In this article we want to dive into the different ways that individuals who have careers in the many roles and industries that fall under the international trade umbrella can earn the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP ®) designation. And when we’re outlining what it means to become certified with a professional designation, it’s tempting to step back and let a trusted source tell us what it really means to be a professional to begin with.
So, while it may be a bit cliche, let’s consult the experts here so we have a nice clear starting point.
The Cambridge English Dictionary defines a professional as “a person who has the type of job that needs a high level of education and training.” It also lists the definition as “someone who has worked hard in the same type of job for a long time and has become skilled at dealing with any problem that might happen.”
Aptly, when developing the CITP, FITT carefully chose this word to anchor its acronym. Every CITP that FITT designates has amassed a valuable amount of industry knowledge, honed practical skills and proven experience in the field. Most importantly, they are highly skilled at dealing with any international trade challenge that may arise – increasingly valuable in today’s shifting trade environment.
But when you think about the word “professional,” the definition in your head is likely slightly different from both the Cambridge English Dictionary’s and everyone else’s, and that’s because professionals come from all over the world, from all walks of life.
Different pathways, different journeys, all CITPs
A quick browse through the CITP Spotlights stories and you’ll find individuals who began their careers as eager students with clear-cut visions of becoming international trade professionals, and you’ll find stories of people who discovered the designation later in their careers, either while working in the field or after making a career pivot because something sparked their passion for international trade. There’s not one narrow pathway to earning that high level of professionalism and expertise within the field of international trade. And therefore, there’s more than one pathway to earning the CITP.
Multiple pathways provide flexibility and reduce barriers to the certification, making the process more accessible to a broader range of qualified candidates while maintaining the certification’s integrity. It allows FITT to recognize diverse qualifications and experiences, providing more inclusive access to the certification.
Take Audrey Marie-Nely, for instance, who always knew she wanted a career in international business.
From a young age, she had a deep curiosity for different cultures, languages, and global markets. Hailing from France, her academic and professional journey took her around the globe, where she explored the complexities of international trade and innovation. From there, earning her CITP designation was a natural process. She knew that the FITTskills program would update her knowledge and expand her practical skills, giving her current-day insights and real-world applications to immediately integrate into her work, and was a pathway to validating her overall professionalism. She is now Associate Vice-President of Banking at RBCx.
Nil Özçelik Razavi, PhD, on the other hand, learned about the CITP after moving to Canada from Turkey to complete her doctoral research in translation studies.
After finding career opportunities in academia limited, she pivoted her career trajectory and became a Trade Expert at the Commercial Office of the Turkish Embassy in Ottawa—broadening and validating her expertise by taking FITTskills training and then earning her CITP designation this year.
Bolstering his 15 years of international trade experience, Sumit Khanna took a different route and set his sights on the CITP designation through the executive path, a designation option specifically made for experienced executive-level roles.
He understood that, in addition to his stellar work background, credibility in Canada’s competitive business environment required more than just experience. He is currently Managing Partner at White Cruz International and Business Management Program Creator and Instructor at A1 Global College of Health, Business, and Technology.
Where all pathways converge
While the pathways to becoming a CITP are different for each person, the rock-solid validation administered by FITT is always the same. And this is where all definitions for the word “professional” converge onto the same level playing field.
There is a trust and confidence that people require when working with someone who is a true accredited professional. And while many people say they are professionals, not all of them have the certification to back up their claims. Let’s just say, Frank Abagnale, portrayed as a serial fraudster in the movie Catch Me If You Can, most certainly wouldn’t have been able to pose as a CITP with FITT’s rigorous standards at the helm.
What are the different pathways to earning your CITP?
* Pathway 3 is currently unavailable.
FITT designed its pathway system to include the many different stages of a professional’s life. Candidates must first meet all CITP eligibility requirements before applying for the designation.
There are multiple pathways to the CITP.
You can:
- Earn your FITT Diploma and meet the work experience requirement for this pathway. To do this, you must successfully complete the FITTskills Program requirements, either through FITT or a FITT Educational Partner, and complete at least 3 years of full-time international business experience related to one or more of the 15 CITP competency categories.
- Earn a relevant educational credential by completing a minimum 2-year post-secondary international business program or 1-year post-graduate international business program. On this pathway, your education and work experience (requires 3+ years of full-time work experience) combined, assessed through a portfolio, must cover all 15 of the CITP competency categories.
- Meet the work experience requirement of FITT’s executive pathway. This requires having 10 years of full-time work experience in international business related to all 15 CITP competency categories in executive-level roles.
- Meet the work experience requirement of FITT’s CITP Exam pathway. This includes at least 5 years of full-time work experience in international business related to one or more of the 15 CITP competency categories, followed by the successful completion of the CITP exam if your application is approved.
Professional validation backed by industry-developed standards
Whichever pathway you choose, you can rest assured that your work experience and depth of professional knowledge will be held to the highest standards of validation. This is a rigorous process that FITT takes pride in because professionals should not be able to call themselves professionals without meeting industry-backed standards.
Learn how standards are developed, validated, and compiled in FITT’s Body of Knowledge
For international trade professionals, the FITT CITP Competency Profile sets forth these standards, and it encompasses 15 major competency categories, 26 skill areas, 78 subskills, over 1,100 performance and knowledge statements.
Suffice it to say, the word “professional” is one that we take seriously at FITT, and we’re proud to do so. Ask any one of our CITPs, and you’ll likely see that same gleam of pride when it comes to their ownership of the word too—it’s easy to see why.
Learn more about FITT’s CITP pathways
If you’re not sure which pathway suits your experience, or think you may qualify for more than one pathway, take our CITP®|FIBP® Next Step Connector Quiz. You’ll learn the fastest way to earn your CITP certification.
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