol Specialist or the Certified International Gentlemanship Specialist.
A Rigorous Standard of Distinction
— Four Levels of Recognition
The certification examination administered by IPAA is a rigorous process scored out of 1,000 points. Four levels of distinction are awarded based on score — a testament to one’s expertise and refinement on the international stage.
Elite Specialist — The Apex
The highest rank, fully embodying the ICPA spirit and capable of guiding others. The mark of a chosen leader at the world’s summit.
Advanced Specialist — The Distinguished
Commanding advanced knowledge with mastery, capable of exceptional judgement. A presence of authority on the international stage.
Accredited Specialist — The Endorsed
Surpassing rigorous standards and officially endorsed. The hallmark of a professional widely recognised in their field.
Certified Specialist — The Certified
Having mastered international standards — the foundation from which to pursue further heights as a professional.
The Power of Executive Status
— Professional Advantages
Four authorities granted to ICPA Certified Specialists — true assets for executives flourishing on the world stage.
Formal authority to deliver official ICPA programmes under a globally respected brand.
Acquire prestigious authority to establish your own academy or to elevate existing advisory practice.
Opportunities open for collaboration with embassies, royal households, and multinational corporations — placing you at the forefront of global value creation.
As a certified expert, contribute to the evolution of international protocol education — a leading intellect on the world stage.
Lifelong Partnership
Beyond the Certification
Unlike other institutions, ICPA remains a lifelong partner to its graduates — supporting your career and activities long after certification. Certification is not the end; it is the beginning of an enduring partnership with ICPA. Through our Membership, graduates enter a lifelong relationship with the Founding Principal.
Over 3,000 Pages of
Specialist Textbooks
A systematically organised collection of world-class specialist textbooks, structured by discipline. A lifelong treasury of knowledge, accessible exclusively to certified specialists.
A Complete Set of
Instructional Slides
Approximately 30 topics per discipline, each with 30–50 instructional slides. A complete teaching toolkit that enables certified specialists to commence professional activities immediately.
Authority to Teach
Domestically & Internationally
Official qualification to teach international protocol, not only within Japan but globally. The authority to flourish on the world stage.
A Complete
Business Model
A path to substantial compensation through the sale and delivery of official ICPA programmes. Further, the opportunity to develop and offer original programmes — inheriting an established business foundation.
Personal Advisory from
the Founding Principal
Regular personal consultations with Founding Principal Mirei Cecilia Hakuba. Counsel on study, business, and professional activity — with the most trusted authority in the field.
The ICPA Network
& VIP Events
A network of ICPA Certified Specialists active at the forefront of their fields worldwide. Distinguished membership levels — Associate, Fellow, and Distinguished Fellow — within a community gathered exclusively for the chosen few.
School Establishment Support
For those who aspire to establish their own protocol school and expand it across the world. Comprehensive support through the franchise plan, including educational material usage rights, ICPA logo usage rights, and access to the international brand. Build your own authority — across the world.
Six Foundations of Executive Success
— The Architecture of Authority
Not merely a qualification — but the intellectual architecture of world authority. These six foundations sustain the weight and distinction of ICPA Certification.
Strategic Business Growth
— The Foundation of Sustainable Enterprise
ICPA Certification is not merely an addition to a career — it is a strategic investment providing the foundation for a sustainable, high-margin enterprise.
Two Licensing Models
— Choose the Path That Suits Your Vision
ICPA offers two distinct licensing paths, tailored to your mission. Whether you stand independently or expand as an organisation, a path awaits aligned with your vision.
Executive Trainer
Executive Trainer Licence
Executive coaches, individual trainers, advisers
Individual Certified Specialist
Delivery of ICPA programmes, private coaching
Use of official ICPA academic materials
Standard · Strategic consultation
Certification badge · Institutional endorsement
Franchise
Franchise Licence
Corporations, educational institutions
Registered corporations
Multiple instructor deployment, enterprise training
Internal customisation of materials permitted
Premium · Concierge-Level Support
Full Brand Usage · Marketing Rights
The Ideal Candidate
— Are You Among Them?
ICPA Certification is a programme for those who carry a distinguished aspiration. If any of the following speaks to you, you may be among them.
Executive Coaches & Advisers
Executive Coaches & Advisors
Professionals who wish to validate their influence on high-status clients through a globally recognised standard.
Educators of Excellence
Aspiring Educators of Excellence
Those devoted to teaching global protocol at the highest academic level.
Visionary Entrepreneurs
Visionary Entrepreneurs
Those who aspire to establish their own distinguished academy upon a proven, world-class system.
Cultivators of the Next Generation
Leaders of the Next Generation
Professionals dedicated to passing on the DNA of refinement and tradition to future leaders.
Take the First Step
Toward Global Authority
Take Your First Step Towards Global Excellence
Joining the ICPA Certification Programme is an opportunity to fundamentally transform your career and your influence.
For prospectus requests, consultations, and applications, please use the link below.
All enquiries are managed with the utmost confidentiality.