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Changes to the CITP|FIBP* Certification Process

Coming January 1, 2023

  1. Professional Certification
  2. Changes to the CITP|FIBP Certification Process

Changes to the CITP|FIBP Certification Process

 

We are excited to announce that FITT will be applying for ISO 17024 Accreditation. Through this accreditation, FITT’s certified program – the CITP designation – is validated by an independent, unbiased accreditation body – the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) through the Standards Council of Canada. Based on internationally recognized standards, this accreditation recognizes FITT’s commitment to impartiality in its certification processes and decision-making, by ensuring we are operating in a consistent, defensible and reliable manner.

 

Overview of Changes

To meet ISO 17024 criteria for accreditation a few changes to the CITP|FIBP certification program requirements are required. For the most part, these changes have little impact on CITPs that achieved (or will be achieving) their certification prior to January 1, 2023.

 

Key change: all individuals who are not a CITP in good standing as of December 31, 2022 will be required to pass the required CITP Professional Examination, in addition to meeting the standard requirements currently in place.

 

For current CITPs, and for those achieving their CITP prior to January 1, 2023, your CITP must be ACTIVE (annual CITP dues paid) or you will need to reapply for certification under the new requirements (includes writing the CITP Professional Examination). To maintain ISO 17024 accreditation status, FITT cannot make any exceptions to any of the requirements.

A few other process changes will take place to ensure FITT is compliant with ISO 17024 accreditation requirements, as identified in table below:

 

What remains the same…

Requirement

Description

Education and Work Experience

Either:

  • FITT Diploma achieved through the completion of the FITTskills program or equivalent credits + a minimum of one (1) year international trade work experience aligned with a CITP competency(ies)

OR

  • Qualification through the Executive Path which requires a minimum of 10 years international trade work experience related to the 13 CITP competency categories in executive level roles

Ethical Conduct

Annual agreement to adhere to the CITP Standards of Ethical Conduct

Certification Dues

Payment to FITT of annual CITP certification dues

What changes effective January 1, 2023

CITP Professional Examination

Candidates: All individuals applying for the CITP designation – regardless of education and work experience – must pass the CITP Professional Examination.

 

All CITPs who lapse (are not ACTIVE) are required to reapply for certification which includes passing the CITP Professional Examination.

FITT Membership

CITPs will have the option of opting-in to membership in FITT, as membership is not required for certification.

Certification Maintenance

All CITPs will have to complete the following in order to maintain their certification:

  1. Continued Learning: Completion of 30 Professional Development Units (PDUs) over a 3-year cycle. CITPs will be able to earn these PDUs in several ways, and the process will be achievable, while simultaneously ensuring that individuals that hold the CITP are continuing to strengthen their knowledge and skills.
  2. Ethics: Annual agreement to abide by the CITP Standards of Ethical Conduct.
  3. Fees: Payment of annual CITP certification dues.

 

More Information to Come

We are looking forward to our path to ISO 17024 accreditation as further evidence of the CITP|FIBP as the standard of excellence for global trade professionals across Canada and around the world.

More details will be provided on this page in the coming months. Have a question? Contact us at certification@fitt.ca.

Learn more about ISO 17024 and the value of accreditation by reading the following article on our blog: The CITP designation is leveling up on the global stage

 

 

 

* Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) is trademarked for use within Canada. FITT International Business Professional (FIBP) is trademarked for use internationally. Both reflect the same FITT certified designation.