CDCS: The Recertification Handbook

January 2054
Version: 1

1120 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 Telephone (202) 663-7575 Fax (202) 663-5538
www.BAFT.org - [email protected]

CDCS: The Recertification Handbook

Table of Contents
Recertification Overview.........................................................................................................
Following Initial CDCS Certification...................................................................................
Recertification Cycles..............................................................................................................
Recertification Fees.................................................................................................................
Lapsed CDCS Certifications....................................................................................................
Recertification Categories........................................................................................................
Registering PDU Credits.........................................................................................................
Miscellaneous Information......................................................................................................

Recertification Overview
The value of
CDCS
Recertification

In a constantly changing modern working environment the value of a qualification

alone has a limited shelf life. Professionals in all fields are expected to be fully
updated in their chosen area of expertise. Employers and customers alike have
high expectations of the services provided by specialists.
It is this background that forms the basis of a recertification program. The CDCS
recertification guidelines provide a framework that will allow an individual to
continue professional development beyond the examination. Such continuing
development provides you with the evidence that enables you to demonstrate your
professionalism to employers, colleagues and customers.

What you can

find in this
handbook

This handbook includes the following:

Overview
Following Initial CDCS Certification
Recertification Cycles
Recertification Fees
Lapsed CDCS Certification
Recertification Categories
Registering PDUs
Governance of the CDCS Recertification Program
CDCS Registry
Program Registry

It also includes the following forms. These forms may be copied and used for
your recertification.

CDCS Activity Reporting Form

CDCS Summary Reporting Form
Sponsor Request CDCS
Continued on next page

Recertification Overview, Continued

The basics of
Recertification

A CDCS certificate holder needs to follow these guidelines when applying for
recertification:

Recertification is required every three years.

Credits will be earned and recorded as Professional Development Units
(PDUs).
A total of 24 PDUs is required for each three-year recertification cycle.
One PDU is equal to one 'contact hour' of 50-60 minutes for seminars,
workshops, conferences and training sessions.
Courses at the entry or basic level are not eligible for PDU credits. As a
CDCS certificate holder, you have already demonstrated knowledge in
these areas.
A maximum of 16 PDUs may be earned in anyone calendar year from
any single course.
A maximum of 6 PDUs may be earned through volunteer service within
each three-year recertification cycle.
Activities and/or PDUs may not be carried over from one recertification
cycle to another.

It is the responsibility of each CDCS certificate holder to maintain records

documenting PDU activity. A copy of the registration form and the program of
an educational event are adequate documentation.

Notes:

Documentation for all activities submitted for PDU credit must be

retained by the CDCS certificate holder for a further period of two
years.
BAFT and ifs University College reserve the right to audit a CDCS
certificate holders records; any PDUs that cannot be documented
during the audit process may be disqualified.
During any three-year recertification cycle, it is the responsibility of the
CDCS certificate holder to maintain a current address with either
BAFT or ifs University College offices. Changes to a CDCS certificate
holders professional information will be published annually in the
CDCS registry and on the BAFT website.

Following Initial CDCS Certification

What happens
after you are
CDCS certified

Recertification is required every three years to demonstrate a CDCS certificate

holders continuing professional education and to retain the right to use the
professional appellation, CDCS.
Each CDCS certificate holder will receive a CDCS Certificate and
Recertification Folder upon initial certification. The Recertification Folder
contains two types of reporting forms; both forms may be photocopied or
downloaded from the BAFT website:

CDCS Activity Reporting Form - to be completed for individual

professional development activities.
CDCS Summary Reporting Form - to be completed at the end of a
three-year cycle.

