Commercial Diplomacy - Association of Certified Commercial Diplomats

Qualified Certified Diplomat

QCD award and designation is one of the most rigorous continuing professional training programmes for Commercial Diplomats at ACCD (the global Professional Body for Commercial Diplomats) today. A practitioner who is awarded "Mastership" in Commercial Diplomacy (MCDipl) has been recognized by other professional practitioners as a leader and example to other diplomats of the importance of quality continuing diplomatic education. A commercial diplomat who has qualified and earned the designation "Qualified Certified Diplomat" (QCD) has completed a structured and demanding set of requirements involving aII the required disciplines and projects.

QCD Status

Rigorous training, examination and experience lead to the award of a Mastership in Commercial Diplomacy, which is the statutory qualification for a commercial diplomat, together with an understanding of related subjects. ACCD works closely with diplomatic missions, and other diplomatic and educational institutions to ensure that candidates have the appropriate skills and knowledge to qualify for Mastership. Therefore, this Mastership provides exemption from the requirements of the QCD award. Successful practitioners who are awarded the Mastership in Commercial Diplomacy will be exempt from the academic requirements; and will only be required to submit a professional portfolio followed by Peer Interview in order to qualify for Qualified Certified Diplomat status.

Target Group

legal practitioners, government officials, senior executives, middle-level/senior decision-makers in ministries of foreign affairs, commerce, finance, agriculture, industry, foreign trade and or justice, investment dispute consultants, trade, commercial and economic officers, advisers/consultants and other professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and understanding of commercial diplomacy, international trade relations or development, in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

Qualifying

The commercial diplomat requires all the finesse and knowledge of foreign cultures required by a traditional diplomat. In addition, the commercial diplomat must acquire a wide range of analytical, advocacy, public relations, anti-corruption and negotiating skills. To qualify for QCD Award, applicant must earn a minimum of Level 8 approved continuing diplomatic education (Doctoral level) and pass a comprehensive tests of understanding (question examination). The applicant is required to be an ACCD Fellow prior to submitting application for accreditation. While attaining QCD is a challenge, it allows practitioners to remain current with what is new in commercial diplomacy field, and to incorporate the latest research techniques into their practices.

Attaining QCD

To attain QCD, members must meet minimum requirements in Mastership or certain Doctoral disciplines (PhD level in related field), of which significant hours are hands-on courses. Thus, a Qualified Certified Diplomat has taken a total of up to 36 months of continuing professional diplomatic education. A QCD has studied all approved disciplines in related field.

QCD Accreditation Symbolism