The US Agent Training Course (USATC), created and developed by ICEF, is the first of its kind and supports professional development for agents specialising in the USA as a study destination. The USATC equips you with a firm foundation in the benefits and structure of the US education system and offers resources to help you steer international students to the most appropriate institutions to meet their goals.
Course: Free-to-study | Exam: €295 €0 (Currently subsidized by NAFSA and ICEF)
6 weeks (3 hours of study per week)
The US Agent Training Course is a modular, self-paced course which explores US student recruitment best practices.
In taking this course, you’ll gain the expertise to navigate the education landscape in the US and provide tailored advice to students.
The course is for agents and counsellors of all experience levels who wish to help students study in the US.
Learn how and why the US is the world’s top study destination.
Explore the study options and qualifications available in the US, at all levels.
Understand the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with US institutions.
Gain insights into student experience in the US and guide students to their ideal study experience.
The USATC exam can be taken online or in person at selected ICEF events. You will be notified of your results immediately upon completion. Successful participants will receive the US Course Graduate (USCG) certificate within 7 business days.
There are no specific prerequisites for taking the course, however minimum English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0/TOEFL PBT 500/TOEFL iBT 61 is advised.
The certification, which carries a standard fee of €295, is designed to support education professionals in developing sector knowledge, ethical practice, and recognised credentials. As part of a broader professional development initiative, ICEF and NAFSA are currently subsidising participation to expand engagement in formal training and strengthen certified expertise across the sector.
The US Agent Training Course (USATC) is informative and well-structured. It has deepened my understanding of the country's education system and visa processes.
The US Agent Training Course offers extensive knowledge that is highly beneficial for consultants. Each module is thoughtfully designed to enhance understanding and application of core concepts, ensuring that participants gain valuable insights relevant to their consulting practice.
Even after more than a decade in the industry, I gained new insights from the US Agent Training Course. It is thoughtfully structured to encourage self-assessment, with subtopics that keep the learning process engaging and dynamic.
The US Agent Training Course covers the following modules:
The course builds your specialist knowledge of the world’s most competitive international study destination. Developed by ICEF, and harnessing 30 years of international education expertise, the USATC is ideal for:
Completion of the US Agent Training Course does not automatically include a certificate.
To receive certification, you must book and successfully pass the USATC exam. Upon passing, you will receive:
A digital certificate featuring your full name and a QR code linking to your personal profile in the graduate directory.
A digital badge displaying your unique graduate number.
A CPD transcript outlining the credits you have earned.
Taking the USATC exam allows you to formally validate your knowledge and demonstrate your expertise as a US education specialist. It signals to students, parents, and partner institutions that you have met a recognised standard of professional competence.
Successful completion also grants you certification, a verifiable digital credential, and CPD credits, therefore, strengthening your professional profile and enhancing your credibility in a competitive market.
