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.
CDCS is the global benchmark for documentary credit expertise
Take your exam in person or online with same-day results
Earn 36 CPD hours towards your trade finance recertification
Enhance your career prospects in trade finance
Fees
£730 for the full qualification
Duration
You'll have 12 months from registration to complete the qualification
Units
CDCS is made up of one unit
Regulation
Registered with Ofqual in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
Assessment
Your first exam is included in the registration fee for each module
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 QTFS 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
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
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
You’ll be assessed in an exam that lasts three hours and 15 minutes. The examination is split into two sections:
Section A: 60 multiple-choice questions
Section B: ten multiple-choice questions and three document checking exercises
Your first exam is included in the registration fee. If you need to retake an exam a resit fee will be payable.
You can choose when to take your exam and pick from test centres nationwide, or at home through remote invigilation.
Once you pass, you'll receive a digital certificate.
Exam and assessment informationFees
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.
Corporate bookings
If you are a company and want to register a cohort of students onto CDCS please email trade@libf.ac.uk 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 nowInternational 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 moreCDCS 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@libf.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1227 818 609.
Search CDCS RegistryThe next step in your learning pathway
Completing our CDCS qualification is a significant achievement and major milestone in mastering documentary credits. Ready to take the next step? The Certified Documentary Credit Expert (CDCE), exclusively available to CDCS holders through our partners at ICC Academy, lets you deepen your knowledge, tackle complex documentary credit challenges and includes live workshops with an ICC instructor. CDCS along with CDCE will sharpen your skills, broaden your career prospects, and solidify your reputation as an expert in this field. Plus, passing the CDCE earns you 36 professional development credits, automatically recertifying your CDCS designation.
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.
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