Please Note:
BAFT: CDCS certificate holders who earn the credential through BAFT may
record PDU activities on individual activity reporting forms and submit to
BAFT using one of the following methods.
1. Submit as earned completing an activity form for each activity
and submit to BAFT.
2. Submit annually complete and submit an activity form
reflecting all activities claimed during the year.
3. Submit all activity reporting forms together at the end of the
three-year recertification cycle.
At the end of the three-year cycle the Summary Reporting Form also needs
completion as verification of the CDCS certificate holders professionalism.
ifs University College: CDCS certificate holders who earn the credential
through ifs University College should record each PDU activity on an
individual activity reporting form. These forms may be submitted to ifs
University College for verification annually or, all together, at the end of the
three-year period.
Similarly, at the end of the three-year cycle the Summary Reporting Form also
needs completion as verification of the CDCS certificate holders
professionalism.
Notes:

Recertification Cycles
The
Recertification
Cycle

The first recertification cycle will start with the successful examination date
and conclude three years from April 30th of that year.
Examples include:
Individuals who earn their certification in April, 2014 will complete
their first three-year recertification cycle on April 30, 2014, and
After the first three-year recertification cycle, subsequent recertification
cycles will start on May 1st and conclude three years later on April 30th.
Notes:

Recertification Fees
Fees

At the end of each three-year recertification cycle, a CDCS certificate holder

must complete the Summary Reporting Form and forward it to either BAFT or
ifs University College with the appropriate administrative fee. The current
fees appear in the tables below.
BAFT Recertification Fees for North America
(US, Canada, and Mexico)
Fee Type
Fee Amount
Payable years 1 and two
None
Payable year 3
$200 USD
Re-sit exam if PDUs not completed
$750 USD
ifs University College Recertification Fees for outside of North America
Fee Type
Fee Amount
Payable years 1 and two
43
Payable year 3
109
Registration and recertification fee
195
if none is paid in years 1 and 2
Fee for late submission of
30
recertification documentation and
payment (after 30 June and before
30 September)

Notes:

Lapsed CDCS Certifications

What happens
if your CDCS
certifications
lapses

If a CDCS certificate holder earns 18 of the 24 PDUs required for

recertification within any designated three-year period then the CDCS
certificate holder may petition BAFT for a one-year extension. The request
and reporting forms to date must be submitted by April 30th of the third
year of the recertification cycle.
The Certification Committee will review each request and waivers may be
granted according to the merits of the individual case. The decision of the
Certification Committee is final.
If a certificate holders CDCS certification has been allowed to lapse, the
CDCS certificate holder may register and take the current CDCS examination
at a regularly scheduled time and location. Although it is strongly advised that
a CDCS certificate holder use the recertification procedures to achieve their
development, it is acknowledged that, in some cases, taking the current
examination may be deemed a more convenient alternative.
Notes:

Recertification Categories
Recertification
Categories

A CDCS certificate holder will evaluate the professional development and

continuing education opportunities undertaken in pursuit of recertification in
accordance with the guidelines in this section.
Only activities related to documentary credits, international trade, or related
topics will be considered for CDCS recertification. Management, personal
development and product-specific activities will not qualify.
PDUs may be earned as listed in the following categories:
One PDU is awarded for each 50-60 minute session or contact hour
(including questions and answers) in topics related to documentary
credits and/or international trade.
Courses at the entry or basic level do not qualify for PDU credit as a
CDCS has demonstrated knowledge in these areas.
A maximum of 12 PDUs is awarded annually for a college/university
level course in a related topic area.
An advanced degree (post-graduate) in any financial services related
area is awarded 24 PDUs.
Two PDUs are awarded for each published page in a related topic area.
A maximum of 12 credits may be earned in this category within each
three-year recertification cycle.
Two PDUs are awarded for each speaking/teaching/ presentation hour
(50-60 minutes) in a related topic; similar presentations may only be
submitted once per three-year recertification cycle unless the content is
sufficiently varied. A maximum of 12 PDUs may be earned in this
category in each three-year recertification cycle.
Two PDUs are awarded for each year of volunteer service to BAFT, ifs
University College, or other industry relevant organizations in related
topic areas. If in any doubt whether an activity is acceptable, please
contact BAFT or ifs University College. A maximum of six PDUs may
be earned in this category within each three-year recertification cycle.
Although PDUs may be earned as described above, a CDCS certificate holder
may, within the three-year recertification period, prefer the alternative option
of taking the current CDCS examination. Passing the examination will earn 24
PDUs. 24 PDUs must be earned within each three-year recertification cycle.
A summary table of acceptable PDUs appears on the next page.
Continued on next page

