The Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®) designation has been around for more than 15 years. It was the first professional designation in the world created to prove an individual’s level of competency and experience in international trade.
It remains the only designation of its kind to be recognized by the Canadian government and the World Trade Centers Association.
But what does it really mean to be a CITP®?
We recently spoke with several of these global-business-savvy individuals to find out what the designation has meant to them. Here’s what they had to say:
Suzanne Cascanette, CITP
“The CITP designation was the natural educational choice to ensure distinction for my personal career. It was the perfect addition to being a certified freight forwarder and both certified/licensed Canadian Customs Broker. Being recognized as a CITP requires both textbook education and practical international trade experience. This noted designation has assisted to create the confidence required to smoothly manage the complex logistics required in my current position needed for creating, implementing and maintaining international trade processes and programs.
The CITP designation has supported and enabled my successful promotion to the position of Logistics Manager for a Crown Corporation.
By holding the CITP designation I am able to understand international trade from all possible trade partner aspect to include but not limited to: procurement, legal contracting, customs compliance, risk management, freight forwarding via all modes of transport for both import/exporting, distribution and manufacturing processes.”
Suzanne Cascanette is the Corporate Logistics Manager for the Royal Canadian Mint.
Suzanne became a licensed customs broker in 1983, a certified freight forwarder in 1991, and she earned both her FITT diploma and her CITP designation between 2002 and 2003.
Mike Au, CITP, CCLP, CMILT, P.Log
“Being a CITP means that I possess the core competencies needed to compete in today’s global business environment, and that I value continuous learning and professional development in international trade.
The CITP designation is about mastering international trade skills and business knowledge.
Having the CITP designation has further validated my commitment to engaging with organizations of integrity with ethical business practices, which is essential when conducting international business.”
Mike Au is an independent international-trade supply-chain logistics professional. He currently works as the program coordinator and a faculty member of the Acsenda School of Management’s International Business Management program in Vancouver, BC.
Yuliya Vodyanytska, CITP
“In 2003, I started working as an intern at the World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada and was offered a chance to complete the FITTskills training. This gave me the necessary knowledge and helped me understand how international business is done in Canada, and subsequently acquiring the CITP designation provided me with the confidence to perform quality business services for Atlantic Canadian companies involved in international trade.
As part of the CITP network, I have gained professional recognition and respect of my colleagues.
Also, being a CITP provides me with access to Harvard ManageMentor as a valuable tool for continuing education and further career development.”
Yuliya Vodyanytska works as Trade Program Administrator at Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI). She has a background in education, project management and international trade research, and previously worked for World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada.
Yuliya is a Certified Translator, and a member of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia (ATINS).
Sergio Rodriguez, CITP
“The CITP designation was crucial for obtaining my current teaching position and also for adding to my credibility with my students. The CITP helps to convince them from the start, even before they have had a chance to work with me, that I have the skills required to help them understand the complexities of international business as it is today.
The CITP designation has enabled me to achieve a strategic position in the international trade industry.
In my personal case, my experience and diploma in international business have made it possible for me to offer my professional services to educational institutions and SMEs. In my current job as a professor, the CITP has given me official recognition of my level of professional competency.
Actually, I am very happy because I have the opportunity to apply my educational background and professional experience to collaborate in the formation of future Canadian business leaders. I have also recently started my own consulting company, IBS. Prospective customers have said they would like to work with a CITP because it guarantees you are a serious professional.”
Sergio Rodriguez is the project manager for his own international trade consulting company, International Business Solutions (IBS). Rodriguez specializes in coaching, consulting and offering training services for businesses and other organizations looking to expand internationally, especially into Latin America.
Sergio also works as a professor and course developer for Algonquin College in Ottawa, ON.
Learn more about the elite CITP® designation
International Business Certification—CITP®/FIBP®
Advance your career and build your professional credibility in the field of global business by earning the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.
Why Earn the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®) Designation?
The Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®) designation is the world’s leading professional designation for the field of international business. So whether you’re new to global trade or have over a decade of direct experience, you’ll find the CITP® designation can help advance your career and build your professional credibility.
The CITP® designation sets you apart in the competitive international business industry because it’s proof you possess the competencies global business experts have identified as being essential for a successful career in international trade. It also recognizes your dedication to ethical business practices and ongoing professional development—both of which are desirable traits for today’s global business practitioners.
Click here and find out if a CITP® is for you
Co-authored by Daniella D’Alimonte.
I’m the coordinator of marketing and communications for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). My background is in writing and business journalism, and I have a huge appreciation for the power of the written word.
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