Top 10 Shipping Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a shipping coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field. A certification can help a shipping coordinator stand out from other applicants by demonstrating their commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices. Furthermore, certifications can give employers confidence that a shipping coordinator has the skills necessary to effectively manage their organization’s logistics operations. Finally, certifications can also lead to higher salaries, as many employers are willing to pay more for certified professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field.

This article reviews the top certifications for Shipping Coordinators and explains how they can help to advance a Shipping Coordinator's career.

What are Shipping Coordinator Certifications?

Shipping Coordinator Certification is a professional designation that certifies individuals in the field of shipping and logistics. This certification program provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in the areas of shipping, transportation, inventory management, logistics operations, customs regulations, and other related topics.

With this certification, individuals have a greater understanding of the complexities associated with global shipping and logistics operations. This knowledge can help them to make smarter decisions regarding cost-effectiveness, compliance with regulations, and customer satisfaction. Certified professionals are also better equipped to handle any potential challenges that may arise during the process of international shipping.

The Shipping Coordinator Certification program provides a thorough understanding of current trends in the industry, enabling professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in technology and processes. By having a greater understanding of how these developments impact their workflows, certified professionals can be more efficient in their duties and better serve their customers’ needs. Additionally, they will have an improved ability to identify opportunities for improvement within their organization’s supply chain operations.

Overall, Shipping Coordinator Certification is a valuable asset for those looking to advance their career in the field of shipping and logistics. It provides essential knowledge that employers look for when hiring employees for these positions as well as helping certified professionals become more adept at managing complex global supply chains efficiently and effectively.

Pro Tip: Take the time to research and understand what is involved in becoming a shipping coordinator. Knowing the basics of shipping regulations, documentation requirements, and safety protocols is essential for success in this role. Additionally, look into any available certification programs that can help you further develop your skillset and knowledge.

Related: What does a Shipping Coordinator do?

Top 10 Shipping Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Shipping Coordinators today.

1. Certified Shipping Coordinator (CSC)

Certified Shipping Coordinator (CSC) is a certification program designed to provide professionals in the freight and logistics industry with the knowledge and skills needed to coordinate shipments. The CSC certification is offered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), an international trade organization that sets standards for the air transport industry.

The CSC certification program consists of two parts: a course and an exam. The course covers topics such as shipping regulations, customs clearance procedures, documentation requirements, cargo security, and other related topics. The course typically takes about three weeks to complete. After completing the course, candidates must pass a written exam to earn their CSC certification.

The cost of obtaining the CSC certification varies depending on where you take the course and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, courses range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the provider and location. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or exam fees.

Once you have obtained your CSC certification, it is valid for three years from the date of issue. After this time period has expired, you will need to renew your certification by retaking both parts of the program (course and exam).

2. Certified International Shipping Coordinator (CISC)

Certified International Shipping Coordinator (CISC) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively coordinate international shipments. The certification is offered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It covers topics such as customs regulations, international shipping procedures, global logistics, and more.

The CISC certification program consists of four modules: Introduction to Global Logistics; Customs Regulations and Procedures; Documentation and Shipping Procedures; and Risk Management. Each module includes an online exam that must be completed in order to receive the certification.

It typically takes two to three months to complete the program. To get started, you will need to register for the program on IATA's website. There is a fee associated with registering for the CISC program which varies depending on your country of residence. The cost of registration ranges from $400-$600 USD.

3. Certified Logistics and Shipping Coordinator (CLSC)

Certified Logistics and Shipping Coordinator (CLSC) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage logistics and shipping operations. The program was designed by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L) to provide an industry-recognized credential for those working in or aspiring to work in the field of logistics and shipping.

The CLSC program consists of four courses covering topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, customer service, and international trade regulations. It takes approximately six months to complete all four courses. In order to receive the CLSC designation, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam at the end of each course.

The cost of the CLSC program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,500-$3,500 for the entire program.

4. Certified Trade Compliance Officer (CTCO)

A Certified Trade Compliance Officer (CTCO) is a professional who has achieved a specialized certification in the field of international trade compliance. The CTCO designation is awarded by the International Trade Compliance Professionals Association (ITCPA). This certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage international trade compliance programs.

