Gain the expert-level skills necessary to analyse and provide solutions to the most complex and challenging aspects of a documentary credit transaction, including disputes and conflicts among the parties. The CDCE represents the highest level of ICC-certified competence in this field.
US$1099
Certified Documentary Credits Expert (CDCE)
Achieve the highest level of ICC-certified competence in documentary credits.
Take the next step in your documentary credits learning pathway
The CDCE is designed to give you the expert-level skills necessary to analyse and provide solutions to the most complex aspects of a documentary credit transaction. It is structured in a way that will help you overcome challenging, real-world operational scenarios.
The CDCE is taught in a hybrid format that combines self-paced lessons with live, online workshops run by an ICC-approved instructor for a total of more than 60 hours of learning. To register, you will need to have a minimum of 5 years’ experience of managing documentary credits or have already completed a relevant qualification such as the CTFP or LIBF’s CDCS qualification.
How it works
1
Check you meet at least one of the admission criteria for the CDCE – see ‘Who is the CDCE for’?
2
Register for the CDCE and share details of your work experience with our team
3
Get 12 months’ access all four online, self-paced lessons
4
Register and attend each of the four live, online workshops during your 12-month enrolment
5
Schedule and pass the final 2-hour online exam
6
6. Download your ICC certificate of achievement and use the ICC CDCE designation
What is the difference between CDCE and CDCS?
Level of learning
The CDCE is the next step for trade finance professionals who already have a good understanding of documentary credits (DC) and are ready to tackle the most complex, operational challenges of a DC transaction.
Enrolment criteria
To register for the CDCE you must meet at least one of these criteria:
- Be a CDCS or CTFP graduate
- Have 5 years DC experience
- Be nominated by your employer or ICC National Committee
Learning format
The CDCE is taught in a hybrid format that combines self-paced online lessons with live, online workshops. The instructor led workshops focus on complex, real-world case studies to ensure you can apply and analyse concepts at an expert level.
US$1099
12 months’ access
60+ hours of interactive learning
Four 3-hour online workshops
2-hour online exam
Downloadable ICC certificate
Certificate curriculum
The CDCE is split over four online lessons and four live, online workshops, with each workshop dedicated to covering what you have learned in the corresponding lesson. For example, Workshop 1 will cover Lesson 1 and so on. Each of the four workshops is run three times a year, every four months.
Lessons
You must complete all four lessons before you take the final exam.
Documentary credits - parties and fundamental terms and conditions
In this lesson you will learn to:
- Explain the nature and purpose of documentary credits in international trade finance
- Examine the interactions and dependencies between different participants in a documentary credit transaction
- Utilise the knowledge of fundamental terms and conditions to evaluate and construct a valid application for a documentary credit
- Apply the knowledge of documentary and non-documentary conditions to assess their impact on a specific documentary credit scenario
- Apply the rules and principles outlined in the UCP 600 and ISBP 821 to assess and resolve issues in practical documentary credit scenarios
During this lesson you will also be able to engage in the learner-led, but instructor-supported discussion forum. Here you can get peer support and advice on any topics you are stuck with and access practice questions and case studies set by the instructor.
Issuance of a documentary credit and amendments
During this lesson you will learn to:
- Explain how the issuance, advising, and confirmation processes work in a documentary credit transaction, including the roles and responsibilities of banks and the beneficiary
- Analyse the critical factors and considerations that banks and the beneficiary need to observe during the issuance, advising, and confirmation stages of a documentary credit
- Analyse the factors and considerations that determine when an amendment to a documentary credit becomes effective
- Analyse the factors and considerations that influence the allocation of risk in the issuance, advising, and confirmation processes of a documentary credit
During this lesson you will also be able to engage in the learner-led, but instructor-supported discussion forum. Here you can get peer support and advice on any topics you are stuck with and access practice questions and case studies set by the instructor.
