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CTCS (Certified Trade Compliance Specialist) Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the frequently asked questions, and answers, and if you still have further questions, please contact us at [email protected].

 

What constitutes a "CSCB pre-approved trade-related activity"?

Every event is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The topic of the activity has to be related to the mandatory module subjects, i.e. Transportation & Export Controls, Valuation and Transfer Pricing; Harmonized System of Tariff Classification; Compliance Verification and Audit; Refunds, Duty Deferrals and Remissions; Trade Agreements; SIMA and Goods and Services Tax.  

If you think that a course you have taken, or an event you attended would qualify, please complete the Request for Content Review for CTCS Credits form.

 

Does the US CCS designation qualify as a "CSCB pre-approved trade-related activity"?

Yes, it does. You will obtain 10 CTCS credits in the year you've acquired the US CCS designation. Please provide a copy of the certificate of completion or transcript to [email protected]

 

What is the difference between the CCS designation and the CTCS designation?

The CCS designation focuses on the Canadian customs environment, while the CTCS designation focuses on international trade compliance in Canada. The CCS course requires 1 year of experience in the Canadian customs environment, whereas the CTCS program of study requires 5 years of experience in a Canadian international trade compliance environment. The benefits are unique to each designation; compare the CCS benefits and the CTCS benefits.

 

I currently hold a CCS designation and I pay an annual fee to maintain it. If I am also a CTCS, does that mean I have to pay two fees?

Yes, the CCS designation and the CTCS designation are two different designations and both require annual fees to maintain.

 

If I hold both the CCS and CTCS designations, does it mean I have to fulfill the requirements for points for both?

Yes, if you wish to maintain both designations, you have to accumulate 20 points per year to maintain your CCS designation, and 50 credits per 3-year period to maintain your CTCS designation.

 

If I hold both the CCS and CTCS designations, and attend a customs-related activity, would points be allocated to both designations?

If this activity fulfills the content requirement for CCS points and CTCS credits, then yes, points/credits will be allocated towards maintenance of both designations.