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Short Term Training

International Trade Certificate (16 Weeks)

Build the basic knowledge needed to support international business growth. Through focused training in global trade, market expansion, trade finance, and international sales, students learn how organizations identify opportunities, enter new markets, and compete in the global economy.

Next Start Date: September 14th, 2026
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Program Snapshot

CredentialCertificate

Duration16 Weeks

PracticumNo practicum

Schedule20 hours/week, Monday – Friday, daytime and evening classes

DeliveryIn-Class, Online (Synchronous)*, or Combined

Employment Opportunities

Import / Export Agent
Marketing Assistant
International Trade Consultant
View more below →

Why Brighton?

Complete Your Training in as Little as 4 Months
Industry Certificate Pathway: FITTskills
Platinum Accredited FITT Partner
Internationally Recognized Trade Training
Pathway Toward C.I.T.P. Designation

Skills You’ll Gain

International Market Entry Strategies Global Business Development International Sales & Marketing Trade Finance & Risk Assessment Market Research & Opportunity Analysis Global Trade Strategy

It was a good experience studying at Brighton College. I am sure I have the knowledge and skills, and as a whole I had a very good experience.

– Jose Sonny Mirahda
Program Video

Watch the Program Video

Learn about the International Trade Certificate, FITTskills training, and career pathways in global business and trade.

International Trade Certificate program preview

Program Description

The International Trade Certificate provides focused training in the strategic and commercial aspects of international business. Designed for students interested in global markets, the program explores how organizations expand beyond domestic borders, evaluate international opportunities, and develop strategies for sustainable growth in competitive global environments.

Students examine the key factors that influence international trade, including market entry strategies, trade finance, global value chains, international sales and marketing, feasibility analysis, and product adaptation for international markets. Through these areas of study, students gain insight into how businesses assess opportunities, manage risk, and build successful international growth strategies.

The program emphasizes international business development rather than transportation or logistics operations. Students learn how organizations research new markets, evaluate commercial opportunities, respond to cultural and regulatory differences, and position products and services for success in diverse global markets.

Designed as a fast-track pathway into international trade, this program provides a strong foundation for careers in international business, market development, global sales, import/export support, and trade-related business operations.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, the student will have the ability to:

  • Conduct research and analysis to determine the viability of a prospective international initiative.
  • Conduct cost-benefit analysis for importing or exporting potential products and services.
  • Select appropriate market-entry strategies based on research, analysis, and potential issues.
  • Develop an international business plan including key strategies and metrics.
  • Negotiate payment options and arrangements based on risk assessment and trade findings.
  • Adapt products to regulatory, legal, and cultural requirements in target markets.
  • Create products in a cost-effective manner to maximize output and minimize costs.
  • Prepare and manage documentation for exporting goods and services.
  • Procure goods and services in international markets.
  • Create global brand identities and communication strategies.
  • Identify competitive advantages that can lead to international commercial success.

Courses

FITT100 | Global Value Chain

The 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.

FITT200 | International Trade Finance

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.

FITT300 | International Market Entry Strategies

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.

FITT400 | Feasibility of International Trade

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.

FITT500 | International Sales and Marketing

Marketing is 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 considerations an organization must make when promoting and selling products and or services beyond its domestic borders.

Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.

FITT600 | Development of Products and Services for a Global Market

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.

Admission Requirements

  • High school diploma or mature student status*
  • Legal eligibility to study in Canada
  • English proficiency requirement from one of following options:
    1. Completion of 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years of if Grade are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages, or
    2. Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS), or
    3. Evidence of achievement in a recognized standardized language assessment at an overall level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (academic) or higher: IELTS academic 5.5; TOEFL IBT 46; CAEL 40; CELPIP (Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5); DET 95, PTE 43; FCE 160 or “C”; Cambridge Linguaskill B2; LANGUAGECERT Academic B2; MET B2; iTEP Academic 3.5; EIKEN Grade Pre-1. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program, or
    4. Evidence of graduation from language program with a minimum grade/level from a Languages Canada accredited institution with an established pathway/articulation agreement allowing direct entry (no further testing required) to a diploma or degree program at a public institution in Canada. The pathway/articulation agreement must be current at the date of enrolment, or
    5. Accuplacer - This option may only apply when:
      • English is the program’s language of instruction, and
      • the applicant is a mature domestic student facing barriers, and
      • the applicant cannot access their educational records or cannot provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined in this policy
      • Applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and
      • Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English* in a country where the English is one of the principal languages, and
      • Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:
        • Reading: 230, and Writing: 230, and WritePlacer: 4

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.

Employment Opportunities

Start Your Career As

  • Marketing Assistant
  • Import / Export Agent
  • Customs Broker Assistant
  • Import Export Sales Clerk

Grow Your Career Into

  • EDC Analyst (MBA Required)
  • Procurement Clerk (Purchasing Course may be Required)
  • International Trade Consultant
  • Logistics Transportation Specialist

Labour Market Snapshot

  • NOC: 13201
  • Annual Earnings *Average: $57,338
  • Job Openings (2025–2035): 2,070
  • Wages (BC): High $44.00/hr
    Median $27.88/hr
    Low $21.63/hr

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.