The CTCO certification program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. To obtain the Level I certification, an individual must complete two courses and pass an exam. The two courses are “International Trade Compliance Fundamentals” and “Advanced International Trade Compliance”. The Level II certification requires completion of four additional courses and passing an exam.

It typically takes about six months to complete both levels of the CTCO program, depending on how quickly you can complete the coursework. You can take the courses online or in-person at one of ITCPA's partner institutions around the world.

The cost for completing both levels of the CTCO program varies depending on which institution you choose to take your courses from, but it typically ranges from $2,000 - $3,500 USD for both levels combined.

5. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage global supply chain activities. The CSCP program was developed by the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS) and is recognized as a professional credential in more than 80 countries around the world.

The CSCP program consists of three main components: an online learning system, an exam, and a professional development program. The online learning system provides comprehensive instruction on supply chain management topics such as inventory management, logistics, procurement, customer service, and more. The exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the online learning system and is administered at select testing centers around the world. Finally, the professional development program helps you stay current on industry trends and best practices through webinars, workshops, conferences, and other events.

It typically takes about 3-6 months to complete the entire CSCP program depending on how much time you have available to dedicate to studying. To get started, you must first register for the CSCP exam through APICS or one of their authorized partners. The cost of registration varies depending on which package you choose but typically ranges from $695-$1125 USD. Once registered for the exam, you can begin working through the online learning system at your own pace until you are ready to take the test.

6. Certified Export Specialist (CES)

Certified Export Specialist (CES) is a professional certification program that provides export professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the international marketplace. It is designed to help participants understand the complexities of global trade, including regulations, compliance, and risk management. The CES certification is offered by the National Association of Export Specialists (NAES), an organization dedicated to providing education and resources for export professionals.

The CES certification program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as international business law, customs regulations, foreign currency exchange rates, logistics, and export marketing. The exam tests participants’ understanding of these concepts and their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. Participants must pass both parts in order to receive their CES certification.

The cost of the CES certification program varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NAES. For members, the cost is $395; for non-members it is $495. The cost includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at the exam. Additional attempts at the exam can be purchased for $150 each.

It typically takes about four weeks to complete the online course portion of the program, followed by one week for studying before taking the exam. Once you have successfully completed both parts of the program, you will receive your official Certified Export Specialist certificate from NAES.

7. Global Trade Professional Certification (GTP-C)

Global Trade Professional Certification (GTP-C) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of international trade knowledge and skills. This certification is offered by the Global Trade Professionals Association (GTPA), an independent non-profit organization, and is recognized by organizations around the world as a mark of excellence in global trade.

The GTP-C certification requires successful completion of an online assessment that covers topics such as international trade law, customs regulations, logistics, foreign currency exchange, and global market analysis. The assessment consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 70% on the assessment in order to pass.

In order to become certified, candidates must first register for the GTP-C program with GTPA. After registering, applicants will be given access to the online assessment. Once they have successfully completed the assessment, they will receive their GTP-C certificate from GTPA.

The cost for registration and taking the GTP-C exam is $495 USD.

8. International Freight Forwarding and Logistics Certification (IFFLC)

International Freight Forwarding and Logistics Certification (IFFLC) is a certification program designed to help freight forwarders and logistics providers improve their operations, increase customer satisfaction, and become more competitive in the global marketplace. The program is administered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The IFFLC certification requires that companies demonstrate their knowledge of international air cargo regulations, customs clearance procedures, and other aspects of international freight forwarding and logistics. Companies must also demonstrate their ability to provide reliable service to customers.

The certification process takes approximately six months from start to finish. During this time, companies must submit an application form, provide evidence of their compliance with IATA standards, complete an online exam, and pass an onsite audit by an IATA-accredited auditor.

To get the IFFLC certification, companies must first register with IATA and then submit their application form along with supporting documents such as proof of compliance with IATA standards. Once the application has been approved by IATA, companies can take the online exam which consists of multiple-choice questions about international air cargo regulations and customs clearance procedures. After passing the exam, companies are required to undergo an onsite audit conducted by an IATA-accredited auditor who will assess their operational processes and procedures.

The cost for the IFFLC certification varies depending on the size of the company but typically ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 USD. This cost includes registration fees for both IATA and IFFLC as well as exam fees and auditing costs.