Presentation of the required documents and payment
] During this lesson you will learn to:
- Explain the key considerations and relevant advice for the beneficiary when presenting shipping documents
- Explain the criteria and factors that banks consider when examining documents in a documentary credit transaction
- Explain the significance and implications of the doctrine of “strict compliance” in determining the compliance of a presentation
- Apply the knowledge of the next steps to a given scenario where the presented documents comply
- Apply the knowledge of the next steps to a given scenario where the presented documents are discrepant
- Apply the knowledge of reimbursement to analyse and assess a given reimbursement scenario, from the issuing bank to the advising/confirming/negotiating bank
During this lesson you will also be able to engage in the learner-led, but instructor-supported discussion forum. Here you can get peer support and advice on any topics you are stuck with and access practice questions and case studies set by the instructor.
Modalities of documentary credits and other guarantee instruments
During this lesson you will learn to:
- Apply the knowledge of transferable documentary credits to evaluate and determine the suitability of using them in specific trade scenarios or case studies
- Apply the knowledge of the assignment of proceeds to analyse and assess the implications and benefits of using this mechanism in specific trade scenarios or case studies
- Apply the knowledge of domestic documentary credits to assess and determine the appropriateness of using them in specific domestic trade scenarios or case studies
- Analyse the similarities, differences, and unique features of standby letters of credit, demand guarantees, and documentary credits in relation to their functions and usage in trade transactions
During this lesson you will also be able to engage in the learner-led, but instructor-supported discussion forum. Here you can get peer support and advice on any topics you are stuck with and access practice questions and case studies set by the instructor.
Workshops
We recommend you attend all the live workshops to get the most from this programme. You will have 2-3 opportunities to attend each workshop.
What happens during the workshops?
During each of the four 3-hour online workshops, your ICC-approved instructor will
- Check your understanding of what you have learned in the corresponding lesson
- Demonstrate real-life applications of DCs and UCP 600
- Discuss the various operational challenges in using UCP 600 and how to overcome them
- Guide you through how to answer case-based essay questions effectively
You will have a minimum of 2-3 opportunities to attend each of the workshops during your 12-month access period, so you can plan for when best fits your schedule.
Once you have attended a live workshop once, you will not be able to register for that same workshop again. However, all workshops are recorded and the latest edition of each will be made available to all enrolled learners.
Examination FAQ
To complete the CDCE and earn your ICC certificate of achievement you will need to complete a final 2-hour, online exam
How does the exam work?
To complete the CDCE and obtain the digital certificate of achievement, you will need to pass a two-hour online exam — the passing mark is 85%.
- The final exam can be taken at any time after you have completed the 4 online lessons and 4 live workshops.
- The exam is comprised of 70 multiple-choice questions and 2 case-based essay questions. You can access practice questions in the learning management system
- The exam is live proctored via the internet. This means someone will monitor your computer and environment via webcam to ensure there is no outside interference and that you do not use non-approved study aids
- The only requirements are a steady internet connection, a webcam and granting access to a ‘proctor’ to monitor your computer
Full details about how our exams work can be found here.
What does the exam consist of?
The exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions and 2 case-based essay questions over two hours.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Your purchase includes 1 attempt at the final exam. The passing mark is 70%. If you score lower than that you will need to purchase a retake for US$100 while you are still within your 12-month access period.
How long is the CDCE valid for?
The CDCE is valid for five years and the first recertification is free. After this you will need to acquire credits to recertify and pay to retake the exam. You can see full details here.
Why take the CDCE?
Hands-on, practical experience
The CDCE includes instructor-led real-world problem-solving sessions that simulate operational challenges. You’ll get hands-on, practical experience of navigating complex, intricate trade finance scenarios.
Instructor-supported learning
The CDCE uses a hybrid learning structure that combines online self-directed learning with live online workshops led by an ICC-approved trainer. In between the online lessons, you will also be able to engage in a peer-led discussion forum where the trainer will share practice questions and case studies. This support is designed to ensure you are fully equipped to pass the final exam.
Learn directly from organisation that makes the rules
The ICC is the organisation that created the UCP 600 and ISBP 821 rules that are widely adopted in the use of documentary credits around the world. When you learn with ICC Academy you are learning directly from one of the foremost sources of global authority on this topic.
Who is the CDCE for?
