Proficiency, proven.
The International Trade Certification Program has certified trade compliance professionals by examination since 1995. ICPA has run the program since February 2026.
- 5 credentials
- Since 1995 certifying by exam
- No prerequisites to sit
Five certifications, across the trade career.
Each proficiency examination is built on specific, detailed knowledge requirements drawn from real-world practice. No prior education or training is required to sit one, though preparation through an approved training provider is recommended.
Certified U.S. Import Compliance Officer
CUSICO
For professionals accountable for U.S. import compliance: classification, valuation, entry and recordkeeping.
Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer
CUSECO
For those running an export controls program: licensing, screening, classification and reporting.
Certified ITAR Professional
CIP
For defense trade specialists working under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Certified International Freight Forwarder
CIFF
For forwarders managing international movements, documentation and carrier relationships.
Certified International Trade Logistics Specialist
CITLS
For logistics professionals coordinating cross-border supply chains end to end.
Ready to register? Complete the Certification Exam Application. You choose online or in-person proctoring and pay the exam fee in the same application.
From choosing an exam to claiming the badge.
Choose and prepare
Pick the credential that fits your role. Study the knowledge requirements independently, or enroll with an approved training provider.
Apply and pay together
Submit the exam application and payment at the same time, at least 30 days before your exam date. An entrance ticket confirms the schedule.
Sit, pass, claim
Exams run two to four hours. Results arrive within 10 business days; official documentation and a digital badge within 30.
Fully remote, fully proctored
All exams run through an online testing portal. Online proctoring needs a webcam, a microphone and stable high-speed internet; in-person proctoring substitutes an impartial third party in the room.
Closed book
No notes are permitted. Three exams, CUSECO, CUSICO and CIP, embed electronic CFR references within the exam itself. Exams are available in English only.
Certification is maintained
Certified professionals keep their status current with continuing education credits: conferences, online courses and webinars, or enrollment with an approved provider.
Keeping your certification active.
Each ITC certification stays active when you report 10 continuing education units (CEUs) every year. Your certification renews each year on the anniversary of the date you passed the exam, and the 10 CEUs must be earned in the 12 months before that date. If you hold more than one certification, each one needs its own 10 CEUs and its own $50 fee.
Collect your proof
Collect proof of your training (certificates of completion, attendance confirmations) and save it as PDFs.
Apply and pay together
Complete the CEU Application and pay the $50 processing fee for each certification you hold at the same time. If you hold two certifications, that is $100.
Send your documents
You will get an automated email with instructions. Reply to that email with your PDF proof attached.
What counts as a CEU
CEUs are based on contact hours of global trade training. A 1-hour webinar = 1 CEU; a 3-hour in-person training = 3 CEUs; a full 8-hour training day, not counting lunch and breaks = 6 CEUs.
Match your certification’s topic
CUSECO needs export compliance training, CUSICO import compliance training, and CIP ITAR training. ICPA conferences and webinars count where the session fits your certification’s topic.
One report a year
Send your complete report only once you have all 10 CEUs; we accept one application per year. Need more time? Request an extension.
Not sure a course will qualify? Email tradecertification@icpainc.org before you count on it. ITC continuing education is separate from the CBP Accreditation program for licensed customs brokers.
ICPA now stewards the ITC program.
International Trade Certification, the non-profit assessing the proficiency of trade compliance professionals since 1995, finalized its acquisition by ICPA in February 2026, following decades of cooperation between the two organizations.
The partnership gives ITC access to ICPA’s global events reach and to underserved markets. It gives ICPA members a deep bench of working professionals, which is what keeps certification by examination a meaningful achievement at every career stage.
Where to go next.
Approved training providers
ICPA reviews and approves institutions worldwide to deliver certification prep in line with the standards set by the governing body. Both in-person and online options are available.
See approved providers ›Questions about the exam process
Scheduling, proctoring requirements, retests and grievance procedures are handled by ICPA’s Trade Certification team.
Full exam process ›Talk to the education team
Credential choice, exam scheduling, and anything to do with the transition of the program to ICPA.
tradecertification@icpainc.orgKeep the credential current.
Certification is maintained with continuing education, and ICPA is where members earn it: conferences, webinars, and 3,000+ trade compliance professionals worldwide who work the same problems you do.