Frequently Asked Questions

We invite you to call, email, or chat with us. Our training advisers are happy to discuss your training goals with you and help you determine what course will be of the most benefit to you. You can download our infographic (PDF) to help identify the right course for you. Click here to download.

You will enjoy our professionally-designed curriculum that embraces adult learning theory and methodologies to engage your learning style and ensure understanding and application.

You will learn from the best. Our trainers are skilled presenters and subject matter experts who are committed to providing you an in-depth, dynamic learning experience.

You will have immediate credentials. We are the most trusted name in the industry, celebrating three decades as the global leader in protocol and etiquette training.

You will have access to networking globally and the opportunity to build professional relationships with your peers.

Your training is recognized by Fortune 500 corporations, federal and state governments, the armed services, associations, academia and private consultants.

You will attend a school that is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

You can count on receiving a powerful boost in reaching your personal and professional development goals.

Your success is our success! We provide mentoring and privileged advice to our students and alumni.

PSOW alumni are impacting global diplomacy every day. These alumni are liaising between cultures; they are creating lasting memories for VIPs and guests, and making a living as ambassadors of civility.

As a recognized name in the industry, PSOW graduates carry a name that resonates across academia, military, government and corporate worlds.

Upon graduation from The Protocol School of Washington, the learning journey has only begun for our Alumni. We are attuned to alumni growth and tailor continued education to their specific needs as protocol and etiquette professionals. We provide mentoring and privileged advice indefinitely.

Our students’ safety is extremely important, and as such, we are taking the appropriate precautions to prepare for those attending PSOW courses. We are closely monitoring the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for guidance regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. In addition, we are collaborating with the host venues to ensure classrooms are stocked with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to maintain a hygienic environment for interactive instruction and student collaboration. Here is a link for more information from the Marriott: www2.psow.edu/marriott_clean.

For the latest coronavirus information, please refer to the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or your local health authority.

Yes! The Protocol School of Washington is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (www.ACCET.org). ACCET is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. As an accredited institution we continue to review, monitor, and revise our curriculum, instructional delivery, and facilitators in order to ensure the highest quality education and training. www.psow.edu/accreditation-credentials

Yes! In order to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs), you must attend at least 90% of the course. You must also actively participate in all exercises and activities and demonstrate an understanding and comprehension of the tasks assigned. Facilitators and the Training Manager will observe and evaluate your participation to determine if you understand the material and if you pass or fail the course, for the purpose of awarding CEUs.

Yes! The robust curriculum from The Protocol School of Washington's flagship, classroom-based course for protocol professionals is also available online. Our experienced instructors are leaders in the field of operational protocol and will teach you the skills necessary to plan and implement special events, orchestrate VIP visits, and execute official ceremonies.

During these live, online courses you will collaborate and network directly with other students and interact with subject matter experts while expanding your business leadership skills. Whether you need to develop new protocol skills or would like to refresh and enhance your current knowledge, you can select one module, several modules, or the entire package. Students who complete the entire 13-module online training package will earn a Protocol Officer Training certificate from The Protocol School of Washington and will become members of our alumni network.

To learn more, visit: www.psow.edu/online.

During training, students receive extensive and comprehensive manuals along with several resource books and an on-line international database research tool. Additional resources include: An alumni-only LinkedIn page for networking with other graduates, industry-specific articles and/or media, regular job announcements, and educational summits. And, the School provides complimentary, on-going support to its graduates.

The Protocol School of Washington's standards and expected performance objectives are measured on a pass/fail system. Ninety percent (90%) cumulative attendance in the classroom is required for graduation. Any course specific performance objectives are provided on the course details page.

Protocol is the fine art and science of facilitating events for people of different cultures to find common purpose, engage strategic and sensitive issues, and create relationships and memories for a lifetime.

Tuition and travel expenses are tax deductible for U.S. citizens. All expenses of continuing education taken to maintain and improve professional skills are tax deductible according to Treasury Regulation 1.162-5 Coughlin vs. Commissioner, 203 F2d 307. Please contact your accountant for details.

As a student service to our graduates, the School shares job announcements provided to us in the areas of protocol and etiquette. Note: our programs do not imply job placement directly or indirectly - they are meant to outclass the competition.

We are unable to provide financial aid or provide scholarships as a result of our accreditation status. We are accredited as an avocational school by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and therefore do not have access to Title IV funds.

We have had success assisting students to be funded by their company to attend our trainings. If you would like, we can create a business case for you to justify your training with us.

Acceptance of The Protocol School of Washington's courses, CEUs or certificate of completion by another institution is at the discretion of the other institution.

The Protocol School of Washington does not accept credits from other institutions or award credit for life or work experience.

Students who are citizens of a foreign country and plan to enter the United States must generally first obtain a U.S. visa prior to travel. As visa requirements vary by country, The Protocol School of Washington is unable to assist with requests for travel visas.

For our students' convenience, we have compiled links to resources that will provide guidance for those who wish to travel to the U.S. to attend our classes.

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