PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION: QCD
Raising Commercial Diplomatic Standards

Appointment
Qualifying Competency Requirements for Commercial Diplomatic Advocates - Raising Professional Standards

Mandatory Requirements:
To be appointed to the rank and status of Qualified Certified Diplomat (QCD), the prospective candidate shall:

• satisfy the Commercial Diplomats Regulation Authority of his/her ability to bring dynamism, vigour and enthusiasm of a distinguished inspirational leader, with proven impeccable integrity to bear, in professional practice, policy advocacy, institutional management, dispensation of justice, and peace building, before final confirmation of appointment as QCD by the Commercial Diplomats Regulation Authority (CDRA),
• have successfully completed all the ACCD-CDRA approved, authorised, recommended and mandatory vocational training-related comprehensive learning modules in the related-relevant modular-courses that shall make up the MQCP Preparation Programme, on which prospective practitioner-candidates shall be examined, assessed and tested for understanding, skills-based knowledge, specialisms-based expertise and competency,
• have successfully completed all the MQCE Essential Examinations, the mandatory qualifying vocational training-related comprehensive examinations which cover all related-relevant modules in the modular-courses that make up the Mandatory Qualifying Competency Programme (MQCP). Prospective practitioner-candidates shall be tested for understanding, skills-based knowledge, specialism-based expertise and competency,
• currently be in employment (senior executive/responsible position) with proven significant relevant-related practical experience or expertise, which may have been gained in any government, inter-governmental organization, legislature, multilateral organization, multinational corporation, diplomatic institution, or in the public-private sector, and can be combined with study),
• submit an acceptable portfolio of proven significant professional experience, with two acceptable official letters (of recommendation and reference),
• be willing, and able to promote, conserve, enhance, protect, strengthen and safeguard the commercial diplomatic integrity, professionalism and standards, including the integrity of the commercial diplomatic profession, and the global body; and
• be willing, and able to actively support the mission-driven objectives and vision-specific goals of the extraterritorial rules-based representative and professional regulatory body - ACCD.

Other Acceptable Routes
The prospective practitioner-candidate shall:

• have completed an acceptable Higher Doctorate (PhD/DCD)* in a related/relevant field,
• present a pre-approved published (or publishable) advanced research project of high-quality standard on acceptable related-relevant subject or topic,
• present an acceptable portfolio of proven (significant) relevant professional experience in a related commercial diplomatic field/position (Senior Executive level), with an official supporting letter,
• be an Associate of the ACCD (Association of Certified Commercial Diplomats),
• have successfully completed all the ACCD-CDRA MQCE Essential Examinations, the mandatory qualifying vocational training-related comprehensive examinations which cover all related-relevant modules in the modular-courses that make up the Mandatory Qualifying Competency Programme (MQCP). Prospective practitioner-candidates shall be tested for understanding, skills-based knowledge, specialism-based expertise and competency,
• currently be in acceptable position in related-relevant sector-specific services/employment for more than ten years with proven relevant practical professional experience in a related position (Senior Executive level),
• submit 2 acceptable official letters (of recommendation and professional reference),
• submit certified copies of proof of qualification(s),
• be willing and able to promote, contribute to, and actively support the objectives of the global professional body, and
• be willing and able to safeguard the integrity of the commercial diplomatic profession, and the global Professional Body.

Professional Experience Route

The prospective candidate shall:

• have completed an acceptable postgraduate (Mastership/Doctoral or equivalent programme) in an acceptable relevant/related field,
• have been in the commercial diplomatic service (Senior Executive level) for more than twenty five years with proven significant relevant professional experience (preferably in commercial diplomatic service),
• be an Associate of Association of Certified Commercial Diplomats,
• have successfully completed all the ACCD-CDRA MQCE Essential Examinations, the mandatory qualifying vocational training-related comprehensive examinations which cover all related-relevant modules in the modular-courses that make up the Mandatory Qualifying Competency Programme (MQCP). Prospective practitioner-candidates shall be tested for understanding, skills-based knowledge, specialism-based expertise and competency,
• submit 2 acceptable official letters (of recommendation and professional reference),
• submit certified copies of proof of qualification(s),
• be willing and able (depending on years of proven practical professional experience) to submit a mandatory research project of high standard on a related topic, and or a portfolio of professional experience, with an official (supporting) letter by an acceptable referee,
• be willing and able to actively support the mission and objectives of the global professional body (ACCD); and
• be willing and able to safeguard the integrity of the profession of commercial diplomacy and the global Professional Body.

QUALIFIED CERTIFIED DIPLOMAT (QCD)
Symbol of Competency for Career Commercial Diplomats