Recertification Categories, Continued

Type of Activity

Seminars, Workshops,
Conferences, and
Training Sessions
1

Special UCP600
education
2

College / University
level courses

Advanced Degree
(post-graduate)

Publications and
Papers

Teaching, Speaking,
and Presentations

Description
Maximum PDUs
1 PDU credit for each 50 to
60 minute contact hour
(including time for
No maximum All PDUs
questions and answers).
may be earned with this
type of activity.
Acceptable Topics:
Documentary Credits and
related topic areas
8 PDUs must be earned
No maximum All PDUs
during the current
may be earned with this
recertification cycle from
type of activity.
UCP600 training.
Maximum: 12 PDUs can
12 PDUs per course per
be earned in any
approved topic area
recertification year.
Maximum: 24 PDUs can
be earned within the 3-year
recertification period.
An advance degree in any
financial services-related
Please Note: A registered
area.
degree may claim up to a
maximum of 12 PDUs in
any calendar year.
2 PDUs for each published
page.
Maximum: 12 PDUs can
be earned within the 3-year
Acceptable Topics:
recertification period.
Documentary Credits and
related topic areas
2 PDUs for each hour of
presentation.
Acceptable Topics:
Documentary Credits and
related topic areas
Please Note: If the content
is repeated, presentations
can only be claimed once
within the 3-year
recertification period.

Maximum: 12 PDUs can

be earned within the 3-year
recertification period.

Continued on next page

Recertification Categories, Continued

Type of Activity

Volunteer Activity

CDCS Examination

Notes:

Description
2 PDUs per year can be
earned through relevant
voluntary activity with
BAFT, ifs University
College or other industry
organizations.
If there is any doubt as to
whether or not an activity
is acceptable, please
contact BAFT or ifs
University College.
Re-take the CDCS
examination.

Maximum PDUs

Maximum: 6 PDUs can be

earned within the 3-year
recertification period.

All 24 PDUs can be earned

with this activity.

Registering PDU Credits

Registering
your PDUs

The procedures for registering PDUs differ between BAFT and ifs University
College.
For BAFT:
PDUs may be registered by submitting an activity reporting form as credits
are earned, annually, or at the completion of a three-year recertification cycle.
For ifs University College:
PDUs may be registered by submitting an activity reporting forms annually or
at the completion of a three-year recertification cycle.
For both BAFT and ifs University College:
Each activity reporting form must be signed and dated by the CDCS
certificate holder and must show PDUs earned.
Where possible, CDCS certificate holders are encouraged (but not required) to
have their activity reporting forms counter-signed by either their line manager
or personnel manager. The purpose of counter-signing activity reporting forms
is to confirm the value of continuing professional development in the context
of the individual's role within the organization.
Copies of all supporting documentation and CDCS reporting the individual
must retain forms for two years following submission. Please do NOT forward
supporting documentation with the reporting forms.
BAFT and ifs University College reserve the right to audit the documentation
records of an individual CDCS for up to two years following the filing of
records during any recertification cycle.
At the end of each three-year recertification cycle, the CDCS certificate holder
must also submit a summary reporting form, counter-signed and verifying that
the CDCS certificate holder has furthered their professionalism through
activities claimed.
A statement of credit and current (new) certificate will be issued at the
successful completion of each three-year recertification cycle. The CDCS
registry will be updated to indicate the new certification dates.
Notes:

Miscellaneous Information
Governance of
the CDCS
Recertification
Program

The CDCS Certification Council approves all policies, guidelines and

decisions related to, or impacting, the CDCS program.

