IAP2 Licensed Elective Courses

We are very excited to be launching the next evolution of training that builds on our foundational best practices. In addition to the three core courses that make up the IAP2 Global Certificate in Public Participation we have added three electives courses to the Global Learning Pathway. Visit our training calendar to register for updated course offerings.

As a key leader in the public participation sector IAP2 USA provides skills-based learning to people and organizations on what they need to know and do, so that they can successfully develop, deliver, and lead authentic engagement processes.

The prerequisite for these courses is Fundamentals of Public Participation or the Foundations of P2 courses. 


IAP2 Understanding Conflict in Public Participation

The aim of Understanding Conflict in P2/engagement is to help you understand, and more effectively manage, conflict dynamics. The focus of this Level 1 course will be on developing the skills of participants to identify and mitigate situations of tension and conflict within their P2/engagement work.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the sources, types and factors that contribute to conflict in P2/engagement and the impact they may have on the process

  • Understand the role of power and influence in engagement practice

  • Understand and identify the cycle of escalation, and the behaviors, attitudes and actions that are evident as conflict increases

  • Contribute to and/or apply strategies to de-escalate challenging situations

  • Identify how to build effective relationships and partnerships through empathy, active listening, respect and trust

  • Learn approaches to work in challenging situations applying behaviors that build trust and credibility

  • Consider the role of integrity and ethics in the conduct of the P2/engagement practitioner, and how that is upheld in the process


    IAP2's Understanding People and Communities 

    Discover and apply deep understanding and insights into the people and communities involved in P2/engagement processes, to make the processes more meaningful and effective. This Level 1 course provides an introduction to working with diversity, equity and inclusion in P2/engagement

    Course Objectives:

    • Identify and apply an approach for understanding people and communities for P2/engagement processes
    • Reflect on factors of cultural competence and cultural humility, and assess your practice and approach against the factors to identify areas of strength and growth
    • Apply a variety of analysis and mapping tools to understand diversity and map values
    • Identify ways to increase access and center equity by reducing barriers to participation
    • Reflect on how to build rapport, trust and relationships with people and communities, and apply and assess approaches in a P2/engagement scenario
    • Assess and apply knowledge to planning and implementation of meaningful and effective P2/engagement across the Practice Framework


      IAP2's Working with Conflict and High Emotion

      The focus of this Level 3 course is on de-escalating and shifting conflict and high emotion to constructive participation, where forward momentum and resolution are possible.

      Participants will gain a deep understanding of the state of conflict, and work with practical, tangible approaches to deescalate and transform challenges. Over the course, we will cover tools, strategies and ways of working to resolve polarized and emotional challenges.

      Course Objectives:

      • Assess the state of conflict and emotion in the
      • P2/engagement process, and create productive and constructive approaches
      • Work with the stages of conflict escalation and apply he concepts of de-escalation
      • Apply a variety of strategies to transform the conflict in P2/engagement
      • Identify the impact of high emotion and apply a range of approaches to deescalate challenges
      • Identify how to reduce conflict in situations of misinformation and dueling facts
      • Apply the principles of storytelling to connect people to each other, increase understanding and reduce conflict
      • Learn from mistakes and understand the role of failure in P2/engagement processes
      • Identify and apply how to mo0del integrity and behaviors hat deescalate conflict
      • Apply the strategies and tools to your own project or situation

      Who Should Take This Course: Level 2 and 3 practitioners who are:

      • leading and managing P2/engagement processes with challenges, scope and scale looking for tools and strategies to apply to a polarized, charged P2/engagement environment
      • Practitioners with experience in P2/engagement processes where there is conflict and/or high emotion

      By the end of Working with Conflict and High Emotion, you will be ready to travel on a journey that improves mutual understanding, changes relationships and systems to meet human needs, contributes to building peace and creates lasting change.

          Upcoming IAP2 Elective Courses

          • Understanding Conflict in Public Participation - Hosted by IAP2 USA

            • March 19, 2026
            • March 20, 2026
            • 2 sessions
            • Online with Trainer: Cathy Smith
            • 20
            Register

            Understanding Conflict in Public Participation

            **You must first complete Fundamentals of Public Participation or the previous Foundations Training to take this course**

            The aim of Understanding Conflict in P2/engagement is to help you understand, and more effectively manage, conflict dynamics. The focus of this Level 1 course will be on developing the skills of participants to identify and mitigate situations of tension and conflict within their P2/engagement work.




            Course Objectives:

            • Understand the sources, types and factors that contribute to conflict in P2/engagement and the impact they may have on the process

            • Understand the role of power and influence in engagement practice

            • Understand and identify the cycle of escalation, and the behaviors, attitudes and actions that are evident as conflict increases

            • Contribute to and/or apply strategies to de-escalate challenging situations

            • Identify how to build effective relationships and partnerships through empathy, active listening, respect and trust

            • Learn approaches to work in challenging situations applying behaviors that build trust and credibility

            • Consider the role of integrity and ethics in the conduct of the P2/engagement practitioner, and how that is upheld in the process

              Payment Policy

              • Full payment must be received before the start of the course to confirm participation. 
              • Please contact info@iap2usa.org if you will be paying by PO or check and will not be able to submit payment in advance of training.
              • Your registration may be cancelled if payment has not been submitted and alternative arrangements have not been confirmed by IAP2 USA.

