What is a CTCS (Certified Trade Compliance Specialist) designation?

The CTCS (Certified Trade Compliance Specialist) designation

• recognizes the experience and expertise of international trade compliance professionals,
• sets a standard for ongoing professional development in a field where change is constant,
• supports a network for information sharing and collaboration.

Trade compliance is defined as ensuring that all legislation, regulatory and other requirements relating to the importation and exportation of commercial shipments are met.

Become a CTCS

To become a CTCS, you must successfully complete the CTCS program of study, or be "grandfathered" into the designation.

CTCS program of study

The designation will be awarded upon completion of ten modules, eight mandatory and two elective, within a 5-year period. View CTCS program of study for further details.

Grandfathering

The CTCS designation recognizes prior learning and continuing professional development, and allowed those who were eligible to be "grandfathered" into the CTCS designation. The grandfathering period closed on March 31, 2012.

Benefits of becoming a CTCS 

CTCS designates will receive the following benefits:

• Annual publication of each year’s new designates (names, photos, employer, location)
• Semi-annual seminars for CTCS designates only
• Access to a CTCS online community, moderated by the CSCB
• Using the CTCS designation next to your name
• Weekly newsletter (topics covered are of specific interest to international trade compliance professionals)
• Preferential registration fees for CSCB events such as conferences and seminars
• Ongoing promotion of the CTCS designation as the standard for assessment of trade compliance expertise

Maintenance of CTCS designation

To maintain the CTCS designation, the designate must earn professional development credits over a three year period and pay an annual fee.

Advisory board

The program is directed by an advisory board of highly respected trade lawyers, importers, trade consultants and customs brokers.

Questions/Comments

If you have any questions, please view the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), or email us at cscb@cscb.ca.

Helpful links

CTCS program of study
Maintenance of designation
Advisory board
FAQ