FITT Outreach Kit

www.fitt.ca | 800.561.3488 | [email protected]

FITT – The Professional Path to Global Markets

FITT equips individuals and businesses with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace. A not-for-profit organization established by industry and government, FITT develops international business programs, sets competency standards, and designs the certification and accreditation programs for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP*) designation. Our programs and services address human resource issues by providing employers with resources to build their international business capacity; assisting individuals in developing their international business skills and knowledge; and providing international business training support for educators and students. Centered on best practises and developed by leading global business experts, FITT’s resources are the standard of excellence for trade practitioners. FITT – The professional path to global markets.

Our MissionFITT is committed to developing and providing quality programs, services and professional certification in international trade designed to prepare businesses and individuals to compete successfully in world markets.

Our BackgroundEstablished in 1992 as part of Canada’s Sector Council Program, FITT works to identify and address current and anticipated human resource skills and learning challenges while implementing long-term, human resources planning and development strategies for individuals and businesses involved in international trade. FITT is a not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that represents the industry we serve—businesses, individuals and educators involved in international trade.

FITT ActivitiesFITT programs and services benefit all individuals and businesses involved in international trade including employers, practitioners, educators, and students. The activities undertaken by FITT in support of international trade include the following:

• Identification of international trade knowledge and competency gaps that most commonly impede the success of business

• Development of international trade curriculum, standards, and a certification system for trade practitioners • Outreach to private, public and education sectors to build the skills and knowledge required to successfully compete in international trade

FITT Products and ServicesIncrease your competitiveness in global markets through the following products and services offered by FITT:

• Certification: FITT Certification provides recognition of an individual’s level of knowledge and expertise in international trade practices through three levels of recognition: the FITT Certificate in International Trade; the FITT Diploma in International Trade; and the CITP* designation.

• FITTskills Program: FITT’s Common Body of Knowledge in international trade is packaged into a comprehensive, performance-related training program. Colleges, universities, World Trade Centers, and other training organizations deliver the program or have had their programs accredited by FITT.

• Going Global Workshop Series: These seven workshops cover the basics of international trade and are delivered by government and non-governmental organizations to businesses considering expanding into global markets.• EnterpriseFITT: FITT customizes international trade programs individually tailored to meet the unique

requirements of trade and industry associations, government departments, and companies involved in, or are planning to expand into international trade.

• Membership: FITT offers a membership program designed specifically for international trade professionals with a full suite of benefits to enhance our members’ international business activities

www.fitt.ca | 800.561.3488 | [email protected]* FITT’s professional designation in the U.S. and E.U. is FIBP—FITT International Business Professional. For detailed information, please visit www.fitt.ca/fibp


The FITTskills Program is a turnkey series of international business courses designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge required in today’s competitive global markets. These practical courses are enhancing the content, prestige, value, and effectiveness of international trade training at educational institutions around the globe. FITTskills is also being used as the basis for corporate training solutions to increase employees’ international business skills.

The FITTskills Program consists of eight courses that can be delivered as a series, individually, or incorporated into an existing business program. Together, the eight courses set the standard of excellence for the field of international trade by addressing essential topics within the context of global trade.

Graduates of FITTskills are bringing a new level of expertise and accountability to international trade, achieving personal success and developing a community of practice within a professional association, all while helping their companies compete in today’s global economy.

These highly-relevant and practical courses are:

o Global Business Environment o International Trade Research o International Trade Management o Legal Aspects of International Trade o International Marketing o International Market Entry Strategies o International Trade Finance o Global Supply Chain Management

Currently, there are more than 65 institutions across Canada and around the world offering the FITTskills Program. However, courses are also available online, enabling busy professionals to tap into internationally recognized training at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.

FITT awards a FITT Certificate of International Trade for the successful completion of any four FITTskills courses, and a FITT Diploma of International Trade for the successful completion of all eight. Achieving the Diploma (or meeting the competencies through equivalent means) also satisfies the educational requirements for the CITP* designation.

Here’s what FITTskills graduates are saying:“Over the past 38 years World Trade Centers have probably trained well over a million people in international business. The FITTskills curriculum is another tool WTCs can use to foster experience.” – Guy F. Tozzoli, CITP, President, World Trade Center Association.

