Elevate your expertise. Lead with impact.
The asks, tasks and expectations placed on senior engagement professionals are different from those faced early in your career. Stakeholders are more complex, risks are higher, and the pressure to deliver meaningful outcomes is greater than ever.
Simply put, the tools that got you here may not be enough to take you further.
The Advanced Certificate of Engagement is designed for experienced practitioners like you. This program will challenge you to deepen your knowledge, refine your leadership skills, and equip you with tools and frameworks to navigate the complexities of senior-level engagement.
If you’ve completed the Certificate of Engagement and wondering, “What’s next?” – this is it.
✔ Core courses: 3 mandatory modules to build your advanced skillset.
✔ Flexible pacing: Complete it on a schedule that works for you.
✔ Flexible delivery: Join interactive virtual classrooms or face-to-face sessions.
You must meet the below prerequisites to enrol in this course.
Prerequisites
- You have attained your Certificate of Engagement and
- You have a minimum of 5 years’ experience leading and managing engagement projects, and:
- Possess an in-depth understanding of engagement frameworks and practices.
- Are responsible for developing or implementing engagement strategies.
Don’t meet all the prerequisites?
Applicants with extensive experience (5+ years) but without a Certificate of Engagement may apply for special consideration. Applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated expertise in leading complex engagement initiatives.
Why choose the Advanced Certificate of Engagement?
Deepen your expertise
Challenge yourself to grow as a practitioner and leader. Develop advanced analytical and strategic thinking skills that will transform your approach to engagement.
Excel in complex environments
Gain the frameworks and confidence to navigate intricate stakeholder landscapes and high-stakes scenarios with ease.
Derisk projects at a senior level
Master strategies to manage contemporary outrage and conflict, enhancing your ability to mitigate risks and deliver successful outcomes.
Drive organisational impact
Equip yourself with the leadership skills to elevate your team’s performance, deliver greater value, and achieve strategic objectives.
Learn contemporary best practice
Stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. Apply cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to solve real-world engagement challenges.
Accelerate your career trajectory
Stand out as a recognised leader in engagement, unlocking new opportunities and advancing your professional trajectory.
Download the Advanced Certificate of Engagement Prospectus
Download the Advanced Certificate of Engagement Prospectus
Earning your Advanced Certificate of Engagement: Program overview
To earn the Advanced Certificate of Engagement, you’ll complete three advanced courses designed to stretch your thinking and refine your practice:

Advanced Courses
Please note: Courses run with limited frequency, and availability is highly competitive.
We recommend applying early to secure your place and avoid missing out on this transformative professional development opportunity.
What our engaged students are saying
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Well-Structured Course with Direct Relevance to My Work
March 2025Establishing a Strategic Engagement Framework"The structure of the course and the content was great and really beneficial to the work I do." -
Real Scenarios and Shared Insights That Deepened My Practice
April 2025Managing Contemporary Outrage"I found the most useful part of the training was working through practical, real-life scenarios to explore how to manage and de-escalate outrage during engagement. It was also really valuable to hear others share their real-life experiences – their insights, challenges and approaches added a lot of depth to the learning. Being exposed to different perspectives helped me reflect on my own practice and provided me new strategies I can apply in my work." -
Strategic Tools and Skills for Tackling Complex Engagement Challenges
February 2025Strategies for Challenging Engagement"Today I gained key skills in managing complex engagement projects. I learned how to design and plan responses to challenges using practical strategies and frameworks. The course deepened my understanding of long-term engagement and provided tools to address obstacles, helping me take a more strategic approach to challenging projects at both the project and organisational level."
Experienced practitioners choose Engagement Institute training
As the peak body for community and stakeholder engagement in Australasia, the Engagement Institute ensures our training is practical, relevant, and industry leading.
- Hands-on learning with real-world case studies
- Inclusive training blending theory and practical knowledge
- Experienced trainers who are also seasoned practitioners
- Recognised as the engagement standard across Australia and New Zealand
- Contextualised training materials for local relevance
- Flexible learning pathways and pacing
- Invaluable resources, including a training manual and templates
- Community engagement leaders looking to advance their career with a nationally recognised qualification.
- Project managers who want to lead successful, well-received engagement processes.
- Consultants seeking to broaden their skill set and better serve clients with practical, real-world engagement strategies.
- Senior leaders in government, public affairs specialists and communications wanting to strengthen their engagement practices and strategies.
- Non-profit leaders and advocacy groups aiming to improve community relationships and make a positive impact through effective engagement.
The cost varies based on:
- Delivery method (in-person or virtual training).
- Your membership status.
Discounted member pricing is available to members of the Engagement Institute. Charities and not-for-profits may qualify for Discounted Training Rates or the Nurture Engagement Scholarship Program. For more information visit our Scholarships pageScholarships.
