What is a CTCS (Certified Trade Compliance Specialist) designation?

What is a CTCS designation?

The Certified Trade Compliance Specialist (CTCS) designation recognizes the experience and expertise of international trade compliance professionals,
sets a standard for ongoing professional development in a field where change is constant, supports a network for information sharing and collaboration.

Trade compliance is defined as ensuring that all legislation, regulatory and other requirements
relating to the importation and exportation of commercial shipments are met.

Become a CTCS

To become a CTCS, an individual must:

have at least 3 years of experience in a trade compliance environment, or be a current CCS designate who completed the Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) course with a minimum score of 70%, and
successfully complete the CTCS program of study.

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Maintenance of CTCS Designation

Certified Trade Compliance Specialists (CTCS) must uphold their designation by engaging in and documenting professional development activities over a three-year cycle, along with paying an annual fee. This process ensures that CTCS professionals remain current with evolving trade policies, administrative programs, and the dynamic landscape of trade compliance.

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Benefits of holding a CTCS designation

Timely Information

CSCB Article Digest, a daily email covering technical, operational and educational information you need to guarantee the quality of service that will be expected from those with the CTCS designation.

Free CTCS Module

Keep your knowledge current by taking a CTCS module! You are entitled to one free enrolment per 3-year credit cycle.

A lapel pin

A lapel pin recognizing your designation.

Professional Development at a discount

Preferential registration fees for CSCB events and courses.

Job Board

A job board featuring jobs posted by Canadian customs broker firms and others involved in international trade.

Access to CSCB Road to CARM

Access to the most authoritative source of information on the CBSA CARM project, the CSCB Road to CARM.

CTCS Title

Use of "CTCS" next to your name.

Group insurance

Group home and auto insurance at preferred rates.

Questions and Comments

Questions and comments maybe be directed to [email protected].

What Our Community Says

“I have utmost respect for the CSCB staff and the work they do on behalf of brokers and importers.”

– Mark, an importer and a CSCB Preferred Business Client

“...I want to thank the CSCB for all the support and knowledge over the years. Working in this field has been very inspiring to me and has kept me in the business for 35 years.”

– Debbie, a long-standing member

“Thanks again for all your help. Without your organization, we would never get these types of issues resolved.”

– Colleen, a long standing member

“Thank you so much for your prompt reply... Your consistent willingness to help is truly appreciated.”

– Emma, a long standing member

“I’m so grateful for your help [with CARM], as our my clients.”

– CSCB Member

“Again, thanks so much for your help. Don’t know where I could have gone otherwise. Appreciate you!”

– CSCB Member

“The CSCB has been the single most important organization for the Customs brokerage industry for as many years as I have worked in the industry and I started in 1969.”

– Larry, a long standing member

“Thank you again for all your incredible work, I’m not sure where we would be without you!”

– CSCB Member

“Many thanks for your response, for what you do and what the CSCB does for the import community.”

– Shawn, CSCB member

“We have been using TwoGreySuits for a few years now and find it to be a valuable member benefit and very useful HR resource. The info is easy to find and complete. We are thankful our Association, CSCB, provides this for the members...”

– Barry, a long standing member

What is a CTCS (Certified Trade Compliance Specialist) designation?

What is a CTCS designation?

Trade compliance is defined as ensuring that all legislation, regulatory and other requirements relating to the importation and exportation of commercial shipments are met.

Become a CTCS

Maintenance of CTCS Designation

Benefits of holding a CTCS designation

Questions and Comments

What Our Community Says

Trade compliance is defined as ensuring that all legislation, regulatory and other requirements
relating to the importation and exportation of commercial shipments are met.