Top 11 Freight Broker Certifications

Certifications are important for freight brokers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers look for. Certifications can help prove to employers that a freight broker has the necessary skills and understanding to handle the responsibilities associated with the job. Additionally, certifications can give a freight broker an edge over other applicants since they show that the individual is committed to their profession and is willing to invest time and money into staying up-to-date with industry trends. Lastly, certifications are often required for certain positions or types of jobs, so having them can open up new opportunities for career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Freight Brokers and explain how they can help to further a freight broker's career.

What are Freight Broker Certifications?

Freight broker certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge of the freight industry, its regulations, and best practices. It also demonstrates their ability to effectively manage the logistics associated with shipping goods from one location to another. This certification can be obtained by taking a course or exam through a third-party organization.

Having a freight broker certification can be beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in the freight industry. It provides employers with assurance that the person they are hiring has the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully manage the transportation of goods from one place to another. A certified freight broker will have an understanding of how to properly negotiate rates, choose carriers, ensure compliance with regulations, and complete paperwork accurately. Additionally, having this certification may make it easier for someone to gain employment in the field since employers know that they possess the necessary qualifications and expertise required for the job. Finally, having this certification may open up opportunities for advancement within the industry since employers are more likely to trust someone who has demonstrated their proficiency in this area.

Pro Tip: Make sure you understand the requirements for freight broker certification before you start the process. Research what kind of experience and qualifications are necessary, as well as the cost and any other fees associated with the certification. Additionally, look into any available online courses or seminars that can help you prepare for the certification.

Related: What does a Freight Broker do?

Top 11 Freight Broker Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Freight Brokers today.

1. Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) from the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)

Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) is a certification program offered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the transportation brokerage industry. The CTB certification is earned through passing an exam that covers topics such as freight rate negotiation, carrier selection, customer service, and regulatory compliance.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the transportation brokerage industry and must pass a comprehensive exam administered by TIA. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and covers topics such as freight rate negotiation, carrier selection, customer service, and regulatory compliance. Applicants must also complete an online application form and submit it to TIA for review.

The cost for the CTB certification varies depending on whether you are applying for individual or group certification. For individual certification, the cost is $200 USD plus applicable taxes; for group certification, the cost is $500 USD plus applicable taxes. The application fee includes access to study materials and practice exams.

Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, it typically takes about 4-6 weeks for TIA to review your application and notify you of your test results. If you pass the exam, you will receive your official CTB certificate within 8-10 weeks after passing the exam.

2. Certified Freight Broker (CFB) from the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)

Certified Freight Broker (CFB) from the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) is an industry-recognized certification that verifies a freight broker’s knowledge and expertise in the field. It is designed to ensure that freight brokers are knowledgeable about the laws, regulations, and best practices related to their profession.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least two years of experience in the freight brokerage industry and passing an exam administered by NCBFAA. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as customs regulations, tariff classification, transportation law, and international trade agreements.

The cost to apply for CFB certification is $250. Once you have applied and passed the exam, you will receive your certification within 4-6 weeks.

The benefits of becoming a Certified Freight Broker include being able to demonstrate your professional qualifications to potential employers or customers; having access to exclusive educational resources; and gaining recognition from peers in the industry.

3. Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)

Certified Logistics Professional (CLP) from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of supply chain management principles and practices. The CLP credential is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of logistics and supply chain management.

The program consists of two components: a comprehensive exam and an application process. The exam covers topics such as inventory control, transportation, warehousing, customer service, international logistics, and more. The application process includes submitting proof of education and experience in the field.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the CLP program. To get started on the path to certification, you must first become a CSCMP member by paying an annual membership fee. After becoming a member, you can then register for the CLP exam. Once you pass the exam, you will need to submit your application materials to be approved by CSCMP before being awarded your CLP credentials.

The cost of obtaining the CLP credential varies depending on whether or not you are already a CSCMP member. If you are not already a member, it will cost $195 for one year’s membership plus $395 for the exam fee ($590 total). If you are already a CSCMP member, it will cost $395 for the exam fee only ($395 total).

