Top 10 Export Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for an export specialist in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has a strong understanding of international trade regulations, and is able to effectively manage export operations. Certification also provides a competitive edge over other job seekers who do not have the same qualifications or knowledge. Additionally, certification can open up opportunities for advancement and higher salaries as it shows employers that the individual is committed to developing their skillset and staying current with industry best practices.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the most valuable certifications available for Export Specialists and explain how they can enhance a career in this field.

What are Export Specialist Certifications?

Export specialist certification is a professional credential that recognizes the expertise and achievements of individuals working in international trade. This certification demonstrates an individual's knowledge of the global marketplace, international logistics, customs regulations, export compliance, and other areas related to the successful management of international business transactions.

The certification can help individuals advance their careers by demonstrating to employers a commitment to excellence in this field and providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle complex global trading operations. It can also help those who already work in this area stand out from their peers by setting them apart as experts in the field. Furthermore, being certified can provide access to specialized resources and networking opportunities that are not available to non-certified individuals. Finally, it helps build credibility among customers and partners by demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of international trading operations.

Pro Tip: When considering an export specialist certification program, make sure to research the background of the certifying organization and ensure that they have a solid reputation in the industry. It is also important to make sure that the certification program offers current and relevant information as well as hands-on experience, so you can be confident that you are getting the most up-to-date knowledge and skills needed for success.

Related: What does an Export Specialist do?

Top 10 Export Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Export Specialists today.

1. Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)

Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) is a professional designation offered by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and experience in international trade.

The CITP designation requires applicants to have five years of international trade experience, as well as pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as global economics, international law, logistics, marketing and sales, finance, and risk management.

It usually takes about six months to complete the CITP program, including taking the exam. To get the CITP designation, you must first apply online at FITT's website. After submitting your application and paying the fee (which is currently $595 USD), you will be given access to study materials and online courses which you must complete before taking the exam.

Once you have completed all of the requirements for the CITP program, you can take the final examination at a designated testing center near you. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your CITP designation from FITT.

2. Certified Export Compliance Officer (CECO)

Certified Export Compliance Officer (CECO) is a professional certification program developed by the Society of International Trade Professionals (SITPRO). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and comply with U.S. export regulations. The CECO program focuses on the practical application of export compliance principles, as well as the development of an effective compliance management system.

The CECO certification requires completion of a five-day intensive training course, which includes lectures, case studies, and exercises. Upon successful completion of the course, participants must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their certification. The exam covers topics such as export controls, sanctions programs, export licensing requirements, and trade agreements.

In order to become certified as a CECO, applicants must have at least two years of experience in international trade or related fields. They must also demonstrate knowledge in areas such as export regulations, international business practices, and risk management. Additionally, applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in English language communication skills.

The cost for the CECO certification program varies depending on the provider; however it typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include travel expenses and lodging if attending an in-person course or exam preparation materials if taking the exam online or remotely.

Overall it takes approximately one month from start to finish to complete the CECO certification process.

3. Certified Export Specialist (CES)

Certified Export Specialist (CES) is a professional certification program administered by the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA). The program is designed to provide export professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively and efficiently manage international trade transactions.

The CES certification requires applicants to complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as export regulations, customs procedures, international shipping and documentation, export finance, and global logistics. The exam typically takes 2-3 hours to complete.

To become certified, individuals must meet the following requirements: be at least 18 years old; have at least two years of experience in the field of international trade; have completed an approved course in international trade or passed an equivalent examination; have a valid passport; and have no criminal record.

The cost for the CES certification varies depending on the type of membership you hold with NCBFAA. For non-members, there is a $250 application fee plus a $150 exam fee. For members, there is only a $150 exam fee.

4. Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP)

Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) is an internationally recognized certification program for professionals who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the global business arena. The CGBP program is administered by NASBITE International, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting international trade best practices.

