CIS Professional Diploma study guide
CIS Professional Diploma · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The CIS Professional Diploma is presented here as a professional credential grounded in the published work of the Council of International Schools (CIS), a global membership community of schools and higher education institutions. CIS describes itself as connecting ideas and cultures across the world and developing socially responsible leadership through international education, and its published areas of work - school membership, international accreditation for schools, socially responsible leadership (global citizenship, I-DEA and intercultural learning), and safeguarding and child protection - map directly onto this exam's four domains. The CIS Professional Diploma study guide has 5 sections and about 1,274 words.
01International Education and the CIS Membership Community
This domain checks whether you can distinguish CIS membership from CIS accreditation and explain the values that bind the community. CIS is a not-for-profit organization connecting schools, higher education institutions, and individuals.
291 words, about 1 min02CIS International Accreditation for Schools
This domain tests the purpose, process, and standards of CIS International Accreditation. It is a voluntary, rigorous, peer-reviewed process that helps schools improve and demonstrate alignment with international education principles.
262 words, about 1 min03Socially Responsible Leadership
This domain tests how leaders in international schools act ethically, inclusively, and with a view to the common good. Socially responsible leadership is relational and values-based; it is not merely positional authority.
237 words, about 1 min04Global Citizenship and Intercultural Learning
This domain tests how CIS understands global citizenship and intercultural learning, and how schools can move beyond superficial internationalism. Global citizenship involves knowledge, skills, attitudes, and action: understanding global issues, perspective-taking, critical reflection, and responsible participation.
233 words, about 1 min05Safeguarding, Child Protection and Well-being
This domain tests the non-negotiable safeguarding responsibilities of international schools and the wider concept of student well-being. Safeguarding is broader and preventative; child protection is the specific response to abuse and harm.
251 words, about 1 min