4. Certified Freight Consultant (CFC) from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

The Certified Freight Consultant (CFC) from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of air cargo operations. The CFC program provides an industry-recognized credential for those working in the air cargo sector, allowing them to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to their profession.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of air cargo operations, including topics such as pricing, documentation, customs regulations, and safety standards. The exam is administered by IATA’s Cargo Training Institute and can be taken either online or at one of IATA’s approved training centers around the world.

The exam typically takes 3-4 hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements before they can take the exam. These include having a minimum of two years experience in the air cargo industry or completing a recognized training course in air cargo operations.

The cost of taking the CFC exam varies depending on where it is taken and how it is administered. Generally speaking, taking the exam online costs around $500 USD while taking it at an approved training center can cost up to $1,000 USD.

Once applicants pass the CFC exam they will receive an official certificate from IATA recognizing them as a Certified Freight Consultant. They will then be able to use this credential on their resume or business cards as proof of their expertise in air cargo operations.

5. Certified Professional in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CPLTD) from the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (ASTL)

The Certified Professional in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CPLTD) is a professional certification offered by the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (ASTL). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the logistics, transportation, and distribution fields. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the areas of supply chain management, transportation management, inventory management, warehousing, customs regulations, and global logistics.

To obtain the CPLTD certification from ASTL, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of professional experience in logistics or related fields; being currently employed in a logistics-related position; and holding a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASTL.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as supply chain management principles; freight transportation modes; inventory control systems; customs regulations; international trade agreements; warehousing operations; and global logistics strategies. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CPLTD exam is $395 USD for ASTL members and $595 USD for non-members. Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CPLTD certification from ASTL within four to six weeks.

6. Certified International Freight Forwarder (CIFF) from the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)

Certified International Freight Forwarder (CIFF) from the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) is an internationally recognized certification program for freight forwarders. This certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in international freight forwarding and logistics. The CIFF certification is based on a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of the freight forwarding industry, including customs regulations, documentation, and transportation requirements.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CIFF certification process, depending on the individual’s experience and knowledge. To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it to FIATA. FIATA will then review the application and assign a mentor who will help guide them through the process. After completing the required coursework and passing a written exam, applicants will receive their CIFF certificate.

The cost of obtaining CIFF certification varies depending on where you are located, but typically ranges between $500-$1000 USD.

7. Certified Customs Specialist Program (CCS-P) from the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America(NCBFAA).

The Certified Customs Specialist Program (CCS-P) from the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) is a professional certification program for customs brokers and forwarders. The program was designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the international trade industry.

The CCS-P program is a self-study course that consists of four modules: Customs Regulations, International Trade, Classification and Valuation, and Documentation. Each module includes an online test that must be passed in order to receive certification. The program also includes an online study guide, practice tests, and a final exam.

In order to become certified, individuals must complete all four modules within 18 months of enrolling in the program. Individuals must also pass each module's exam with a score of at least 75%. Once all four exams have been completed, individuals will receive their CCS-P certification from NCBFAA.

The cost of the CCS-P program varies depending on whether or not you are an NCBFAA member. For non-members, the cost is $795 per module or $3180 for all four modules. For members, the cost is discounted to $595 per module or $2380 for all four modules.

Overall, the CCS-P program provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of international trade regulations and procedures as well as valuable knowledge that can be used in their career development.

8. Licensed Customs Broker Exam Preparation Course from NCBFAA

The NCBFAA Licensed Customs Broker Exam Preparation Course is an online course designed to help individuals prepare for the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Licensed Customs Broker Exam. The course covers the topics of customs laws, regulations, procedures, and practices necessary to pass the exam.

The course consists of 8 modules with over 300 pages of material. It also includes a practice test with over 500 questions that can be used to assess knowledge and identify areas needing further study. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete and can be taken at your own pace.

To get the NCBFAA Licensed Customs Broker Exam Preparation Course you must purchase it through their website. The cost of the course is $295 USD plus applicable taxes and shipping fees.