The CGBP certification process consists of two parts: a comprehensive exam and a professional development workshop. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in international business or related fields. The exam is offered twice a year at various locations around the world and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as global marketing, finance, logistics, law, human resources, and economics.

In order to receive the CGBP certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 75% or higher. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants are required to complete an 8-hour professional development workshop within 12 months in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost of taking the CGBP exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. The cost of attending the professional development workshop also varies depending on location but typically ranges from $250-$350 USD.

5. Certified Customs Specialist (CCS)

Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) is a professional designation for individuals who are knowledgeable and experienced in the area of customs compliance. The CCS designation is awarded by the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA).

To become certified, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of customs compliance, including import regulations, export regulations, and trade laws. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to take the CCS exam, an individual must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time experience in the field of customs compliance or having completed a minimum number of college credits in international trade law or related subjects.

The cost to take the CCS exam varies depending on whether you are an NCBFAA member or non-member. For members, it costs $250; for non-members, it costs $400. Once you have passed the exam, there is an additional fee to receive your official certification card and certificate.

6. Certified Export Administrator (CEA)

Certified Export Administrator (CEA) is a professional certification program offered by the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA). The CEA program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful export administrators.

The CEA program consists of three parts: a comprehensive online course, an exam, and a practical experience requirement. The online course provides an overview of international trade regulations, export compliance requirements, and best practices for managing export operations. The exam tests the student’s knowledge of the material covered in the course. Finally, the practical experience requirement requires students to have at least two years of relevant work experience in order to be eligible for certification.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three parts of the CEA program. To get started, interested individuals should contact NCBFAA directly for more information about enrollment and fees. The cost of the CEA program varies depending on whether you are taking it as an individual or through an employer-sponsored training program. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000-$3,000 for individuals and $4,000-$5,000 for employer-sponsored programs.

7. International Trade Certification Program (ITCP)

The International Trade Certification Program (ITCP) is a program designed to help businesses and organizations better understand the international trade process. It provides an in-depth understanding of the various aspects of international trade, including customs regulations, export/import procedures, and global market access. The program is offered by the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The ITCP consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of specific courses that cover topics such as customs regulations, export/import procedures, global market access, risk management, and logistics. The duration of each level varies depending on the course content; however, it typically takes between one to two weeks to complete each level.

In order to obtain certification for any level of ITCP, applicants must pass a written exam at the end of their coursework. Exams are administered by accredited institutions or organizations approved by ITC.

The cost of obtaining certification through ITCP varies depending on the institution or organization administering the exams. Generally speaking, fees range from $500 to $2,000 per exam depending on location and other factors.

Overall, obtaining certification through ITCP can be beneficial for businesses looking to expand their operations into international markets as it provides them with an understanding of key concepts related to global trade.

8. Certified Logistics Professional (CLP)

Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in logistics, supply chain management, and related fields.

It takes approximately six months to complete the CLP program. To get certified, applicants must first pass an exam that tests their knowledge in areas such as logistics operations, supply chain management, transportation, inventory control, customer service, and more. After passing the exam, applicants must then complete a series of online courses and participate in an interview with a panel of experts.

The cost for the CLP program varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of AST&L. For members, the cost is $495 USD; for non-members it is $595 USD. This fee includes the exam fee as well as access to all course materials needed to complete the program.

9. Global Trade Professional Certification Program (GTP-CP)

The Global Trade Professional Certification Program (GTP-CP) is an international certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful global trade practitioners. The program is administered by the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The GTP-CP program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of online courses, assessments, and/or exams.

Foundation Level: This level covers basic concepts such as international trade law, customs regulations, export procedures, and other topics related to global trade. It takes approximately 3 months to complete this level.

Intermediate Level: This level builds upon the foundation coursework by focusing on more complex topics such as export finance, logistics management, marketing strategies for international markets, etc. It takes approximately 6 months to complete this level.

Advanced Level: This level focuses on advanced topics related to global trade such as risk management, dispute resolution mechanisms, and other specialized topics. It takes approximately 12 months to complete this level.

