Overview
The Certificate in International Trade and Finance (CITF®) has been designed to enable trade, export and commodity executives to gain a thorough understanding of key procedures, practices and legislation in trade finance on an international level. CITF® is supported by the British Bankers Association (BBA).
CITF® combines the acquisition of technical knowledge with the skills to apply that knowledge to real situations. It has been developed in consultation with trade finance experts from across the world.
Studying CITF® will enable you to understand:
- the trade environment
- procedures involved in Trade Contracts
- an introduction to trade terms and Incoterms 2010
- the nature of financial, commercial and transport documents used in international trade
- documentary credits – an overview
- the risks involved in the trading methods of international trade
- short, medium and long term trade finance
- how to appropriately apply documentary collections in accordance with URC 522
- bank guarantees
- issues associated with international trade products
Key facts
- CITF® is an international qualification and comprises one mandatory unit
- Upon successful completion of CITF® you can use the designation ‘CITF’’ after your name
- Comprehensive distance-learning support is provided
- One annual examination in October
- Registration opens annually in April
- International examination centres around the world
Download an overview of the qualification (pdf)
Cost
| Registration fee
includes a detailed study text and specimen exam paper
(plus £55 GBP international booking fee*) | £460 GBP |
| Examination resit fee
(plus £22 GBP international booking fee*) | £265 GBP |
*Candidates outside of the UK are required to pay the international booking fee.
Units
CITF® consists of one mandatory unit:
Unit 1 – International Trade and Finance
The unit examines the roles and responsibilities of banks, importers and exporters and the products available to assist them to find satisfactory solutions for international trade finance. The unit explores the international trade environment at an introductory level, the commonly used documents and international trade terms, key methods of trading and exchange risk.
Candidates already working in the industry will recognise the processes described and be able to extend their knowledge, whilst a novice will find the material provides an excellent introduction to international trade.
Assessment
Unit 1 – International Trade and Finance
CITF® has one objective test comprising 90 multiple choice questions and two case studies, each with 5 linked multiple choice questions.
CITF® is assessed across the world once a year (in October).
View the examination venues.
Studying
The complete course is achievable within 6 months.
CITF® has been designed to be studied through self-study. Upon registration you will be sent a detailed study text and given access to an online version, which you will study from independently.
In addition to the study text, a specimen paper is also available for you to download.
Please note that in order to reflect any changes to syllabuses, study materials are usually updated annually. It is your responsibility to ensure you are studying from the most up-to-date materials. The most up-to-date learning materials, updates and amendments can be found on my ifslearning.
View the aims and learning outcomes of CITF®.
Registration
The next examination will take place on 25 October 2013 (please note: students sitting examinations in China and Hong Kong will be examined on 26 October 2013).
The next registration window opens in April 2013 and closes on 5 August 2013; for learners registered within this window the examination will take place in October 2013.
By post/fax - download and complete the registration form. To view this file you need to have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. This is free and available from the Adobe website. When you have completed the form either send it to the address stated on the form or fax it to +44 (0) 1227 784331.
For further detail please contact Further Education Customer and Student Enquiries via email.
All candidates should register with the Institute unless they fall into the international candidate categories listed below.
Candidates from China
Candidates from China should send their registration forms to Mr Li Tianya, China Chamber of International Commerce, No 2 Huapichang Hutong, Xicheng District, Bejing, 100035, China.
If you have any queries, please email cdcs@ccpit.org or call (+8610) 8221 7851 or fax (+8610) 6802 5737.
Candidates from India
Candidates from India should send their registration forms to ifs School of Finance. If you have any queries, please email iccindia@iccindiaonline.org or call (+91) 11 23738760-70 ext. 375/210 or (+91) 11 23322472 (Direct).
Candidates from Indonesia
Candidates from Indonesia should send their registration forms to ICC Indonesia, at 24th Floor Menara Kadin Indonesia Building, Jalan H.R Rasuna Said X-5 Kav. 2 - 3. Jakarta 12950. For any queries please email to icc@iccindonesia.org or call +62 21 5274475 or fax +62 21 57904246.
Candidates from Korea
Candidates from Korea should send their registration forms to Mr Jong Duck Hong, Korea International Finance Institute, KIFI Building,26-6 Namsan-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-042, South Korea. If you have any queries, please email nahbi@daum.net or call (+82) 2 778 0808.
Progression
When you have successfully completed the CITF® qualification, you can proceed to study towards becoming a Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists (CDCS®) CDCS is the international standard qualification for documentary credit specialists. It is a professional certification that enables documentary credit practitioners to demonstrate specialist knowledge and application of the skills required for competent practice.