Independent Certifying Authority  ·  Established 2020 · Tokyo
IPAA International Protocol Accreditation Association JA
Examinations

Disciplines

The Examination System

Six disciplines,
one scale

Three fields — social, business and diplomatic — offered in two series, international and national. Every examination may be sat in Japanese or in English, and the language is recorded on the certificate.

We do not set separate papers for separate grades. All candidates in a discipline sit the same examination, and the grade awarded follows from the marks obtained.

International Series

The International Series

IInternational

International Social Protocol

Conduct in international social settings, and the ability to read a room

IIInternational

International Business Protocol

Negotiation, hospitality and cross-cultural judgement in international business

IIIInternational

International Diplomatic Protocol

Diplomatic ceremony, international conferences and formal occasions

Japan Series

The Japan Series

IVJapan

Japanese Social Protocol

Conduct and custom rooted in Japanese social life

VJapan

Japanese Business Protocol

Custom in Japanese business, and the reading of unspoken signals

VIJapan

Japanese Diplomatic Protocol

Japanese diplomatic ceremony and formal state occasions

Beyond the Six

What lies further

Those who attain the First Grade may proceed to the practical assessment and seek accreditation as a specialist.

Specialist

International Protocol Specialist

Specialist

Bilingual Protocol Specialist

Specialist accreditation is open to members of the association. The grades and marking are set out on the Grades page.
Next Step

Sitting the examination

Review the grades and marking, then apply for the discipline of your choosing.

Preparation may be undertaken at ICPA, the International Protocol Academy.