CITP Eligibility Requirements
Certification eligibility requirements ensure that the application process is fair and impartial and have been established to ensure that certified individuals have the knowledge and skills required of experienced international trade practitioners. You must meet all eligibility requirements in effect at the time of application. See the CITP Candidate Handbook for eligibility rationale.
There are 5 pathways to eligibility: 1) earning a FITT Diploma, either through FITTskills courses, FITT-accredited programs and/or through FITTskills Challenge Exams; 2) earning an educational credential through completion of a minimum 2-year post-secondary international business program or 1-year post-graduate international business program; 3) achieving a specialized credential pre-approved by FITT; or 4) by meeting the experience requirements of the executive pathway; or 5) by meeting the experience requirements of the CITP Exam pathway. All applicants, regardless of pathway, must confirm their work experience and agree to abide by the CITP Standards of Ethical Conduct. Additionally, applicants applying through the CITP Exam Pathway must pass the CITP Professional Exam. These requirements are summarized below and are detailed in the CITP Candidate Handbook.
Pathway 1 - FITT Diploma Holders: How to Get CITP Certified
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Carefully review the CITP Candidate Handbook before you apply for certification. You are required to complete an application to document compliance with the certification requirements. In addition to providing contact information through your application, you must:
Your CITP application will be reviewed to confirm eligibility. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from FITT notifying you that you have achieved the CITP designation. Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed; fees are non-refundable. For a complete list of certification fees, refer to the CITP Certification Fee Schedule. |
APPLY FOR THE CITP VIA PATHWAY 1 - FITT DIPLOMA HOLDERS
Pathway 2 - International Business (IB) Educational Credential Holders: How to Get CITP Certified
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IMPORTANT: The educational & work experience combined must cover all 15 CITP competency categories. Applicants must complete a portfolio based on past work experience and education. Applicants that do not have sufficient experience related to one or more of the 15 CITP competency categories will have an opportunity to address those gaps either via completion of relevant FITTskills course(s) and/or Challenge Exam(s) OR by resubmitting a portfolio once they’ve gained further professional experience or other relevant educational experience. Download the Portfolio Submission Guide & Assessment Form to prepare your portfolio submission. |
Carefully review the CITP Candidate Handbook before you apply for certification. You are required to complete an application to document compliance with the certification requirements. In addition to providing contact information through your application, you must:
Your CITP application will be reviewed to confirm eligibility. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from FITT notifying you that you have achieved the CITP designation. Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed; fees are non-refundable. For a complete list of certification fees, refer to the CITP Certification Fee Schedule. |
APPLY FOR THE CITP VIA PATHWAY 2 - IB EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIAL HOLDERS
Pathway 3 - Specialized Credential Holders: How to Get CITP Certified
(Pathway is not available at this time)
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IMPORTANT:
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Carefully review the CITP Candidate Handbook before you apply for certification. You are required to complete an application to document compliance with the certification requirements. In addition to providing contact information through your application, you must:
Your CITP application will be reviewed to confirm eligibility. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from FITT notifying you that you have achieved the CITP designation. Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed; fees are non-refundable. For a complete list of certification fees, refer to the CITP Certification Fee Schedule. |
APPLICATION VIA PATHWAY 3 IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME - SEE NOTE ABOVE
Pathway 4 - Experienced Executives: How to Get CITP Certified
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Complete a minimum of 10 years of full-time work experience related to all 15 CITP competency categories in executive level roles which are described as follows:
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Carefully review the CITP Candidate Handbook before you apply for certification. You are required to complete an application to document compliance with the certification requirements. In addition to providing contact information through your application, you must:
Your CITP application will be reviewed to confirm eligibility. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from FITT notifying you that you have achieved the CITP designation. Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed; fees are non-refundable. For a complete list of certification fees, refer to the CITP Certification Fee Schedule. |
APPLY FOR THE CITP VIA PATHWAY 4 - EXPERIENCED EXECUTIVES
Pathway 5 - CITP Exam: How to Get CITP Certified
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Complete a minimum of 5 years of full-time work experience related to one or more of the 15 CITP competency categories
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Carefully review the CITP Candidate Handbook before you apply for certification. You are required to complete an application to document compliance with the certification requirements. In addition to providing contact information through your application, you must:
- Provide a cover letter summarizing your international trade work experience relating to one or more of the 15 CITP competency categories
- Provide a CV that clearly details your international trade work experience relating to one or more of the 15 CITP competency categories
- Provide letters from 2 individuals who can attest that the experience information provided in your complete application is correct
- Agree to abide by the CITP Standards of Ethical Conduct
- Agree to the Statement of Understanding
- Pay the CITP application fee
Your CITP application will be reviewed to confirm eligibility before you are authorized to take the CITP Professional Exam. You will not be permitted to take the exam if you do not meet the eligibility requirements.
Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed; fees are non-refundable. For a complete list of certification fees, refer to the CITP Certification Fee Schedule.
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If your CITP application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from FITT advising you that you have been approved to write the CITP Professional Exam and the deadline by which you must write the examination. Approved candidates will write their examination via live remote proctoring. Passing the CITP Professional Examination is required to achieve the CITP designation.
Carefully review the information contained in the CITP Candidate Handbook for complete details regarding the CITP Professional Examination, including:
- Testing accommodations for applicants with disabilities
- Scheduling the CITP Professional Exam
- Preparing for the CITP Professional Exam
- Taking the CITP Professional Exam
- After the examination
*The Forum of International Trade Training (FITT) does not endorse nor work with any organization which claims to offer test preparation services for the CITP (Certified International Trade Professional) Professional Exam. Any test preparation organization displaying information about FITT or the CITP Professional Exam has not been reviewed, verified, or authorized by FITT.
Questions?
Carefully review the detailed information contained in the CITP Candidate Handbook for complete details regarding the CITP designation. Contact certification@fitt.ca with any questions.