9. Certified Transportation & Logistics Manager (CTLM)

Certified Transportation & Logistics Manager (CTLM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to manage transportation and logistics operations. The CTLM credential is highly sought after by employers in the industry, as it signifies that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in the field.

The CTLM program consists of three levels: Certified Professional Logistician (CPL), Certified Professional Transportation Manager (CPTM), and Certified Transportation & Logistics Manager (CTLM). Each level requires passing a comprehensive examination, which covers topics such as supply chain management, transportation economics, operations management, and logistics technology. The examinations are administered by AST&L at various locations throughout the United States.

It typically takes between 12-18 months to complete the CTLM program. To get started, applicants must first register with AST&L and pay an application fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants must successfully pass all three examinations within two years in order to earn their CTLM certification.

The cost of the CTLM program varies depending on how long it takes you to complete it. The application fee is $75, while each exam costs $175 per attempt. In addition, there may be additional fees for study materials or other resources needed for successful completion of the exams.

10. Advanced Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ACLSM).

The Advanced Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (ACLSM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Purchasing Society. The program provides an advanced level of knowledge and skills in logistics, supply chain management, and related areas.

The program can be completed in as little as six months with a minimum of 30 hours of coursework. It consists of four modules: Introduction to Logistics and Supply Chain Management; Strategic Logistics and Supply Chain Management; Operational Logistics and Supply Chain Management; and International Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The coursework covers topics such as inventory control, transportation management, procurement, customer service, global sourcing, supply chain technology, supply chain analytics, risk management, sustainability initiatives, and more.

To get the ACLSM certification you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution or have at least three years of relevant work experience in logistics or supply chain management. You must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by the American Purchasing Society. Once you have met these requirements you will receive your certificate from the American Purchasing Society.

The cost for the ACLSM certification varies depending on where you take the coursework. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500-$2,000 to complete the program. This includes all course materials, examinations fees, registration fees, etc.

Do You Really Need a Shipping Coordinator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Shipping Coordinator Certificate is largely dependent on the type of shipping coordinator position you are applying for. Depending on the employer and their specific job requirements, a certificate may be necessary in order to qualify for the job.

In some cases, employers may require that applicants have a Shipping Coordinator Certificate in order to demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field. This certification is typically offered through professional organizations like the International Association of Logistics Management (IALM). It covers topics like international trade regulations, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and security regulations. Those who complete this certificate program will gain an understanding of how to properly manage shipments from start to finish.

On the other hand, if you are going for a less specialized position that does not require as much technical knowledge about shipping and logistics, then it might not be necessary for you to have a Shipping Coordinator Certificate. Instead, employers may be more interested in seeing that you have related work experience or educational qualifications related to logistics management.

Ultimately, the decision whether or not to pursue this certification should depend on your individual goals and career aspirations. If having a Shipping Coordinator Certificate will help you get closer to achieving your goals, then it may be worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Shipping Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Shipping Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Shipping Coordinator Certification?

A Shipping Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in shipping coordination. The certification process includes taking an exam to demonstrate competency in the areas of shipping regulations, logistics, supply chain management, customs clearance and documentation, customer service, freight forwarding, inventory control and more.

2. How can I become certified as a Shipping Coordinator?

In order to become certified as a Shipping Coordinator, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by one of the organizations offering the certification such as International Air Transport Association (IATA), National Retail Federation (NRF), or National Institute for Logistics Management (NILM).

3. What does being certified as a Shipping Coordinator mean?

Being certified as a Shipping Coordinator means that you have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in all aspects of shipping coordination including supply chain management, customer service, freight forwarding, inventory control and more. It also shows employers that you are dedicated to your profession and take it seriously enough to obtain a certification.

4. How long is the Shipping Coordinator Certification valid for?

The validity period for the Shipping Coordinator Certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, most certifications are valid for two years before needing to be renewed or re-taken.

5. What are some benefits of having a Shipping Coordinator Certification?

Having a Shipping Coordinator Certification can provide many benefits such as increased job opportunities, higher wages/salaries and improved career prospects due to its validation of your expertise in this field. Additionally, with this certification you will be able to offer more value to employers since they know that you possess specialized knowledge and skills related to shipping coordination.