Online 13-Module Protocol Professional Certificate Program

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ONLINE 13-MODULE PROTOCOL OFFICER TRAINING CERTIFICATE

The Protocol School of Washington's Online Instructor-Led Distance Learning Program

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, instructor-led distance learning (IDL) modules, 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.

Tuition: 13-module Protocol Officer Training certificate program - US$6,500.00

PSOW Alumni/Graduate Tuition: 13-module Protocol Officer Training certificate program - US$6,175.00

Downloadable 13-Module Course Description (PDF)

Downloadable Training Syllabus

Interested in taking individual modules only? Check out these available courses.

13-Module Protocol Officer Training Certificate Program

Students participating in the Protocol Officer Training certificate program will receive:

An understanding of functional business, government, military and international protocol;
Personal leadership skills development;
Strategies for using influential leadership when problem-solving and dealing with difficult people;
The expertise to confidently and appropriately apply protocol formulas in the most complex and critical situations;
Instruction and guidance for understanding the traditions and rituals of international ceremonies and state visits;
Strategies for planning VIP visits, accommodations, motorcades, and security

Course Modules

Students who complete the entire 13-module training package will receive a copy of "Honor & Respect: The Official Guide to Names, Titles, and Forms of Address" by Robert Hickey, earn a digital Protocol Officer Training certificate from The Protocol School of Washington, and will become members of our alumni network.

Pricing for the online Protocol Officer Training certificate is US$6500 for new students.

Graduate/Alumni pricing for the online Protocol Officer Training certificate is US$6175.

Individual Modules - Class Descriptions and Pricing

Available Now

Titles and Forms of Address During the class, "Titles and Forms of Address," protocol professionals will learn how and when to use titles and forms of address in different situations; make proper introductions using titles, degrees, ranks, and ratings; and apply these fundamentals to daily operational protocol activities. Course fee: US$599. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

Protocol History, Precedence, and Positioning Students will cover the origin, early history, and definition of protocol. Students will be able to define precedence; understand the usage and importance of this fundamental protocol tool; determine precedence of individuals, organizations, and states; and demonstrate a working knowledge of precedence in various situations. Course fee: US$599. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

VIP Management Students will learn the guest experience cycle to plan a visit; the various types of visits and their purposes; how to receive guests and manage hospitality; apply escorting techniques when walking beside a guest, walking through a door, holding an umbrella, and other scenarios; manage event traffic flow; anticipate and fulfill guest needs without crossing the magic line; and manage official travel and accommodations for VIPs. Course fee: US$599. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

Seating Arrangements for Official Visits Students will learn and apply the factors involved in creating effective seating arrangements; determine the key elements for social and business seating; define the various types of seating arrangements; and identify nuances to consider when hosting international guests and guests with special needs. Course fee: US$599. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

Logistics and Event Management Protocol demands that every detail, no matter how small, is given appropriate attention. This is particularly true when designing a program for a principal figure or incoming distinguished guests. Flights, ground transportation, accommodations, meals, security, and a whole host of other logistical details must be planned and confirmed to ensure a successful visit. This class addresses the basic logistical concerns that every protocol officer must consider when hosting major events. Course fee: US$599. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

Protocol for Official Ceremonies Ceremonial protocol is the set of procedures governing etiquette and precedence when organizing and hosting an official event. Students will learn about a variety of ceremonies, avoid potential pitfalls when planning a ceremony, and gain the skills to make a ceremonial event a success. Course fee: US$499. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

National Flags and Logo Etiquette Students will be able to understand appropriate flag displays; learn the similarities and differences in flag displays by geographic region and international organizations; determine flag and logo precedence; and recognize principles that govern the display of flags and become familiar with patriotic customs and observances. Course fee: US$499. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

International Protocol and Diplomacy: The Impact of Culture on Protocol Students will build a vocabulary to describe cultural influences; develop a strategy for adapting plans to consider the culture of visitors; understand the elements of cross-cultural communication; build knowledge to make strong situational-based decisions; and develop tools and resources for researching specific international customs. Course fee: US$499. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