9. Accredited International Trade Professional Certification Program from NCBFAA

The Accredited International Trade Professional (AITP) Certification Program from the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in international trade. The AITP certification program is designed to provide recognition for individuals who have achieved a certain level of expertise in the field of international trade.

The AITP certification program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. To obtain the Level I certification, an individual must complete a series of courses covering topics such as customs regulations, export documentation, international shipping procedures, and international transportation law. Upon successful completion of these courses, the individual must pass an examination administered by NCBFAA. Once the individual has passed this exam, they are eligible for the Level I AITP certification.

To obtain the Level II certification, an individual must have completed at least five years of professional experience in international trade or related fields. In addition to this experience requirement, they must also pass another examination administered by NCBFAA that covers more advanced topics such as global supply chain management and risk management. Upon successful completion of this exam, they are eligible for the Level II AITP certification.

The process to obtain both levels of AITP Certification can take anywhere from six months to one year depending on how quickly an individual completes their coursework and passes their examinations.

Individuals interested in obtaining either level of AITP Certification should contact NCBFAA directly for information on how to apply and what fees are associated with taking the exams. Generally speaking, there is an application fee as well as a fee for each exam taken that ranges from $150-$200 USD depending on which exam is taken.

10. US DOT Hazmat Training Course

The US DOT Hazmat Training Course is a comprehensive training program designed to help individuals understand and comply with the regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat). The course covers topics such as hazard identification, packaging, labeling, documentation, emergency response, and security. It also provides an overview of the US Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

The course typically takes around 8 hours to complete and can be taken online or in a classroom setting. To get certified, participants must pass a written exam at the end of the course. The cost for taking the course varies depending on where it is taken and who is providing it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $50-$200 per person.

11. US DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations Course

The US DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations Course (HMR) is a comprehensive training program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely transport hazardous materials in accordance with federal regulations. The course covers topics such as shipping papers, packaging, marking, labeling, placarding, segregation of incompatible materials, emergency response information, and security plans. It also provides an overview of the regulations that govern the transportation of hazardous materials.

The HMR course takes approximately 8 hours to complete. To get the course, individuals must attend an approved training provider or take an online course through a certified provider. The cost for the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $100-$200.

Do You Really Need a Freight Broker Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a freight broker certificate to be successful in the freight industry. However, if you are looking to become a professional freight broker and build a lasting career in the field, it is highly recommended that you obtain one.

A freight broker certificate is a credential that certifies your knowledge of the industry and demonstrates your commitment to the profession. It serves as an official record of your training, experience and qualifications for working as a freight broker. With this certification, you can prove to potential employers and customers that you have the necessary skills and expertise to conduct business in the field with confidence.

In addition to providing proof of your qualifications as a freight broker, obtaining a freight broker certificate can also open up more opportunities for advancement in the industry. Many companies look for individuals with this type of certification when they are hiring new employees or subcontractors. By having this credential on your resume, you will be able to stand out from other applicants who may not have any formal training or experience in the industry.

Finally, having a freight broker certificate can provide peace of mind knowing that you are adhering to all relevant laws and regulations pertaining to the business. This will ensure that all transactions conducted through your services are done legally and ethically, which is important for both customers and employers alike.

Overall, while it is not necessary to get a freight broker certificate in order to work in the industry, obtaining one can be extremely beneficial for those looking to build a successful career in this competitive field.

Related: Freight Broker Resume Examples

FAQs About Freight Broker Certifications

1. What is a freight broker certification?

Answer: A freight broker certification is a qualification that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills to legally act as a freight broker.

2. How do I become certified as a freight broker?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

3. How long does it take to get a freight broker certification?

Answer: It typically takes around two weeks to complete the training program and pass the exam.

4. Are there any costs associated with getting certified as a freight broker?

Answer: Yes, there are costs associated with becoming certified, including fees for the training program and the FMCSA exam.

5. What types of jobs can I get with a freight broker certification?

Answer: Freight brokers typically work in logistics or transportation companies, coordinating shipments between shippers and carriers. They may also be self-employed entrepreneurs who own their own businesses.