              PLEASE NOTE: Our registration system requires that members log into the IAP2 USA website using their username and password. This allows us to maintain an accurate history of participation. Once logged in, the discounted registration rates for members will be available. We do not use registration codes for members - only international members of our other IAP2 affiliates and APA members. 

              Members from other IAP2 affiliates/regions and APA members should contact info@iap2usa.org to obtain the registration discount code.

              Cancellation and Substitution Policy

              All cancellations and requests for refunds for IAP2 USA online courses must be made in writing as indicated below. Requests must be sent to IAP2 USA at info@iap2usa.org.Telephone requests/voicemails will not be honored.

              Full refunds require written notice and must be submitted by 12:00 noon Eastern Time three days prior to the first day of class. Refunds will include an administrative fee of $25.00.

              There will be no refunds for cancellation requests received two or fewer days prior to the start of class. However, a substitute may be named prior to the beginning of the course and that registration will be honored. Please email your substitution information to info@iap2usa.org and support@iap2usa.org prior to the start date of the course.

              IAP2 USA reserves the right to cancel courses not meeting the required minimum by the end of the day three days prior to the start of class. In such circumstances, full refunds will be granted and admin fee waived. 

              Professional Certification and Continuing Education Credits

              Meet your Trainer: Cathy Smith

              Cathy’s work in the inter-related fields associated with climate change—land use, transportation, water, energy, health—brings depth of knowledge and understanding of current engagement needs. As a past community mediator and practicing writer and storyteller, her engagement insights span from conflict management to communications. She’s one of 15 Certified Public Participation Practitioners in the country, a graduate of USD’s School of Law, and IAP2USA’s Past President.

              Show details

            • Facilitating Groups - Hosted by IAP2 USA

              • April 01, 2026
              • April 02, 2026
              • 2 sessions
              • Online with Trainer Cathy Smith
              • 21
              Register

              Facilitating Groups 

              new elective course offering to IAP2 **You must first complete Fundamentals of Public Participation or IAP2's previous Foundations Training to take this course**

              Explore the facilitation framework to develop skills and confidence in developing your engagement facilitation approach.

              The aim of Facilitating Groups is to explore the framework and develop skills and confidence in facilitating P2 and engagement methods. The focus will be about enhancing practitioners’ ability to respond appropriately, generating confidence in and support for your facilitation approach.

              Course objectives

              • Examine the framework and purpose of facilitation in an engagement context
              • Build a repertoire of tools and processes
              • Practice some core skills
              • Troubleshoot specific challenges 
              • Explore the changes needed for facilitation of digital engagement processes

              Payment Policy

              • Full payment must be received before the start of the course to confirm participation. 
              • Please contact info@iap2usa.org if you will be paying by PO or check and will not be able to submit payment in advance of training.
              • Your registration may be cancelled if payment has not been submitted and alternative arrangements have not been confirmed by IAP2 USA.

              PLEASE NOTE: Our registration system requires that members log into the IAP2 USA website using their username and password. This allows us to maintain an accurate history of participation. Once logged in, the discounted registration rates for members will be available. We do not use registration codes for members - only international members of our other IAP2 affiliates and APA members. 

              Members from other IAP2 affiliates/regions and APA members should contact info@iap2usa.org to obtain the registration discount code.

              Cancellation and Substitution Policy

              All cancellations and requests for refunds for IAP2 USA online courses must be made in writing as indicated below. Requests must be sent to IAP2 USA at info@iap2usa.org.Telephone requests/voicemails will not be honored.

              Full refunds require written notice and must be submitted by 12:00 noon Eastern Time three days prior to the first day of class. Refunds will include an administrative fee of $25.00.

              There will be no refunds for cancellation requests received two or fewer days prior to the start of class. However, a substitute may be named prior to the beginning of the course and that registration will be honored. Please email your substitution information to info@iap2usa.org and support@iap2usa.org prior to the start date of the course.

              IAP2 USA reserves the right to cancel courses not meeting the required minimum by the end of the day three days prior to the start of class. In such circumstances, full refunds will be granted and admin fee waived. 

              Professional Certification and Continuing Education Credits

              Meet your Trainer: Cathy Smith 

              Cathy’s work in the inter-related fields associated with climate change—land use, transportation, water, energy, health—brings depth of knowledge and understanding of current engagement needs. As a past community mediator and practicing writer and storyteller, her engagement insights span from conflict management to communications. She’s one of 15 Certified Public Participation Practitioners in the country, a graduate of USD’s School of Law, and IAP2USA’s Past President.