“FITTskills courses sharpened my skills to analyze the level of export readiness of my customers and their thoroughness when preparing their business plans and market entry strategies. Most importantly, it has broadened my horizon on e-sources of market research and networks of international and domestic contacts.” – Josephine Back, CITP, Director, Trade Finance, Global Transaction Banking, Scotiabank.

For more information on the FITTskills Program, possible exemptions, or our delivery partners, please contact us today.

FITTskills - The standard for international trade training


Receiving certification from FITT is an indication of your level of knowledge and expertise in international trade. FITT Certification involves three levels of recognition: the FITT Certificate in International Trade; the FITT Diploma in International Trade; and the CITP* (Certified International Trade Professional) designation.

• FITTCertificate: Conferred upon individuals who have successfully completed any four FITTskills assessments, or who have received course exemptions for up to three FITTskills courses and successfully completed one FITTskills assessment.

• FITTDiploma: Conferred upon individuals who have successfully completed all eight FITTskills assessments, or who have received course exemptions for up to six FITTskills courses and successfully completed two FITTskills assessments.

• CITPDesignation:Prestigious, progressive, and professional, the CITP* is the only designation of its kind in the world and is recognized as the highest mark of professionalism in international trade. Earned by meeting stringent competency standards as set by FITT, this designation contributes directly to international trade competitiveness both for individuals and their respective organizations.

WhybecomeaCITP*?The CITP* is recognized globally, signifying professional excellence, knowledge, and skills to employers and clients alike. An elite group of practitioners, CITPs* are recognized by private firms, academic institutions, and government organizations for their world-class expertise. The World Trade Centers Association—active in almost 100 countries—has recognized the CITP* as the Standard of Excellence for their clients and employees worldwide.

IstheCITP*forme?Just as global trade activities are multi-faceted, so too is the CITP* designation. Marketing, law, finance, logistics—the CITP* designation can reflect specialization in many of these areas. CITPs* apply their professional skills and knowledge in a wide array of organizations, from small- and medium-size enterprises to large manufacturing concerns, to the public sector and associations. What they all have in common is that their organizations are active in global trade—and recognize the value of knowledge and certification in this highly competitive sphere.

HowdoIbecomeaCITP*?To qualify for the CITP* designation, you must have a minimum of one year professional international trade experience and successfully complete the FITTskills program or equivalency thereof. You will also need to agree to the Standards of Ethical Conduct, pay the annual dues, and engage in ongoing professional development.

Your prior experience and learning do count in the CITP* designation process. You can obtain exemptions from FITTskills courses through FITT’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process. Or, if you are a highly experienced professional (10+ years) who has clearly achieved success in the field of international trade, you can apply directly through the streamlined Executive Path. For more information, or to get certified today, please contact FITT.

FITTCertification


FITT members benefit from a variety of programs, publications, and services that have been developed specifically for international trade professionals. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, add to your skills and knowledge, or stay in touch with peers, FITT membership offers a prestigious, progressive, and professional path to your goals.

Our members span the globe and range from major corporations, private sector and government organizations to educational institutions, students, and individuals. One thing they all have in common is a competitive advantage in the field of international business and a growing network of global trade support.

Certified Membership - For CITP* designation holdersCorporate Membership - For organizations and their employees who want to be leaders in international tradeGeneral Membership - For all individuals interested in international trade and/or FITTCITP*-Candidate Membership - For all who have achieved their FITT Certificate and/or DiplomaFull-Time Student Membership - For full-time students wanting more from their membership

FITT's members enjoy a wealth of ongoing privileges and benefits including access to:

• the monthly Members’ Forum • ongoing publications from leading edge organizations• elite trade and educational resources through a password-protected members only website • professional development through the Harvard ManageMentor 10 program• the online Membership Directory and CITP* Speakers Bureau• discounts on professional development offered through FITT partners• career growth and development opportunities with Goinglobal.com• discounts and invitations to FITT and FITT-partner events, including FITT’s National Conference• and much more!

