We’re Franchising Together Through Education
At the IFA, we believe education is the cornerstone of success in franchising. Whether you’re just starting your franchise journey or looking to elevate your existing business, our educational resources are designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of franchising.
Whether you call it instruction, education or professional development, IFA has brought together resources to support every franchising journey, in every way that you want to learn.
Our range of learning topics is exceeded only by all the avenues in which you can access these resources. IFA Education Programs meet you where you are – on-demand courses, online live sessions, in-person events and much more. Explore our learning options below and get started today!
IFA Academy
IFA Academy delivers over 200 on-demand professional development courses—both instructor-led and self-paced—across 32 categories and in 41 languages. In collaboration with prestigious academic institutions and leading business, leadership, and legal partnerships, we offer best-in-class education accessible to all learners, with significant discounts available for IFA members. Every course offered through our online learning platform provides credits toward our unique certification and certificate programs.
IFA "LIVE" Learning
IFA “LIVE” Learning brings together dynamic, instructor-led classroom experiences delivered either through IFA-hosted events or live online sessions. Designed for everyone in franchising—regardless of tenure, title, or brand size—these sessions offer a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside peers and industry leaders.
Part of a comprehensive educational experience includes learning from your peers, and IFA “LIVE” Learning is designed to foster those valuable connections. Whether you’re new to franchising or a seasoned professional, these sessions provide practical insights and knowledge to enhance your expertise and elevate your impact in the industry.
Certified Franchise Executive (CFE)
The Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) is the gold standard for leadership and accomplishment in the franchising community. Participants in the CFE program access courses in business development, franchise management, leadership, legal compliance, operations, marketing and more. Whether you’re just getting started in franchising or looking to accelerate your growth, the CFE program provides learning options to meet your interests and goals. IFA and our partners offer you countless ways to achieve your CFE through on-demand learning, live events and courses through renowned Universities. Contact Us for More Information at CFE@Franchise.org.
Get Started Today!
IFA’s Foundations of Franchising
Explore our six-week, instructor-led virtual bootcamps that deliver practical knowledge around core skills of franchise management. Courses include Franchising Fundamentals, Navigating Franchise Law, Franchise HR Infrastructure, Leading Franchise Teams and Building a Profitable Relationship with your Franchisor. These courses have been developed in conjunction with leading Universities and Professional Organizations.
IFA Fran-Guard® Sales Management & Compliance Program
Compliance with franchise law makes for good business and legal sense. The risks involved in noncompliance are serious and the rewards are significant, so it’s important that franchise compliance requirements are carried out the correct way. This course outlines the requirements and provides practical strategies for following regulations while ensuring effectiveness in the franchise sales process. This course is offered online on-demand, at franchise events and in large group settings at your brand, with a group discount.
IFA Certificate Pathways
Through innovative coursework, our Certificate Pathway helps you gain a deeper understanding and skill building in specific areas of expertise. Through successful completion of the pathway courses and exam, you earn a specialty Certificate in a specific franchising leadership area. Each Certificate Pathway is built on twenty (20) hours of content and hosted through the IFA Academy as self-paced learning.
Franchise Brand Mastery Program
The Franchise Brand Mastery Program is a fully customizable learning experience designed to meet the unique needs of franchise brands. Brands can request tailored training sessions for their teams, focusing on key areas such as the IFA Fran-Guard® program, Franchise Leadership, Profitability, Coaching and Franchise Support, or Management.
These sessions can be delivered through virtual classrooms or in-person, providing flexibility to accommodate team needs while empowering organizations to elevate performance, enhance team skills, and drive long-term success through targeted, expert-led education.
Contact Sandie Curtis for more information.
IFA Signature Series
The IFA Signature Series is a dynamic suite of learning opportunities offering insightful, engaging, and up-to-date franchise education—tailored for all levels and job titles within franchising. Whether accessed through subscriptions, bundled packages, or individual sessions, this series is delivered by the industry’s best: award-winning franchisors, franchisees, successful multi-unit and multi-brand operators, seasoned franchise attorneys, and expert suppliers. The offerings include: Collaborative Learning Circles, Franchise Seasons of Success, Executive Insights, Masterclass Series, and topic-based Learning Pathways, ensuring you receive the strategic guidance and expertise needed to excel in the world of franchising. Contact Melissa Chang for more information.
Learning at IFA Events
IFA conferences and events bring together the franchising community to share knowledge, foster connections, and inspire growth. From exclusive leadership summits to industry-wide conventions, these events are where members collaborate, learn from experts, and start profitable partnerships that become lifelong friendships. Whether you’re new to franchising or a seasoned professional, IFA events offer unmatched opportunities for impactful learning.
FranShip: IFA’s Mentoring Program
FranShip connects members to benefit from the breadth of knowledge in the IFA network. The program pairs early career and emerging franchisors, franchisees and suppliers with experienced industry veterans for mentoring relationships that drive growth and connection.
How Does IFA Education Help You Succeed in Franchising?
- Learn from Proven Practices and Experienced Leaders
We offer webinars, masterclasses, mentorship, in-person and online learning sessions where you can learn from peers and subject matter experts and engage in problem solving discussions that are specific and unique to your challenges. - Drive Revenue and Profitability
Education isn’t just about learning—it’s about action. Our courses, events, webinars, mentorship programs and certifications are designed to maximize revenue, streamline operations, solve business challenges, boost profitability and drive unit level economics. - Ensure Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Franchising operates within a highly regulated environment. Staying informed about the latest legal and regulatory changes is essential to protecting your business and maintaining responsible franchising practices. We provide up-to-date guidance to help you stay compliant. - Networking opportunities
Participants gain close access to franchise leaders as part of IFA’s education options. Learning together allows you to build relationships and gain insights that can have a big impact on your business and professional growth. - Career advancement
These educational programs serve as leading resources to help franchise executives, managers, and local franchise owners accelerate individual and organizational development.
It is critical that we, as franchisors, have a strong foundation and deep, intimate understanding of franchising and best practices for supporting our franchisees. We are a resource to small business owners, and we must be well versed in franchise law, strategy, marketing, operations and much more. The CFE accreditation is critical in being well rounded in all these areas. Having previously been a Molly Maid Franchisee for twelve years, I have a great appreciation for the CFE certification and how it sets you up for success and that of your franchisees.
Michael Silva-Nash, CFE, Vice President of Operations Molly Maid, a Neighborly company
Meet Our Education Team
Sandie Curtis, CFE, IPMA-SCP, JMT
Vice President, Education
202.662.0771
scurtis@franchise.org
Melissa Chang
Director, Education
202.662.0789
mchang@franchise.org
Brittney Cosby
Senior Manager, Certification Programs
202.662.0772
bcosby@franchise.org