About The International Civility Trainers’ Consortium

If you are someone who is working in the civility training field, or if you are thinking about starting a civility training business, please consider that if you call yourself a civility trainer you must  then present yourself in a truthful, responsible way. ICTC validated certification programs range from minimum 40 hours to 240 hours of required training and all certification programs require that candidates pass exams, complete interview with ICTC Board members, show evidence of field experience, and meet additional requirements depending on the Certification program they are working towards. ICTC takes credentials very seriously. ICTC Standards are not “de facto” standards, they are actual, industry validated, internationally reviewed, and in some cases government and/or institution endorsed.  Individuals using ICTC certification badges without permission, and/or suggesting in print or orally that they are authorized representatives or graduates of ICTC if they are not, and/or individuals claiming ownership of validated programs or materials if they are not the original and true copyright holder of those materials, will be held accountable including legal consequences.

Please also consider the damage you can do to your own reputation as well as to the industry overall when you use the label “certified” in reference to a program that is not validated e.g., programs you buy online for $99 or $299 and/or credentials that someone offers you based on your completing a few quiz questions or a short, e.g., 3-hour online course. When you teach civility, you are potentially impacting how people – and in some cases young, impressionable, people – think, how they live, and how they treat others, this is an important responsibility that demands practitioners spend adequate time acquiring and practicing the knowledge, skills and abilities that underpin the ability to be civil. Simply reading a book on etiquette or re-labeling other training, e.g., general image, communication, and etiquette, “civility”, does not equate to investing hundreds of hours, writing validated exams, and being assessed by industry mentors and leaders in the field. ICTC is proud to train, support, and endorse, proven expert practitioners.

ICTC’s mandate to bring together practicing civility experts from all over the world to collaborate, exchange ideas, consult, and coach each other towards building a comprehensive resource of current, relevant, and culturally-correct civility training tools and curriculum that is applicable world-wide.

ICTC offers:

• Validated civility certification programs and materials
• A rigorous review process whereby individuals and organizations can have their programs reviewed, approved, and endorsed by ICTC
• International civility standards
• Civility skills assessments
• Publishing opportunities for endorsed programs and materials
• Internationally approved, confidential and credible Certification Exams and exam administration
• Internationally recognized endorsement for individuals and organizations who are delivering programs that meet ICTC’s standards.
• A registry of certified civility trainers
• Calendar of certification program events and training opportunities
• Awards and recognition for practitioners in the field who show consistency and contribution
• Sponsorship and support for civility initiatives and events

The International Civility Trainers’ Consortium was established in 2001 by a group of 12 individuals including: university and elementary school teachers, a psychologist, childcare professionals, a sociologist, a lawyer, corporate consultants, a linguist, and several professional trainers and public speakers. The founding members represented Canada, Australia, Singapore, United States, India and Mexico. These industry practitioners, who each had specialized experience in his/her respective field collaborated to devise training curriculum focused on civility, etiquette, and social competence for ages 4+. This mission was undertaken as a means of addressing an identified gap in credible, practical curriculum that would meet the social skills development needs of children, youth, teens and adults in a way that would have meaningful application for users all around the world. Four of the original founders remain on the ICTC Board. Since 2001, ICTC has worked with industry partners, private businesses, community and international groups to customize and validate curriculum. In early 2015, the ICTC Board voted to make its validation process available to private schools, field practitioners, and industry experts who were seeking to offer their own certification programs. Working in partnership with these individuals and groups, ICTC is committed to ensuring the integrity of programs offered to the public.

• Validated programs are listed on the ICTC website. CLICK HERE
• Candidates (learners who have completed their online or in-class requirements and waiting to write the exam) for certification are listed on the ICTC website. CLICK HERE
• Approved ICTC Validated Program Resellers and Providers are listed HERE
• Individuals who have passed their certification exams and achieved various levels of certification status through ICTC are listed HERE
• ICTC currently offers some Certification programs and exams in Chinese, English, and French. Arabic and  Spanish options coming soon.