Please contact the FITT Membership team today for more information.

FITT Membership


Partnering with FITT

Today’s global economy demands more flexible, multi-skilled international business professionals. Having the right skills and knowledge to meet this reality is a necessity in order for small and medium-sized (SME) businesses to be competitive in the global marketplace. FITT has been helping businesses meet these new skills requirements in international trade for almost two decades. FITT goes beyond the theory through its practical international trade training programs and services, offering relevant curriculum (FITTskills and the Going Global workshop series) geared towards SMEs, as well as a highly credible professional designation, the CITP*.

FITT can equip your people and organization with the knowledge and practical skills required to be leaders in the global business environment. Our custom training solutions and services use all or part of the internationally recognized FITTskills Program to ensure your organization’s international trade competitiveness. FITT partnerships and custom training solutions are designed through an interactive and consultative process. We’re flexible and have a range of options guaranteed to exceed your needs.

Competencies developed by business for businessThe CITP* competency roster boasts 86 core areas of knowledge as identified by industry practitioners that are linked to performance-based expectations of organizations successfully engaged in international trade. FITT’s extensive international trade body of knowledge is used to design training that is relevant, practical, and will contribute to your overall Return on Training Investment.

Flexible for you—Focused on your needsFITT custom training solutions are designed specifically for your organization’s unique needs—by you for you. We can create new material, utilize our existing program, or any combination thereof. From half-day seminars to three day intense courses, our goal is to enhance your global competitiveness. As the recognized leader in building international trade capacity through skills and knowledge development, get FITT working for your company today to create your professional path to global markets.

Contact us today for more information or to get started!

* FITT’s professional designation in the U.S. and E.U. is FIBP—FITT International Business Professional. For detailed information, please visit www.fitt.ca/fibp


FITTskills Resources

FITT understands what internationally successful companies require to be globally competitive. Our trade competencies have been developed by individuals working for successful global organizations and now you can tap into international trade secrets with these incredible resources. These eight resource books cover over 120 relevant and practical international trade topics.

Centered on international trade best practices, FITT’s certification and accreditation programs enable educational institutions to enhance the content, value, effectiveness, and prestige of their international trade offerings. FITT’s resources are invaluable for anyone engaged in international business as resources. Books can be purchased individually or as a full set through the FITT website.

The eight FITTskills resources are:

Textbook Title

► Global Business Environment ► International Marketing► International Trade Finance► Global Supply Chain Management ► International Market Entry Strategies ► International Trade Research ► Legal Aspects of International Trade ► International Trade Management

Keyword Overview

trade and technology, services trade, international bus. practices...principles of marketing, e-marketing, cultural considerations...trade finance instruments and services, export credit, planning...s.c. planning, sourcing, incoterms, returns, managing risks...barriers to entry, channel partners, FDI, partnership negotiations...research, competitive intelligence, data analysis & presentation...global trade agreements, contracts, IP law, dispute resolution... economic trends, managing competitive global organizations...

Order FITTskills resources online and start benefiting today.


If you are contemplating a move into the global arena, you will benefit from the information offered in the Going Global series of introductory workshops. Going Global workshops are 3-hour workshops designed to help individuals and organizations make crucial exporting decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and increase their understanding of international trade and foreign markets. Going Global workshops have proven beneficial for export service providers, educational institutions, industry associations, and private companies. Workshop materials are completely turnkey, ready for your use. Participation is simple and voluntary; there are no agreements or contracts to sign.

These highly-relevant workshops include:

• An Introduction to International Market Research • An Introduction to International Trade • An Introduction to International Marketing • Global Supply Chain Management• An Introduction to International Trade Finance • Importing into Canada• An Introduction to the Cultural Aspects of International Trade

The workshops can be delivered in regular monthly meetings, as in-house training seminars, as conference breakout sessions, online, or in any format that suits your needs. Please contact FITT for more information and how you can benefit from these practical workshops.

Going Global – International Trade Workshop Series


Strategic Partners

Special thanks to our Strategic Partners for their ongoing support and participation in the growing FITT community.

FITT Outreach Kit

Documents

Transcript of FITT Outreach Kit