CDCS Registry

An international CDCS Registry is published annually in April and posted on

the BAFT website.

Program
Registry

BAFT and ifs University College maintain a recognized course or program

registry for organizations and training providers interested in stating that a
professional development activity is eligible for CDCS PDU credits.

CDCS Committees provide ongoing oversight to the program and periodically

review applicable policies and guidelines to ensure their equitable application.
BAFT and ifs University College reserve the right at any time and without
notice to vary the content and syllabuses previously announced and to modify
as seems appropriate the facilities and arrangements for students.

If you are interested in registering a course or for additional information,

please refer to the BAFT website or request the CDCS Course Registration
Form from BAFT:
CDCS Program
BAFT-IFSA
1120 Connecticut Ave, NW
Washington DC 20036
Notes:

Certified Documentary Credit Specialist Recertification

Activity Reporting Form
(This form may be photocopied)
Name:
Bank/Company:
Address:

City:

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code:

Country:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email Address:

Professional Development Unit (PDU) Record

Date

Type of Activity
(From Recertification Guidelines)

Sponsoring Organization

# of
PDUs

I confirm that I have adhered to the CDCS Recertification Guidelines and have met the requirements for each
activity reported.

Signature: __________________________________________________

Date: _______________

This form should be submitted to [email protected] along with a Recertification Application. For questions or more
information, contact Lynette Bertelmann or call 202-663-5514.

1120 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 Telephone (202) 663-7575 Fax (202)
663-5538
www.BAFT.org - [email protected]

SUMMARY REPORTING FORM

(This form may be photocopied)
This form should be completed at the end of each 3-year recertification cycle.

Name:
Bank/Company:
CDCS Certificate #:

Telephone:

Address:
Period of Recertification: example 5-1-2012 thru 4-30-2015

CDCS Recertification Information

Activities Claimed in 3-year Recertification Period

Total Recertification
PDU Credits Earned

I confirm that as a Certified Documentary Credit Specialist, I have adhered to the recertification guidelines as
supplied by BAFT/ifs University College. I have reported my professional development on CDCS activity
reporting forms and submitted these to the BAFT/ifs University College as required.

Signature: __________________________________________________

Date: _______________

This form should be submitted to [email protected] along with a Recertification Application. For questions or more
information, contact Lynette Bertelmann or call 202-663-5514.

1120 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 Telephone (202) 663-7575 Fax (202)
663-5538
www.BAFT.org - [email protected]

Certified Documentary Credit Specialist

Application for Recertification
(This form may be photocopied)
Name:
Bank/Company:
Address:

City:

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code:

Country:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email Address:

CDCS Recertification Information

CDCS Certificate
Number

Certificates Effective
Date

Certificates Expiration
Date

Total Recertification
PDU Credits Earned

Payment Options
Standard Recertification Fee: $200
Credit/Debit Card:

Late Recertification, after May 1, 20XX: $250

Credit Card Number: ____________________________CVV#_______ Expiration Date:_____________

PRINT Name as it appears on card: _______________________________________________________
Cardholders Signature: _________________________________________________________________
Amount Enclosed: ____________________
If you prefer to pay online: After submitting this form, please log into the BAFT-IFSA website (http://www.baft.org/) and navigate to:
http://www.baft.org/customerservice/makepayment
If you do not find your recertification payment under your account, contact: [email protected]
Wire:
Account Name:
Bank Wire Transfer:
SunTrust Bank
1445 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Check:
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO BAFT.

American Bankers Association

A/C Number: 206664656
Routing Number: 061000104
SWIFT: SNTRUS3A
BAFT, P.O. BOX 79935, BALTIMORE, MD 21279-0935

I confirm that I have completed the requirements for recertification in accordance with the CDCS Recertification Guidelines and have met
the requirements for recertification.

Signature: __________________________________________________

Date: _______________

1120 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 Telephone (202) 663-7575 Fax (202)
663-5538
www.BAFT.org - [email protected]