Professionals weigh in on value of CITP certification
The Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation came to fruition through a comparable void. For years, the knowledge required to operate confidently in global commerce—importing and exporting, market entry, finance, supply chains, customs, logistics—was scattered across industries, government agencies, and hard-won, on-the-job trial and error. As one of FITT’s founders put it, the field urgently needed structure and coherence—and, quite simply, there “ought to be a better way to learn” how to do international trade the right way.
Across industries, the upskilling trend is unmistakable. The Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development has reported steadily growing demand for workforce credentials as employers try to assess skills in an environment of rapid change. The World Economic Forum has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “skills are the new currency” when addressing “how vital competencies have become in today’s rapidly evolving world.”
International trade, where decisions often hinge on regulatory risk, multimillion-dollar shipments, and cross-border contracts, has felt this pressure acutely. It’s no longer enough to simply “learn on the job,” several CITPs note.
And that is where designations enter the picture. Degrees (BA, BCom, MBA) offer broad, conceptual grounding in business and take several years to complete. They’re valuable for leadership and strategy roles, but often too general to prepare someone for technical trade functions such as compliance, logistics, export operations, or customs management. Diplomas narrow the focus, typically spanning one to two years, while certificates and short courses fill specific knowledge gaps. Professional designations, like the CITP, sit at the top of this structure. They require verified experience meeting all designated competency categories, validating not just what someone knows but what they can reliably do in real-world trade environments.
Trade professionals often hold a blend of all these. The designation carries a distinct message: “I can do this in practice consistently, ethically, and to international standards.”
What professionals say about the value of the designation
For Kingsley Borello, CITP, the designation was about belonging and credibility in a new market. When he moved to Canada, he needed to open more doors, despite having a storied career that spanned from West Africa to Singapore to the United States. The CITP became a way to formalize decades of international business experience in a recognizable, standardized way.
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“Being a newcomer with a limited network versus my wider international relationships, I feel that the CITP designation brings more awareness of my professional background and capabilities, especially in Canada,” Borello said.
For Abbas Sumar, CITP, Principal of Sumar + Associates Ltd, the credential acted as a differentiator that also carried weight within academia. He spent years working on trade, diplomacy, and development at the federal level, supporting major international initiatives. He views the program as a way to synthesize the complexity of international trade management into an easy-to-comprehend professional development program.
“For many past students and instructors alike, the FITTskills courses effectively manage to synthesize the complexity of international trade management into an easy-to-comprehend professional development program with opportunities for practical application,” Sumar said.
For Akhil Choudhary, CITP, Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada, India, the credential provided recognition in a field he had grown into. Coming from an environmental science background, Choudhary sought a certification that reflected the real expertise he had honed through years of bilateral trade work between India, Israel, and Canada.
“I have a very different educational background (Environmental Science), so I was looking for recognition. The CITP designation provides that recognition and empowers me with knowledge to do better,” Choudhary said.
He adds that the designation “will keep me aligned with the high standards of excellence and quality that I have to follow and maintain while working with my clients in international trade.”
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For Ana Rosetephane Quilas-Nassif, CITP, Manager for Corporate and Executive Governance, Board Affairs, Soluis Group, the FITTskills courses and CITP designation gave her a “structured, in-depth understanding of international trade.” She feels the courses complemented her hands-on experience by giving her “the frameworks and methodologies needed to approach trade challenges more strategically.”
She applied for the CITP because, “The designation is globally respected and signals a high level of competency, which is critical when working with clients, investors, and international business leaders.”
For Ramon Pinto, earning his CITP designation was a major “milestone” to add to his many years of entrepreneurial success. As Founder, President, and CEO of SOLUPAPER, he built his company from a $60K operation into a multimillion-dollar cross-border business. He pursued the CITP because it anchored his global credibility.
“Being part of such a well-recognized organization, coupled with the extensive experience I’ve gained, marks a major milestone in my career,” Pinto said.
He adds, “It will not only help me stand out but also empower me to continue expanding my career in a more global context.”
For Banksharon Nwaneri, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, the skills earned from the FITTskills program are useful in a practical context. Working across finance, development, education, and finally the U.S. Department of Commerce, Nwaneri believes that earning his CITP also will help him open new opportunities in his daily work.
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“What appealed most to me was how it validates not just knowledge, but also the ability to apply complex trade principles, from regulatory compliance to financial logistics, not just in theory, but on real-world projects,” Nwaneri said.
“I foresee it opening new doors in new markets,” he notes.
What employers and recruiters prioritize
While requirements vary by sector, several patterns consistently appear in recent employer surveys from Deloitte, ManpowerGroup, and The World Economic Forum. Trade law, compliance, market entry, and logistics require fluency in cross-border rules. Recruiters frequently look for specific customs, compliance, or logistics certifications, such as those offered by CITT.
Evidence of applied experience—not just theory—is also a major factor. Designations that require work experience are increasingly favored. Additionally, risk management and financial literacy are becoming central to hiring decisions, as supply chain risk, geopolitics, and financial management have moved to the centre of business decision-making.
Trade is increasingly about being able to move from one area of focus to another. When ports are inaccessible, the focus is on logistics and risk mitigation execution; when political sanctions or tariffs impede the flow of goods and services to markets, market diversification and new procurement strategies take centre stage. Professionals who can understand and apply their skills in all of these areas have an upper hand. That’s why many of the world’s largest companies actively seek out credentials like the CITP in job postings, or they actively increase salary ranges for employees who undergo the rigorous training and certification process.
