The Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE)™ and the Franchising Association of India (FAI) will cooperate to launch the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE)™ program in India starting in October.
The formal announcement was made during FAI’s Convention & Expo 08-09, October 2-3, at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregoan, Mumbai.

“With the rapid growth of the franchising industry in India, at the rate of 40 percent per year, we want to insure that we bring the highest standards of professional education to our members. The Certified Franchise Executive (CFE)™ program is an important part of these plans,” said Cy Pal, president of the Franchising Association of India (FAI).

“The ICFE is excited to be working with FAI’s leadership to introduce the Certified Franchise Executive™ program in India. Our mission is to enhance the professionalism of franchising by certifying the highest standards of quality training and education,” said Melanie Bergeron, CFE, chair of the ICFE Board of Governors and CEO, Two Men and A Truck Intl., Lansing, MI. “The CFE program offers franchise executives an established curriculum taught by recognized experts in the field. It provides individuals with the opportunity for expanded knowledge, industry recognition, and peer-level networking,” she added.

“The franchising industry has grown impressively in India in recent years. It is estimated that there are more than 600 franchisors and 40,000 franchisees in sectors ranging from education and retailing to hospitality and health care. FAI and ICFE will cooperate to bring education and training to these professionals,” said Cy Pal.

Under the agreement, FAI members will be able to enroll in the ICFE program at special rates and receive reduced fees for ICFE-approved programs. FAI and ICFE will cooperate to develop educational programs to be offered throughout the year, including web-based programs. FAI members will also have access to the ifa-university.com website for additional courses and resources. As FAI members complete the course of study and meet other requirements of the ICFE program, they will be awarded their Certified Franchise Executive™ credentials. FAI members will be recognized in graduation ceremonies for Certified Franchise Executives (CFEs) at the Franchising Association of India’s annual conference and the International Franchise Association’s annual convention.

The Institute of Certified Franchise Executives™ is the only professional development program for franchise executives designed by franchise executives. It is governed by a peer-led board of directors, who themselves have completed the CFE program and also includes representatives from academia. To be awarded the CFE designation, individuals must complete an extensive course of study, and meet experience, participation and ethics requirements as established by the ICFE Board of Governors.

In the United States, more than 1,100 franchise executives are participating in the CFE program, and of these, over 40 percent are c-level executives. This is the second time the ICFE has partnered with a franchise association outside the U.S. The first cooperative program was launched in 2002 with the Philippines Franchise Association.