Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about our FITTskills global trade training program or CITP designation? Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

 

FAQ 2

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Does my prior education and experience count toward earning my CITP®|FIBP® designation?

Yes! Earn the FITT Diploma by applying for equivalent FITTskills credit(s) based on past work experience, professional development, credentials and/or education. Applicants can apply to receive credit for one or more of the six FITTskills courses through the portfolio submission process. Applicants must complete balance of FITTskills courses/ assessments, if applicable, through FITT or FITT educational partner. Earning the FITT Diploma meets one of the eligibility requirements for the CITP|FIBP designation for those applying through Pathway 1 (FITT Diploma Pathway). 

Highly experienced international business professionals with more than 10 years of full-time work experience related to the 15 CITP competency categories in executive level roles can apply directly for the designation without having to take any courses.

How do I determine whether my previous work experience counts towards the experience requirement for the CITP®|FIBP®?

Visit the Professional Experience Requirements page for more details on what counts as international trade work experience, and view some examples. If that doesn’t answer your question, please send an email to certification@fitt.ca.

How much does it cost to become a CITP®|FIBP®?

The CITP®|FIBP® certification application fee is CAD $570 plus applicable taxes. There also costs associated for CITP Professional Exam rewriting/retesting if you fail the exam and wish to rewrite it, and costs associated for rescheduling/deferring the exam. All certification fees are not refundable. For a complete list of certification fees, refer to the CITP Certification Fee Schedule

How long does it take once I’ve submitted my CITP®|FIBP® application to learn the status of my application?

Once you have submitted your CITP®|FIBP® application, you will receive an email stating your application has been received within 3 business days. Most applications will be reviewed by FITT certification staff, while applications by those with applied through Pathway 3 - Executive Path are reviewed by the Certification Council, which meets on a monthly basis. The process to review and finalize your application can take several weeks, and may be affected by the volume of applications, time needed to speak with your references if more information is required or other factors. You will next be contacted when the review of your application has been completed and its status can be finalized. Please do not be concerned if you have submitted your application and have not received any updates in the weeks since the initial confirmation – this timeline is within normal guidelines and does not reflect negatively on the status of your application in any way.

If your 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. Passing the CITP Professional Examination is required to achieve the CITP designation.

How do I maintain the CITP®|FIBP® designation once I’ve earned it?

Certification is valid for a three-year period from the date of certification indicated on your certificate; your current three-year cycle dates can also be viewed in your online account. CITPs must maintain the designation by meeting the following requirements:

  • Continual Learning: Completing thirty (30) Professional Development Units (PDUs) over each three-year certification period
  • Ethics: Annual agreement to abide by the CITP Standards of Ethical Conduct
  • Fees: Payment of all annual CITP dues during the recertification period

Visit Maintaining Your CITP Designation to review these requirements in detail. Maintenance requirements are strictly enforced, and it is your responsibility to comply with all policies and procedures. Failure to meet these requirements will result in loss of certification.

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FITT Seeking ISO Accreditation for CITP Designation

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. Learn more about ISO 17024 and changes in effect September 1, 2021.