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.
The Seven Certifications
— Registry of Global Protocol Specialist Qualifications
Seven internationally recognised qualifications, jointly awarded by ICPA and IPAA. Four at International Standard and three in Japanese Protocol — each certifying profound expertise in its domain, opening the gateway to authority on the global stage.
Global Business Etiquette & Protocol Specialist
Global Business Etiquette and Protocol Specialist
Strategic protocol and cross-cultural adaptability in global business.
International Social Etiquette & Protocol Specialist
International Social Etiquette and Protocol Specialist
Refined social engagement, cultivation, and advisory expertise on the international stage.
International Gentlemanship Specialist
International Gentlemanship Specialist
Distinction and cultivation in international society, designed for male leaders.
International Diplomatic Protocol Specialist
International Diplomatic Protocol Specialist
Diplomatic ceremonial, refined upper-class etiquette, and protocol at the state level.
Japanese Business Etiquette & Protocol Specialist
Japanese Business Etiquette and Protocol Specialist
The fusion of Japan’s distinct business logic with global standards.
Japanese Social Etiquette & Protocol Specialist
Japanese Social Etiquette and Protocol Specialist
The codes of conduct, traditional culture, and elevated cultural refinement of Japanese society.
Japanese Diplomatic Protocol Specialist
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 International Social Etiquette & Protocol Specialist or the 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.
Doors Opened to Certified Specialists
— A Complete Ecosystem of Mastery
ICPA Certification is not an endpoint, but an entrance — into a comprehensive ecosystem designed to support a lifetime of distinction as a world-class professional.
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.