To get certified in the GTP-CP program you must first register with ITC online or through their regional offices located in Geneva Switzerland or New York USA. Once registered you will be able to access all course materials needed for each level of certification. You can then choose which courses you want to take and when you want to take them depending on your schedule and availability. After completing each course you will need to pass an assessment or exam in order to receive your certificate for that particular level of certification.

The cost for registering for the GTP-CP program varies depending on which courses you choose and whether or not you are eligible for any discounts offered by ITC or its partners. Generally speaking however it costs between $500-$2,000 USD per course depending on the complexity of the course material covered.

10. International Freight Forwarding and Logistics Professional Certification Program (IFFLP-CP).

The International Freight Forwarding and Logistics Professional Certification Program (IFFLP-CP) is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize and promote the professional excellence of freight forwarding and logistics professionals. The program is administered by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA).

The IFFLP-CP is a three-level certification program that requires participants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of freight forwarding, international trade, customs regulations, supply chain management, and logistics. To become certified at each level, individuals must pass an online exam.

Level 1: Certified International Freight Forwarder (CIFF) - This is the entry-level certification for freight forwarders. It requires passing an online exam on topics such as shipping documents, customs regulations, and international trade laws.

Level 2: Certified International Logistics Professional (CILP) - This intermediate level certification requires passing an online exam on topics such as supply chain management, inventory control systems, and global logistics operations.

Level 3: Certified Global Logistics Manager (CGLM) - This advanced level certification requires passing an online exam on topics such as strategic planning for global logistics operations, negotiation techniques for international trade agreements, and risk management strategies for global supply chains.

The IFFLP-CP program takes approximately 6 months to complete all three levels of certification. The cost of the program varies depending on which country you are located in but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD per level. To get started with the IFFLP-CP program you will need to register with FIATA by submitting an application form along with your payment information. Once your application has been approved you will be able to access the online exams for each level of certification.

Do You Really Need a Export Specialist Certificate?

Whether or not you need an Export Specialist Certificate depends on what your career goals are and the type of job you want to pursue. If you are looking for a job in international trade, then having an Export Specialist Certificate can be beneficial. It demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle export-related tasks, such as product packaging, shipping logistics, customs paperwork, and foreign exchange regulations. The certificate also shows that you understand the complexities of international trade, which can help make you a more competitive candidate for certain jobs.

On the other hand, if your career goals don’t involve international trade or export-related tasks, then an Export Specialist Certificate may not be necessary. Many employers will look favorably upon any additional training or certifications that demonstrate a commitment to professional development, but it is ultimately up to each individual to decide what type of certification is best suited for their specific career path.

Related: Export Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Export Specialist Certifications

1. What is an Export Specialist Certification?

Answer: An Export Specialist Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the export of goods and services. It recognizes individuals who have the skills and experience to successfully manage international trade operations.

2. How do I obtain an Export Specialist Certification?

Answer: To obtain an Export Specialist Certification, you must complete an accredited program or training course that covers topics related to international business, such as trade law, customs regulations, logistics, finance, and marketing. After completing the program or course, you will need to pass a certification exam administered by a recognized organization or institution.

3. What are the benefits of becoming an Export Specialist?

Answer: Becoming an Export Specialist offers numerous benefits including better job opportunities, increased earning potential, access to exclusive resources and networks, and more credibility when dealing with foreign customers or suppliers. Additionally, having this certification can help you stand out among other applicants for jobs in international trade.

4. How long does it take to get certified as an Export Specialist?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending on the specific certifying body and the individual’s level of preparation for the certification exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months up to a year or more to receive your certification after completing the necessary training courses and passing the exam.

5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my Export Specialist Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require continuing education credits (CECs) every two years in order to maintain your certification status. CECs can be obtained through attending specialized workshops or seminars related to export regulations and other topics related to international trade operations.