Complete your training in just 6 months while developing the practical skills used to move goods across international borders. Combining international trade, freight forwarding, and a practicum experience, this program prepares students for careers in logistics, transportation, import/export, and global supply chain operations.
CredentialCertificate
Duration26 Weeks
Practicum4-Week Practicum (100 hours)
Schedule20 hours/week, Monday – Friday, daytime and evening classes
DeliveryIn-Class, Online (Synchronous)*, or Combined
I decided to attend Brighton College because of the referrals I received and because it had the course that fit my needs. I appreciated the experienced instructors and the inclusion of the CIFFA certification in my course.
– Luciano Souza, International Trade and Freight ForwardingLearn about the International Trade and Freight Forwarding Certificate program, FITT and CIFFA training, and its career pathways.
The International Trade and Freight Forwarding with Practicum Certificate prepares students for careers that support the movement of goods through global transportation and logistics networks. Combining internationally recognized FITT and CIFFA training, the program provides a practical understanding of both international trade and the operational processes that connect suppliers, businesses, and customers around the world.
Students build a foundation in international trade by exploring global value chains, trade finance, international sales and marketing, market entry strategies, and the factors that influence trade between countries. They learn how organizations participate in global markets and how international trade supports economic growth and business development.
A major focus of the program is freight forwarding and transportation operations. Students gain practical knowledge of air, ocean, rail, and ground transportation systems, while learning how freight forwarders coordinate shipments, manage trade documentation, arrange transportation services, and support the movement of cargo across international borders. The program also introduces key concepts such as Incoterms®, cargo insurance, export packaging, transportation risk management, and shipping procedures commonly used throughout the logistics industry.
Through a 100-hour practicum placement, students gain valuable exposure to professional logistics and trade environments while applying their classroom learning in real workplace settings. Graduates are prepared for opportunities in freight forwarding, transportation coordination, import/export operations, logistics support, and supply chain environments.
Global Value Chain course examines aspects of the primary activities of Distribution and Inventory Management, and the supporting activities of Document Management and Procurement, which are integral to international trade logistics. Doing business in/with foreign markets requires consideration of different regulatory, financial, geographical, and cultural and consumer requirements.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
Currency exchange fluctuations, political instability, and force de majeure events, are integral considerations to international financial management. This course examines how organizations can manage their finances and mitigate financial risk by selecting appropriate transaction methods and tools for their international trade activities. Learners will consider negotiation terms, non-payment dispute resolution and cash flow management.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
The International Market Entry Strategies course examines individuals in organizations need to know and do to ensure the success of new international ventures. International trade practitioners must research entry options, and then select the most effective entry strategies and strategic partnerships for their needs. The organization of the selected market entry strategies will require management of both direct and indirect exports. It may also require development and management of business arrangements such as foreign mergers or acquisitions, or foreign franchising or licensing.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
The course Feasibility of International Trade examines the critical steps and decisions needed to determine the feasibility of potential international trade initiatives. Market research, analysis of organizational readiness, cost analysis, and risk analysis are all required in order to decide if a concept fits with a company’s strategic direction and improves the bottom line of an organization. Risk analysis then leads to the development of strategies to mitigate identified risks.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
Marketing is the key in ensuring an organization’s product or service is seen to fit the needs and interests of an international target market. While marketing can create the demand, an effective sales strategy is essential to profit from this demand. This course details consideration and organization must make when promoting and selling products and or services beyond its domestic borders.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
The course Development of Product and Services for a Global Market addresses the necessity that products and services sold or traded internationally may require modification. This course addresses differences in regulatory, legal, cultural and consumer/client requirements that might in the need to conform to these requirements by adapting products and services.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
This program introduces the student to truck, rail, air and ocean transportation and the geography over which goods move. Incoterms® 2010 rules outline the transfer of cost and risk to these goods as they are transported from seller to buyer.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
Understanding how buyers and sellers manage risk with a variety of international payments, cargo insurance, properly completed commercial documents, export packaging, knowledge of cargo security, dangerous goods and proper costing and quoting leads students to where they can offer alternative solutions to their clients.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: CIFFA100.
This course helps students prepare the required job search skills and knowledge they need to become employed. Students will learn the best-known job search techniques to find viable opportunities, strategies to differentiate themselves from the competition and how they will add value to prospective employers in today’s competitive global economy.
Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: none.
The student will have the opportunity to integrate competencies developed during the lectures into industry-specific experiences. This opportunity ensures students are able to practice and refine their skills and to obtain practical field experience to further strengthen their ability to obtain employment after completing the program. To ensure a high-quality practical experience, the institution will monitor both the student’s and the employer’s performance throughout the practicum. At the conclusion of the practicum, students and employers jointly complete a written evaluation of the student’s performance to direct the future career development of the student.
Duration: 150 hours, 4 weeks.
Refer to Language Proficiency Policy for details.
*Mature Student is defined as an individual who is 19 years of age or older at the start of the program.
*Under no circumstances can these Admission Requirements be waived.
Data sourced from WorkBC. Occupation information aligned with the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Career-path occupations generally require additional industry experience, employer training, certification, professional registration or further education. Completion of this program does not by itself confer a professional licence or protected occupational designation.
