Learning
Foundation Certificate in Trade Compliance
The Foundation Certificate is CRT's proposed entry-level qualification for commodity trading professionals. It covers all seven domains of the Professional Competence Framework at Foundation proficiency level and is assessed through a combination of coursework and formal examination.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the Foundation Certificate, candidates will be able to demonstrate:
- Understanding of the structure and functioning of international commodity markets across the principal sectors
- Knowledge of trade finance instruments, including letters of credit, documentary collections and payment guarantees
- Understanding of commodity logistics, shipping terms, inspection processes and insurance
- Knowledge of the principal legal frameworks governing commodity trade contracts and disputes
- Ability to identify and describe the principal risk types in commodity trade, including counterparty, sanctions, documentation and market risks
- Knowledge of applicable sanctions regimes, AML/KYC principles and trade regulations as they apply to commodity trading
- Commitment to and understanding of the CRT Code of Professional Conduct
The Foundation Certificate enables holders to apply for a CRT Trade Integrity Passport and to access the members-only trade platform under verified professional status.
Syllabus
The syllabus is organised across seven domains, each forming a discrete study module. Full syllabus detail is available on the Syllabus page.
- Module 1: Commodity Markets and Instruments — Market structure, pricing benchmarks, contract types, forward and spot markets in the principal sectors.
- Module 2: Trade Finance and Payment Mechanisms — Letters of credit (documentary and standby), documentary collections, payment guarantees, trade credit and structured finance.
- Module 3: Logistics and Supply Chain — Incoterms, shipping, freight, warehousing, quality inspection, SGS/CIQ and similar, cargo insurance.
- Module 4: Legal and Contractual Frameworks — Commodity trade contracts (EFET, ISDA-adjacent, bespoke), governing law, dispute resolution (arbitration and courts), force majeure.
- Module 5: Risk Identification and Management — Counterparty risk, credit risk, market risk, documentation risk, operational risk, fraud typologies.
- Module 6: Regulatory and Sanctions Compliance — OFAC, EU, UN and UK sanctions regimes; AML/KYC requirements; export controls; trade sanctions screening.
- Module 7: Professional Conduct and Ethics — CRT Code of Conduct, conflicts of interest, client interests, market integrity, whistleblowing, professional development obligations.
Assessment
Assessment for the Foundation Certificate will use two components:
- Module assessments
- A written assessment for each of the seven modules. Format to be confirmed (written answers, case studies, or a combination). Each module assessment must be passed.
- Integrated examination
- A final examination integrating learning across all seven domains, with case-study-based questions requiring application of knowledge to realistic trading scenarios.
Full assessment criteria and pass standards are described on the Assessment page.
Fees and pricing
Fees not yet set
Fees for the Foundation Certificate have not been determined. They will be published on the Fees page once the programme design is finalised and approved. CRT is committed to pricing that is accessible to practitioners in diverse markets.
Last updated: June 2026
Entry requirements and terms
The Foundation Certificate is open to holders of CRT professional membership. There are no prerequisite academic qualifications. Candidates are expected to have professional experience in, or a serious commitment to, international commodity trade.
Study materials will be provided through the CRT member portal. Access requires an active membership subscription.
Register interest in the Foundation Certificate
Enrolment is not yet open. Register your interest to be notified when the programme launches.