              Show details

            • Understanding Conflict in Public Participation - Hosted by IAP2 USA

              • June 16, 2026
              • June 17, 2026
              • 2 sessions
              • Online with Trainer Kimberly Horndeski
              • 21
              Register

              Understanding Conflict in Public Participation

              **You must first complete Fundamentals of Public Participation or the previous Foundations Training to take this course**

              The aim of Understanding Conflict in P2/engagement is to help you understand, and more effectively manage, conflict dynamics. The focus of this Level 1 course will be on developing the skills of participants to identify and mitigate situations of tension and conflict within their P2/engagement work.




              Course Objectives:

              • Understand the sources, types and factors that contribute to conflict in P2/engagement and the impact they may have on the process

              • Understand the role of power and influence in engagement practice

              • Understand and identify the cycle of escalation, and the behaviors, attitudes and actions that are evident as conflict increases

              • Contribute to and/or apply strategies to de-escalate challenging situations

              • Identify how to build effective relationships and partnerships through empathy, active listening, respect and trust

              • Learn approaches to work in challenging situations applying behaviors that build trust and credibility

              • Consider the role of integrity and ethics in the conduct of the P2/engagement practitioner, and how that is upheld in the process

                Payment Policy

                • Full payment must be received before the start of the course to confirm participation. 
                • Please contact info@iap2usa.org if you will be paying by PO or check and will not be able to submit payment in advance of training.
                • Your registration may be cancelled if payment has not been submitted and alternative arrangements have not been confirmed by IAP2 USA.

                PLEASE NOTE: Our registration system requires that members log into the IAP2 USA website using their username and password. This allows us to maintain an accurate history of participation. Once logged in, the discounted registration rates for members will be available. We do not use registration codes for members - only international members of our other IAP2 affiliates and APA members. 

                Members from other IAP2 affiliates/regions and APA members should contact info@iap2usa.org to obtain the registration discount code.

                Cancellation and Substitution Policy

                All cancellations and requests for refunds for IAP2 USA online courses must be made in writing as indicated below. Requests must be sent to IAP2 USA at info@iap2usa.org.Telephone requests/voicemails will not be honored.

                Full refunds require written notice and must be submitted by 12:00 noon Eastern Time three days prior to the first day of class. Refunds will include an administrative fee of $25.00.

                There will be no refunds for cancellation requests received two or fewer days prior to the start of class. However, a substitute may be named prior to the beginning of the course and that registration will be honored. Please email your substitution information to info@iap2usa.org and support@iap2usa.org prior to the start date of the course.

                IAP2 USA reserves the right to cancel courses not meeting the required minimum by the end of the day three days prior to the start of class. In such circumstances, full refunds will be granted and admin fee waived. 

                Professional Certification and Continuing Education Credits

                Meet your Trainer: Kimberly Horndeski

                Show details

              • Facilitating Groups - Hosted by IAP2 USA

                • October 20, 2026
                • October 21, 2026
                • 2 sessions
                • Online with Trainer Kimberly Horndeski
                • 21
                Register

                Facilitating Groups 

                new elective course offering to IAP2 **You must first complete Fundamentals of Public Participation or IAP2's previous Foundations Training to take this course**

                Explore the facilitation framework to develop skills and confidence in developing your engagement facilitation approach.

                The aim of Facilitating Groups is to explore the framework and develop skills and confidence in facilitating P2 and engagement methods. The focus will be about enhancing practitioners’ ability to respond appropriately, generating confidence in and support for your facilitation approach.

                Course objectives

                • Examine the framework and purpose of facilitation in an engagement context
                • Build a repertoire of tools and processes
                • Practice some core skills
                • Troubleshoot specific challenges 
                • Explore the changes needed for facilitation of digital engagement processes

                Payment Policy

                • Full payment must be received before the start of the course to confirm participation. 
                • Please contact info@iap2usa.org if you will be paying by PO or check and will not be able to submit payment in advance of training.
                • Your registration may be cancelled if payment has not been submitted and alternative arrangements have not been confirmed by IAP2 USA.

                PLEASE NOTE: Our registration system requires that members log into the IAP2 USA website using their username and password. This allows us to maintain an accurate history of participation. Once logged in, the discounted registration rates for members will be available. We do not use registration codes for members - only international members of our other IAP2 affiliates and APA members. 

                Members from other IAP2 affiliates/regions and APA members should contact info@iap2usa.org to obtain the registration discount code.

                Cancellation and Substitution Policy

                All cancellations and requests for refunds for IAP2 USA online courses must be made in writing as indicated below. Requests must be sent to IAP2 USA at info@iap2usa.org.Telephone requests/voicemails will not be honored.

                Full refunds require written notice and must be submitted by 12:00 noon Eastern Time three days prior to the first day of class. Refunds will include an administrative fee of $25.00.

                There will be no refunds for cancellation requests received two or fewer days prior to the start of class. However, a substitute may be named prior to the beginning of the course and that registration will be honored. Please email your substitution information to info@iap2usa.org and support@iap2usa.org prior to the start date of the course.

                IAP2 USA reserves the right to cancel courses not meeting the required minimum by the end of the day three days prior to the start of class. In such circumstances, full refunds will be granted and admin fee waived. 

                Professional Certification and Continuing Education Credits

                Meet your Trainer: Kimberly Horndeski 


                Show details


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