Upon completing the Advanced Certificate of Engagement, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion from the Engagement Institute. While you can share that you’ve completed the program, you cannot use terms like “accredited,” “certified,” or “endorsed,” regardless of your membership level or training undertaken.
You’ll receive a digital certificate of attendance for each module. Upon completing the Advanced Certificate of Engagement, we will issue you a digital copy at the end of the month of completion.
Yes, the Advanced Certificate in Engagement is designed for experienced practitioners who:
- Have completed the Certificate of Engagement.
- Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience leading and managing engagement projects, and also:
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- Possess an in-depth understanding of engagement frameworks and practices.
- Are responsible for developing or implementing engagement strategies.
Refer to the Satisfactory Completion of Course requirements in our Terms or the specific Terms and Conditions of your course.
- Log into your profile.
- Browse the Training Calendar or Events Calendar to register.
- If a course is full, join the waitlist by clicking the button. If a spot opens, we’ll contact the first person on the list. Alternatively, search for dates with availability.
Important: Always login under your own profile to ensure your registration and certificates are recorded correctly.
Log in to the Engagement Institute portal, navigate to ‘My Activities’ (in the top navigation bar or under More), and view your activity history.
Register as early as possible. Your spot is confirmed once payment is made at least 5 working days before the training date.
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations or changes made 10+ working days before the event incur no fee.
- Cancellations or changes within 10 working days will incur a fee equal to the registration cost.
Cancellation, changes and non-attendance for training/events
Within 10 working days of the event:
- Replacement participant: No fee if a qualified replacement is found.
- No replacement: No refund issued.
- Non-attendance: No refund provided.
If your invoice remains unpaid 10 working days before the event, the Engagement Institute reserves the right to transfer your registration to another participant.
The Engagement Institute may waive cancellation fees for extenuating circumstances, such as illness, personal/family emergencies, or religious holidays. Documentation may be required. Waivers do not apply to conflicts like job interviews, career pursuits, personal/professional commitments, or travel.
Within 10 working days of the event:
- Replacement Participant: No fee if a compliant replacement is found.
- 10+ Working Days Prior: 70% refund.
- 5–9 Working Days Prior: 50% refund.
- Less than 5 Working Days: No refund; substitution only.
- Non-Attendance: No refund.
The Engagement Institute reserves the right to adjust policies and will communicate changes as needed.
No, places cannot be held tentatively. Registration is required to secure a spot.
PC/Laptop:
- Expand the audio icon and open the audio settings
- Click speaker option and test speaker
- Once testing, if you still cannot hear, then adjust the volume or select a different speaker from the menu.
iOS/Android Device:
- Ensure your speaker is turned on
- Adjust your volume accordingly on your volume buttons
- Try Headphones
- Reset your device
- Re-Install the Zoom app from the Apple App or Google Play store
Troubleshooting Speaker:
- Open Audio Settings
- Select ‘Test speaker’ and if you cannot hear it, select a different speaker from your menu or adjust volume.
Troubleshooting Microphone:
- Open Audio Settings
- In the microphone section, the green input level bar will move when Zoom is picking up Audio.
- Inside Audio settings you can select another microphone or adjust the input level.
PC/Laptop:
- Make sure all other programs that use your webcam are closed
- Restart the computer or Laptop
- Reinstall latest Zoom version in the Download Centre
- You can also visit your device brand’s support for FAQ’s.
iOS/Android Device:
- Ensure you have checked by tapping the camera icon top of screen for front and back cameras
- Ensure no other open apps are using the camera
- Open iOS/device settings and confirm Zoom has camera access
- Toggle Zoom access to green
If issues persist, then
- Reset your device
- Delete the Zoom app and re-download latest version in the app store
- Double check to ensure the video is working in other apps
If you cannot see the video opening in Zoom, open the video menu to see which camera is currently selected, change if necessary. If a change is required, verify the preferred camera is listed and selected.
Don’t panic! Here’s what you can do:
- Connect from a location with high-speed internet.
- Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or use a wired connection.
- Restart your computer and rejoin the meeting.
- Use your phone or another device with data as a backup.
We recommend having a backup option ready before your session. If issues persist, contact us at training@engagementinstitute.org.au for assistance.
Yes! You can attend New Zealand training if you are located in Australia, and vice versa. Note that the training price charged will be in the currency of the time zone the training takes place in.
For example, if you’re in Australia but attending NZ-based training, the fee will be in NZD, and your card provider will convert it to AUD.
The majority of digital training run by the Engagement Institute is held in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Additional time zones are noted on our website with the following legend:
- NZST: New Zealand Standard Time
- AWST: Australian Western Standard Time (WA)
- ACST: Australian Central Standard Time (SA, NT)
- AEST: Australian Eastern Standard Time (NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT, TAS)