Diplomatic Gifts Students will identify the key elements to consider when selecting an appropriate gift; determine gifts for guests and understand how culture affects the gift selection; identify tracking mechanisms appropriate for your organization; and understand the parameters of official gifts for government officials. Course fee: US$499. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

Personal Diplomacy & Dining Skills Students will prepare a pre-meeting action plan to conduct international business; identify appropriate business attire and dress codes, demonstrate giving appropriate eye signals and a correct handshake; learn how to make introductions using rank and use appropriate conversations skills and demonstrate presenting and receiving business cards. After learning personal diplomacy, students will learn the planning elements of official entertaining and receiving lines, practice the role of a host, guest of honor or guest, demonstrate how to dine using various styles of dining, create menu cards for different occasions; and how to set various place settings, silverware, glassware and decorations. Course fee: US$499. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

Military Protocol Students will learn about military protocol; become familiar with military customs, courtesies and traditions; learn tips in working with the U.S. military; and understand the need for protocol in the deployed environment. Course fee: US$499. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

Leadership and Providing Legendary Service Students will be able to identify the four factors that drive protocol success; be able to define the definition of “The Balanced Scorecard”; identify the business components that result in financial results; provide examples of a “perfect protocol experience”; identify the two types of protocol excellence; define legendary service; identify the methods of delivery; demonstrate ways to deliver protocol excellence using people, place, and process; explain the role of consistency in protocol success; and understand the importance of time management to protocol effectiveness. Course fee: US$599. For flexibility, students may enroll in one class at a time or purchase all 13 modules to earn the Protocol Officer Training certificate (US$6500).

Who Should Attend?

This training is designed for professionals who require competency as (or wish to learn the skills necessary to be) an operational protocol officer – one who holds an office of trust, authority or command who must understand and ensure the appropriate rules of international protocol and public affairs. Basic computer skills are suggested.

Online Protocol training is ideal for:

Government and Industry Protocol Officers
Embassy Personnel
Government Relations and International Marketing and Sales Representatives
Meeting Professionals and Special Event Planners for Government Agencies and Corporations
Schools, Colleges & Universities: Event Planners, Donor Relations, International Student Relations
Public Affairs Officers and Public Relations Practitioners
Human Resources and Customer Relations Personnel
International Corporate and Government Representatives
Administrative Professionals
Private Consultants and Corporate Trainers

Course Requirements: Technology and Language Proficiency

PSOW's instructor-led distance learning is delivered over Microsoft Teams and Zoom**. No software purchase is necessary. Students will be invited as guests from PSOW's accounts.

Participation in the PSOW online courses requires:

Intermediate level proficiency in spoken and written English. All lessons/modules, class assignments, and breakout sessions are conducted in English. All materials are provided in English.
An internet connection - broadband wired, wireless, or mobile (3G or 4G/LTE). Recommended bandwidth of 2.5mbps (up/down).
A computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or mobile device.
Speakers and a microphone - built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth
A webcam or HD webcam - built-in or USB plug-in
Supported browsers - Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Chrome. Microsoft Teams will no longer support Internet Explorer 11. Current versions of Firefox work with most Microsoft Teams features, however, not all.

* Access via mobile device will require downloading the Microsoft Teams Application and the Zoom Application version 5.0.

** To ensure the privacy of all attendees, students will enter a "waiting room" for each virtual class, allowing the training manager to vet attendees prior to entry. In addition, Zoom meetings have been set up with a password and will be shared within the Microsoft Teams platform, which requires a password to access. The recording feature has been disabled for trainees and at no time will PSOW record trainees during a virtual class without their explicit consent.

Please review the f ull listing of Zoom system requirements for PC, Mac, and Linux. You can test your connection to Zoom through their test site at https://zoom.us/test.

Please review a full listing of MS Teams system requirements whether accessing via the desktop app or web app for PC, Mac, or Linux.

Class Time Commitment

Each module in the 13-week online certificate program for protocol professionals requires 1-2 hours of pre-work each week, in addition to approximately 3 hours of virtual class time each week.

Classes are presented in English using the platforms listed in Course Requirements. To ensure the best student experience, English language proficiency and basic computer skills are required.