The CDCE is an expert-level certification designed for senior trade finance and treasury professionals who have extensive experience managing documentary credits. To register for the CDCE you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a trade finance or treasury role, with extensive experience of managing documentary credits
- Have completed a related certification such as the ICC Academy’s CTFP or LIBF’s CDCS programmes, or have completed our Advanced Documentary Credits course.
- Be recommended by your employer or local ICC National Committee as someone who is ready to take the course
CDCE for teams
Bring your team up to the highest level of ICC certified competence on documentary credits. We can also develop more bespoke curriculums for clients based on your specific context. Contact us now to discuss your needs and get a custom quote.
Get started now
Purchase the CDCE as an individual or for your team
FAQs
Answers to your most commonly asked questions.
How do I recertify?
The CDCE is valid for five years and the first recertification is free.
After this you will need to acquire credits to recertify and pay to retake the exam. You can see full details here.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Your purchase of the CDCE allows one attempt at the exam. If required, a retake can be purchased for USD $100 if you are still within your 12-month access period. Please contact our Help Desk at helpdesk@iccacademy.com.sg
Are there any prerequisites for taking the CDCE?
Yes. To enroll on the CDCE you need to meet a minimum of one of these requirements:
- Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a trade finance or treasury role, with extensive experience of managing documentary credits
- Have completed and passed a related certification such as the CDCS or CTFP
- Have a letter of recommendation from your employer or ICC National Committee
In additional all candidates must be able to read and speak English.
How long do I have access to the content of the course?
You will have 12 months to complete all the lessons and workshops and pass the final exam.
Are the workshops compulsory?
It is not compulsory to attend the workshops, but we strongly encourage you to do so to give yourself the best chance of passing the final exam.
Each of the four workshops will be run 3 times over 12 months so you will have multiple opportunities to attend over the course of your access period (a minimum of 2 for each workshop).
Can I request a refund for my purchase?
Due to the immediate availability of our course content upon registration, ICC Academy has a strict no-refund policy for our courses and certifications. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
How long will it take to complete the CDCE?
To complete all of the lessons, attend all four workshops and then pass the final exam will take a minimum of 4 months. However you do not need to complete it that quickly if you wish to spread your learning out over your 12 month access period.
When will the live workshops happen? What happens if I can't attend?
The dates of upcoming live workshops will be displayed inside your learning account when you register. There are 4 workshops to attend in total and each of the 4 workshops will be run 3 times over 12 months, so you will have multiple opportunities to attend each one. In addition all workshops are recorded and the latest recording of each workshop will be available within your account.
What's included with my purchase of the CDCE?
The CDCE gives you 12-months access to 60+ hours of online learning, including:
- Four online lessons that include case studies, assessment quizzes and other reflective exercises
- Four 3-hour online workshops with an ICC-approved trainer, with 2-3 opportunities to attend each of the workshops over 12 months
- Recordings of all workshops that take place during your 12-month access period
- Free digital copies of the UCP 600 and ISBP 821
- A student-led online learning support community with instructor involvement
- A two-hour online examination with 70 multiple-choice questions and 2 case-based essay questions. You can access practice questions in your learning platform
- A downloadable ICC certificate of achievement valid for 5 years (first recertification is free)
How does the exam work?
To complete the CDCE and obtain the digital certificate of achievement, you will need to pass a two-hour online exam — the passing mark is 85%.
- The final exam can be taken at any time after you have completed the 4 online lessons and 4 live workshops.
- The exam is comprised of 70 multiple-choice questions and 2 case-based essay questions. You can access practice questions in the learning management system
- The exam is live proctored via the internet. This means someone will monitor your computer and environment via webcam to ensure there is no outside interference and that you do not use non-approved study aids
- The only requirements are a steady internet connection, a webcam and granting access to a ‘proctor’ to monitor your computer
Full details about how our exams work can be found here.
How do I get my certificate?
Once you pass the final exam you will be able to download your digital certificate of achievement from your learning account. This certificate will also be emailed to you.
Are discounts available for bulk registrations?
If you wish to register 3 or more members of your team for the CDCE, please contact our team to discuss your requirements.
We may be able to offer customised pricing.
