The Application Process
This process applies to applicants for Certified Professional Speaker (Level 3) and above. Associate Speaker (Level 1) and Certified Speaker (Level 2) follow a streamlined application, detailed on the Certification Pathway page.
ISA certification is assessed through a structured four-stage process. Each stage must be successfully completed before progressing to the next. The process takes approximately six to eight weeks from the date of submission.
All information submitted is treated as strictly confidential. ISA assessors are required to sign a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement before participating in the review process.
Stage
1
Application Submission and Review
Submit your application, supporting documentation, speaking history, and video footage. ISA staff verify that your application meets the minimum requirements to proceed.
Your application must include all of the following. Incomplete applications will not progress to Stage 2.
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Personal information including full name, professional name if different, email address, phone number, country, and website.
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A professional speaking biography of no more than 300 words.
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A complete record of speaking engagements in the past 36 months including dates, event names, venues, audience sizes, and speaking fees. All engagements must be fee-paid.
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Your primary areas of expertise and speaking topics.
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Links to unedited video footage of at least one live presentation of 20 minutes or longer.
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A minimum of two client testimonials from event organisers or corporate clients who can be contacted for independent verification
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Your curriculum vitae or professional speaker kit.
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A current professional headshot.
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Signed agreement to the ISA Code of Ethics.
Stage
2
Client and Industry Review
ISA contacts a selection of your listed clients to independently verify your speaking engagements and gather feedback on your professional conduct and delivery.
A minimum of five positive client verifications are required to progress to Stage 3. Clients are contacted without prior notice to the applicant to ensure independence of feedback.
Stage
3
Performance Assessment
The ISA assessment panel reviews your submitted video footage against the ISA competency framework. A verbal assessment interview may be conducted if further clarification is required.
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Stage presence and delivery quality
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Content relevance, depth, and originality
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Audience engagement and responsiveness
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Professional conduct and ethical standards
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Consistency of standard across multiple engagements
If the panel requires further clarification, the applicant may be invited to a 30-minute verbal assessment interview with a panel member. This is conducted online and scheduled within five business days of the request.
Stage
4
Final Decision and Notification
The ISA Certification Board reviews all assessment materials and renders a final decision. The applicant is notified in writing within five business days.
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If approved: the applicant receives written notification, their ISA certification, a digital badge for use across their professional platforms, and access to the ISA certified speaker directory.
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If not approved: the applicant receives written notification with specific feedback. The applicant may reapply after 12 months.
Incomplete Applications
An application will not progress if it is incomplete, contains misrepresented information, or falls outside the required 36-month timeframe. Applicants have 14 days to correct and resubmit an incomplete application without additional fees.
Applications containing deliberately misrepresented information will result in permanent disqualification from ISA certification.
APPLICATION FORM
Please complete all required fields marked with an asterisk (*). Submit this form along with all supporting documentation to applications@isaspeakers.org or via the online portal at isaspeakers.org.
Submitting Your Application
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Also email your supporting documentation to applications@isaspeakers.org with the subject line: ISA Application — [Your Full Name]
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You will receive a confirmation email within two business days of your submission being received.
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The full assessment process takes approximately six to eight weeks from the date your application is confirmed as complete
Questions about the application process? Contact us at applications@isaspeakers.org