Get CITP certified faster through the Executive Path

If you’re a successful and experienced professional in international business looking to showcase your credibility and expertise to your network, the executive path to the CITP^® designation may be the fastest method to earning this prestigious designation. 

Eligibility for the Executive Path 

You may be eligible to apply* directly for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation via the Executive Path without completing FITTskills courses or exams, if you have experience related to all of the CITP competency categories. 

*All Executive Path CITP®|FIBP® applications are subject to approval by our Certification and Accreditation Committee (CAC). 

Requirements Checklist: 

• At least 10 years of experience at the executive level in international trade 
• International business experience related to each of the 13 CITP competency categories to be eligible to apply  
• Ability to demonstrate/provide evidence of leadership and/or management in the practical or policy areas of international trade (in each of the 13 CITP competency categories), and/or prove oversight experience associated with an organization’s international trade activities. 

Ready to apply? Here’s what you’ll need: 

Gather the following information to be ready to submit your CITP application:   

• A two-page cover letter demonstrating how your work experience relates to the CITP®|FIBP® Competencies**, and attesting to the accuracy of the information provided.  
• A comprehensive resume providing dates of employment (month and year), company name, job title and listing of your key responsibilities related to international trade activities 
• Two letters of reference—Please review the Reference Policy for CITP®|FIBP® Executive Path Candidates 
• A completed copy of the CITP®|FIBP® Executive Path Application Form  
• Pay annual CITP®|FIBP® dues ($270 CAD plus applicable taxes)—Your payment will be reimbursed in full should your application be denied for any reason 

As part of the application process, you must select the checkbox on the form, acknowledging your commitment to: 

• Adhere to the CITP®|FIBP® Standards of Ethical Conduct 
• Engage in annual professional development 
• Be an ambassador of FITT and the CITP®|FIBP® designation. CITP®|FIBP® ambassadorship involves: 
  • Using the CITP®|FIBP® designation on business cards, email signatures, correspondence, by-lines, etc. as appropriate 
  • Encouraging and supporting the pursuit of the CITP®|FIBP® designation by employees through the allocation of time and resources 
  • Using "CITP®|FIBP® preferred" or "CITP®|FIBP® candidate preferred” in job-opportunity announcements, as relevant 
  • Supporting employee attendance at FITT events 
  • Highlighting the value of the designation whenever possible 

If you’re now ready to apply for the CITP^®|FIBP^® designation through FITT’s Executive Path, please visit the

CITP^®|FIBP^® Executive Path Application

**To purchase a copy of the complete CITP®|FIBP® Competency Profile, priced at $30, please send an email to info@fitt.ca. 

What’s next? 

• Await review: FITT’s Certification and Accreditation Committee (CAC) will review your cover letter, resume and letters of recommendation to determine approval, denial, or whether more information is required. The CAC reviews applications once a month. 
• Receive approval: In 2 to 6 weeks, you will receive an email indicating whether or not you have been approved or denied. If approved, you will be confirmed as a CITP and no further steps will be required.
• If you have been denied: 
  • You will be contacted by FITT to discuss the best options for you, such as providing new evidence/sponsors, applying for the CITP through another pathway, completing training etc. 

Not quite ready to apply for the CITP through the Executive Path? 

If your experience doesn’t meet the requirements above, see what the next best path to CITP certification is for you. Take the FITT Next Step Connector Quiz: CITP Edition. 

Questions? Book a 1:1 virtual appointment with a FITT Certification Specialist or email certification@fitt.ca