The International Education Professional Certificate (IEPC), created in partnership with NAFSA, Times Higher Education, and Common Purpose, is designed to empower you at different stages in your career. Whether you are a recent graduate entering the field or a mid-career manager, the IEPC gives you the tools and guidance you need to take control over your professional development and advancement. Packed with resources and practical exercises which you can directly apply to your own daily work environment, the program acts as a playbook for your career progression.
Via a comprehensive, 12-module online course delivered asynchronously online, the IEPC consists of four packages: Decision Making, Compliance Care, Inclusive Programs, and Agile Leadership. The content is built upon the NAFSA International Education Professional Competencies™ 2.0 and is led by Subject Matter Experts who share their own personal experiences and lessons learned.
IEPC One World Program
Developing the Next Global Generation of International Education Leaders
The One World Program brings together a global cohort of international education professionals for a collaborative, three-month learning experience. Participants engage with a flexible online course, complemented by live, interactive Zoom sessions designed to encourage meaningful peer learning and practical application.
The program launches on September 18 with an Opening Workshop featuring Dr. Fanta Aw, Executive Director & CEO of NAFSA, and concludes on December 10 with a final Reflection Workshop.
Be part of a global community. Learn, share, and lead.
The IEPC is a stackable credential that builds upon your skills, abilities and your confidence. You can purchase an individual package—each containing three modules—or save money by completing the full program.
Decision Making
Build core foundational competencies, including:
People Development
Business Acumen
Data Collection and Analysis
Together, they offer a well-rounded skill set which will enable you to foster creative growth within yourself, your colleagues and your institution or organization.
This package will support you with creating and following policies and regulations that raise the profile of your institution internationally and protect your brand against the risks specific to international education.
When combined, these modules will illustrate how to design and deliver inclusive and accessible programs that are impactful and informed by model practices.
These modules emphasize building supportive networks, managing partnerships, and engaging diverse stakeholders by articulating value propositions effectively.
The IEPC is an opportunity to accelerate your team’s professional development and give individuals the structure and guidance they need to advance their skill set.
Dive into the IEPC
Watch this special webinar hosted by NAFSA, Times Higher Education, and Common Purpose.
Get a clear overview of what to expect when enrolling in the program.
Take a sneak peek inside the Learner Management System to see how the course looks and feels as you go through each module.
Learn about the foundation of IEPC—how it was designed and the core principles that shape its content and purpose.
Program Reviews
“I really enjoyed the first module of the International Education Professional Certificate and found added value in the three competencies covered. I'm excited for the next module!"
"The reflection notes at the end of the sessions were incredibly helpful in identifying my weaknesses, strengths, and attitudes related to the competencies. The action plans were a well structured part of the course that allowed me to reflect deeply. I found them extremely useful."
"The SMEs (subject matter experts) selected for the modules were very well-chosen, and the resources provided were extremely helpful. I would absolutely recommend the IEPC to colleagues, especially those working in the international office."
At the current promotional pricing, the full certificate course costs USD$695 for NAFSA members and $795 for non-members. Packages of 3 modules cost $225 for NAFSA members and $300 for non-members.
Is group pricing available?
Yes, for groups or teams working together towards International Education Competencies, special promotional rates may apply:
11-30 packages/Certificates = 10% discount on either member/nonmember price
31-50 packages/Certificates = 15% discount on either member/nonmember price
Created by our partners Common Purpose, the IEPC takes place on the Evolve Careers platform, accessible via any web browser. Highly interactive, the Learner Management System (LMS) offers a modern user interface with a fresh, light, dynamic feel.
The IEPC is made up of 12 modules which are delivered asynchronously online, allowing you to access course materials and complete modules at your convenience.
We recommend you allow at least one hour to finish each of the 12 modules within the course; however, each content segment can be completed in 15-minute learning sessions at any time. The LMS will keep track of your progress so you can automatically pick up where you left off.
The course content is available on the Evolve Career platform, powered by Common Purpose. The IEPC has been developed by experts in international education, drawing upon the knowledge and experience of the NAFSA International Education Professional Competencies™ 2.0.
Each module is delivered by a Subject Matter Expert who brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the program. Together, these experts ensure that the IEPC offers comprehensive and cutting-edge training for professionals in international education.
All 12 Subject Matter Experts have been hand-selected by NAFSA because they know and understand the skills and abilities needed to excel in relation to each competency. These esteemed leaders draw heavily from their own personal experiences of supervising others and enacting change within their institution or team.
When you successfully complete the program, you will receive a personalized IEPC certificate, e-mail signature, and social media badge, which you can proudly display.
Earning the IEPC is a structured, discipline-specific way to build your strengths in NAFSA’s International Education Professional Competencies 2.0. A certificate prepares you to advance your career, stay competitive with up-to-date knowledge, and grow as a professional. Completion of a certificate demonstrates evidence of this specialized learning in international education. The IEPC does not lead to a professional certification or for continuing education credits (CEUs) such as is more commonplace in teaching or accounting. The IEPC will enhance your competencies in international education; earning a certificate is different from becoming certified. NAFSA does not offer a certification.
The certificate you receive and social media badge for the IEPC will be accessible for two years. Upon expiry, you will be invited to keep your certification active by topping up your knowledge with a refresher module(s), thereby extending its validity for an additional two years.
Cancellation requests must be made in writing through the IEPC Support form no more than 15 days after the date of purchase for trainings that have not been accessed. There is a $100 cancellation fee if the cancellation request is received in writing within 15 days of purchase. No refunds will be issued if the cancellation request is made more than 15 days after the date of purchase.
Refunds minus the cancellation fee, if approved, will be processed 2 to 4 weeks after the live virtual training takes place. If payment is made by credit card, a credit will be issued to your credit card account; otherwise, a refund check will be issued.
Requests for all other changes to registration, including transfers, must be made in writing through IEPC Support form and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You will receive a wealth of resources to help you on your learning journey. Within each module you will find:
Pre- and post-skills assessment.
Videos (with subtitles and transcripts).
Interactive quizzes.
Reflection questions.
Checklists with techniques that will enhance the quality of your work.
Extra resources recommended by subject matter experts and NAFSA with additional material to dive into including articles, books, podcasts, and newsletters.
A short- and long-term action plan with tips for your personal progression and steps to begin implementing right away.
