Phoenix, AZ (MMD Newswire) March 3, 2010 - The Certified International Trade Logistics Specialist (R) (CITLS) program underwent a thorough internal review by university experts to determine how well it meets the needs of the international trade industry. Sponsored by Dunlap-Stone University's (DSU) International Import-Export Institute (IIEI), the certification is now in its 15th year. "The review of the CITLS certification validates that it meets the global supply chain's need as the standards bearer," said Dr. Donald Burton, President of DSU. Since its last major review five years ago, the report showed the CITLS certification has continued to gain relevance as a professional credential for those involved in international trade, specifically materials handling, logistics and the global supply chain.
"For years, we've monitored the metrics and listened to the anecdotes about how the CITLS certification has changed lives and aided in efficiency of the global supply chain," said Dr. Burton. "But the current review clearly indicates that the CITLS program really does meet the needs of industry throughout the global supply chain." Based on data collected by approved providers and partner organizations worldwide, a content review by subject matter experts and input from certified individuals, the review revealed that the program is robust, up-to-date and meeting its stated objectives. "We are delighted with the review's recognition of the global success and importance of the program," Burton added. While the university's report outlined the achievements of the CITLS program, it also noted the challenges and tasks that lay ahead, including the need to work closer with industry groups. "The bottom line," said Burton "is that experts agree that the program is filling an important, much needed role and has been hugely successful worldwide."
The report acknowledged the success was largely attributed to the U.S. Department of Commerce's recognition of the certification program in 2004. Now recognized in over 140 countries, IIEI Certification offers external, third-party validation of proficiency for individuals, organizations and governments involved in international trade. In 2005 the government of the People's Republic of China approached IIEI to help them validate the CITLS knowledge of millions of their countrymen. (See Inbound Logistics at www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/global/global0406.shtml ) China's participation cemented the certification as the global proficiency standard to which all nations engaged in trade with the U.S. or China should comply.
"Stakeholder buy-in without agreed upon standards would hold little value in industry," explained Burton. "The review points to key differences between IIEI Certification programs and other similar, but stagnant programs. The first important difference is the standards development and revision process, followed closely by the public reporting of standards." The global standards on which all IIEI Certification programs are based are established by volunteer experts from governments and industry around the world. "As a result, the programs are tied to real-world and practitioner-driven outcomes," noted Burton. The continuous review and revisions processes in place were also highlighted by the review panel as important reasons for its success. "The dynamic nature of the global supply chain requires that the knowledge requirements assessed by the CITLS exam be monitored closely to make sure that they reflect the needs of the logistics community--the volunteer experts we work with make sure that this happens regularly," said Burton. The public reporting and publishing element of the certification standards was also of great interest to the review panel. The standards and knowledge requirements for each of the IIEI Certification programs are published at www.industrycertification.org.
The CITLS review positively noted the CITLS' exam preparation content's inclusion in DSU's Bachelor of Science in International Trade Management. Students can tailor their undergraduate degree in international trade to include the specialization in logistics and supply chain management as they gain their CITLS credential. Dunlap-Stone University students may begin their studies with the certification and move on to the degree program, or may begin with the degree program and choose to specialize in this in-demand emphasis area. Several partner universities and colleges have also added this content to their degree programs
While other organizations may offer logistics-related certifications, the IIEI Certifications has more than 1500 colleges, universities and training centers serving as approved providers of the program across the globe, each approved to offer the best-practices-based standards and proctor the certification examinations. The report suggested that the number of approved providers will increase significantly in the next five years as more countries meet the global standards evidenced in the CITLS program, and more colleges and universities will incorporate the knowledge requirements within existing degree programs.
The CITLS certification is one of nine integrated international trade related certifications offered by IIEI Certification. From entry-level to specialty certifications, the certification program has had targeted career-path certification programs to meet the needs of international trade professionals since 1995.
As part of Phoenix, Arizona based Dunlap-Stone University (DSU), the International Import-Export Institute is the NGO certification authority to the international trade industry. The university is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Programs qualify for Veterans Benefits and Tuition Assistance for active U.S. Military personnel. The Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). IIIEI is an institutional member of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).
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