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CDCS Course Summary

Unlock global opportunities in trade finance with the Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists (CDCS) — the gold-standard qualification for professionals working with documentary credits. Recognised worldwide, CDCS certifies your expertise in the complex and highly specialised field of documentary credit practice. This certification gives you a competitive edge in international banking and trade operations.

This prestigious program is developed by The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) in collaboration with industry experts and is managed in partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) — the body behind the globally accepted UCP rules.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your technical knowledge, boost your credibility with employers, or advance your trade finance career, CDCS equips you with the tools to lead with confidence in cross-border finance.

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    Recognitions

    WingsWay Training Institute is the Authorized Training Centre for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Canada. IATA sets global standards for the aviation industry, and this recognition signifies that this course aligns with international standards of airport services.

    Our commitment to delivering exceptional private education in Dubai has earned us the endorsement of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and ISO 9001:2015 certification from the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

    Course Content

    Unit 1 – Introduction to Documentary Credits

    • History and evolution of documentary credits
    • The role of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
    • Development and purpose of the UCP

    Unit 2 -Settlement Methods in Trade Finance

    • Documentary credits vs. other settlement methods
    • Key definitions and terminology
    • Understanding the sales contract and INCOTERMS

    Unit 3 – Issuance & Amendment of Documentary Credits

    • Pre-issuance considerations and compliance checks
    • Issuing a documentary credit
    • Amendments from the issuing bank’s perspective

    Unit 4 – Advising & Confirming Documentary Credits

    • Advising credits to beneficiaries
    • Confirming documentary credits
    • Advising amendments

    Unit 5 – Documentation & Compliance

    • Characteristics of compliant documents
    • Preparing and presenting trade documents
    • Examining transport, insurance, financial, commercial, and official documents

    Unit 6 – Role of Banks in Documentary Credits

    • Responsibilities of the nominated bank
    • Concepts of honour and negotiation
    • Procedures for refusing documents

    Unit 7 – Special Credit Structures

    • Transferable credits and back-to-back credits
    • Assignment of proceeds
    • Features and use of standby letters of credit

    Unit 8 – Reimbursement & Digital Standards

    • Bank-to-bank reimbursements
    • Reimbursement through aid agencies
    • Introduction to eUCP and digital credit practices

    Unit 9 – Dispute Management

    • Common causes of disputes in documentary credits
    • Dispute resolution mechanisms under ICC

    Learner’s Profile

    This certification is designed for professionals working in areas such as:

    • Trade Finance

    • Documentary Credit Operations

    • International Trade

    • Export/Import

    • Banking Operations

    Entry Qualification

    It is recommended that candidates have a minimum of three years of experience in documentary credit or trade finance roles.

    Learning Outcomes

    CDCS develops core knowledge and understanding of the following areas:

    • Documentary credits – types, characteristics, and uses, including standby credits
    • Rules and trade terms, including ISBP 745, ISP 98, UCP 600, URR 725, and Incoterms 2010
    • Parties to documentary credit transactions and their roles and obligations
    • Types and methods of payment/credit used in documentary credit transactions. Types of transport, commercial and financial documents used in documentary credits
    • Risk issues, including types of risk, control, and mitigants
    • Related products, including letters of indemnity, airway releases, and steamship guarantees
    • Implications of breaching rules related to financial crime, including money laundering and terrorist financing

    Career Oppotunities

    After completing this course, you can become:

    • Documentary Credit Specialist / Officer
    • Trade Finance Manager / Trade Services Manager
    • Export/Import Compliance Officer
    • Relationship Manager
    • Risk Manager
    • Operations Head – Trade Finance Division
    • Letters of Credit Analyst / Checker
    • Compliance or AML Analyst
    • Corporate Trade Documentation Specialist
    • Trainer / Consultant in Trade Finance

    Course Duration

    40 Hours

    FAQs

    CDCS (Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists) is a professional qualification that demonstrates your expertise in documentary credits (letters of credit), issued by the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF). It is widely recognised in international trade finance.

    The course is ideal for trade finance professionals, bankers, document checkers, export/import staff, and anyone involved in letters of credit and trade documentation.

    There are no formal academic prerequisites. However, candidates should have some experience in trade finance or a basic understanding of documentary credits.

    Most candidates complete their preparation within 3 to 6 months, depending on their familiarity with trade finance and the time they dedicate to study.

    The syllabus includes:

    • Principles of documentary credits
    • UCP 600 rules
    • ISBP (International Standard Banking Practice)
    • Related ICC rules (e.g., URR, ISP98)
    • Risk, fraud, and compliance in trade finance
    • Document checking and best practices

    The exam is typically for 3 hours. The paper consists of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions along with short case studies testing how you apply your subject knowledge.

    The exam is computer-based and can be taken at an approved test center or remotely via online proctoring.

    The fee may vary depending on the training provider, but typically the registration and exam fee via LIBF is around £595–£750. Additional training costs will vary.

    LIBF provides a study guide. Many candidates also use third-party training providers, online courses, and ICC publications like UCP 600 and ISBP for preparation.

    Candidates must achieve at least 70% to pass.

    The certification is valid for three years. To maintain it, you must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or re-certify.

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