The Protocol School of Washington(R) Becomes First and Only 'Accredited' Business Etiquette, Image and International Protocol School in America

NEW YORK, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW) www.psow.com is to business etiquette and international protocol what Berlitz is to language, Kaplan is to education and Dale Carnegie is to personal leadership.  Officially accredited by the ACCET, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training – the U.S. Department of Education's accrediting agency – PSOW holds the distinction of becoming the first and only accredited business etiquette, image and international protocol school in the country.  Although recognized as the industry leader since 1988, accreditation means PSOW joins the ranks of established, brand name, accredited industry leaders like Berlitz, Kaplan, Dale Carnegie and Saudi Aramco (the last being important because PSOW just began trainings in Dubai under the patronage of The Protocol Department of Dubai).  After a stringent one-year process PSOW met the higher education standards of the ACCET assuring students they'll receive the highest quality education in the field and one Continuing Education Unit of credit (CEU) for every ten hours of participation in three PSOW programs:  Train to be a Corporate Etiquette & International Protocol Consultant, Protocol Officer Training and Train to be a Business Image Coach.

Usually a two-year process, PSOW fast-tracked the accreditation process receiving ratings of "Excellence" for curriculum, facility and instructional delivery."  According to the ACCET: "PSOW's mission, goals and purpose provide a sound quality education to students and assures the public they've attained a threshold of knowledge of the highest standard – it communicates that programs are educationally sound, up-to-date, of high quality and demonstrably effective."  It also ensures PSOW's listing in two directories: the American Council on Education and the Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation.  

"We were thoroughly vetted and evaluated – during actual training and at our administrative office – and we're beyond thrilled to be the first in our industry to meet the ACCET's gold standard of excellence," says PSOW President Pamela Eyring, who adds, "I bought the school five years ago because it was the industry leader but my competitive side needed this outside endorsement that validates (and underscores) that our educational programs offer quality, performance and integrity that's a notch above the competition."  Cat Sharpe Russo, former Director for American Society of Training and Development Press said accreditation was equal to receiving the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval:  "Training at an Accredited Institution is like putting a degree next to your name."

Growth in a Down Market

Eyring's vision for PSOW is that accreditation will grow the school, potentially by 20% in 2010.  "Whether a student is a CEO or virtual intern accreditation assures them that they're getting a ROI on their money and their time."  Accreditation also provides a broader client base.  Many industries (and government bodies like the Veterans Administration) have funds allocated for accredited schools offering higher education.  Whether money is allocated to help a corporate employee complete an MBA or enhance the skill set of a customer service rep, accreditation means PSOW has access to deeper pockets.  Laurie White, Protocol Officer for NORAD, said accreditation status was instrumental in her attending the school while Lockheed Martin's Courtney Burleson, Events & Protocol Officer, went one step further saying it helped her get approval to attend the February training and: "They paid for my training with money set aside for only accredited institutions."

For PSOW another deep pocket is the military.  The Department Of Defense's Military Spouse Career Advancement program offers up to $6,000 to military spouses interested in pursuing credentials leading to high growth, high demand portable careers.  This includes spouses of active duty members of all branches of the military (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard) and activated members of the National Guard and Reserve Components.  "We're constantly fielding calls from military spouses asking if the school is accredited; and now we are," says Eyring who adds, "we still need the DOD to sign off on the paperwork but we're confident that'll happen by mid-April."  Eyring should know.  She grew up in the military and was the first civilian to hold the post of Chief of Protocol at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.  

For PSOW accreditation wasn't free: staff and prep time to cull and present course curriculum cost about $30,000.  Despite the recession the school made the investment because Eyring wanted the public to know how serious she is about keeping PSOW one step ahead of the competition.

The timing for accreditation couldn't be better.  Business etiquette and international protocol have always been important (if not necessary) but in an economic downturn 'soft skills' (from e-etiquette to proper business attire) have morphed into 'hard skills' – even a slight misstep can make the difference between getting a job or successfully negotiating a new business contract.

PSOW has trained over 3,000 graduates from 45 countries with facilitators hailing from The White House, the Disney Institute, the Smithsonian and corporate America.  Students come to D.C. for training from as far away as the UAE, Barbados, Bulgaria, China, Great Britain, Ghana, India, Switzerland and the West Indies.  The school was founded in 1988 to meet the needs of an expanding global economy and is owned by Pamela Eyring, who has worked with heads of state, four-star generals, CEOs, and entrepreneurs.

PSOW

Toll-Free 877-766-3757  [email protected]

SOURCE The Protocol School of Washington