ICEF Academy, the professional training arm of ICEF, and Edified, a global education industry consulting firm, have launched an innovative new certification course, Ethical Sales Training for Agents and Counsellors (ESTAC).

Education agents serve as the vital link between prospective students and educational institutions. To succeed, they must understand and address the diverse needs of each student while ensuring their practices are transparent and grounded in integrity—also creating a competitive, ethical advantage for their businesses whilst supporting student success. The ESTAC course equips agents to refine their consultative sales skills while upholding the highest standards of professionalism.

“Education agents play a critical role in shaping the futures of students by providing informed and trustworthy guidance,” said Markus Badde, CEO, of ICEF. “The Ethical Sales Training for Agents and Counsellors” (ESTAC) course, developed in partnership with Edified, will empower agents to navigate the complexities of their roles with confidence and ethical clarity, especially at a time in our industry where their roles are under intense scrutiny and the competition is relentless.”

The course empowers participants to stand out in a competitive landscape by developing strategies that highlight their unique strengths and deepen their understanding of diverse student needs. It equips agents with the skills to align their sales practices with the highest ethical standards while leveraging digital tools and data analytics to build stronger connections with students and nurture leads effectively throughout the recruitment process.

Mark Pettitt, CEO, Edified remarked, “This course partnership with ICEF Academy highlights our shared commitment to equipping education agents with the vital skills they need to provide ethical, student-focused guidance and processes, while supporting the sustainability and growth of their businesses. By adopting consultative sales practices, agents can build their student pipeline, delight their institutional partners, increase their enrolments and get an edge over their competitors.”

The paid course is self-paced, financially accessible, and delivered entirely online, offering agents the flexibility to learn at their own convenience. Upon successful completion, participants will earn an industry-recognised certification from ICEF and Edified validating their expertise and commitment to upholding professional standards in the education advisory sector.

Find out more about the Ethical Sales Training for Agents and Counsellors (ESTAC) course here.