Overview of Offerings that Provide NCBFAA "Certified Customs Specialist" Continuing Education Credits
Below is information regarding upcoming events for which Certified Customs Specialists can earn continuing education credits.
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(Some of the below information is not accurate - to be updated soon.)
(The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) launched the Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) program in 2005 and as of February 2007, over 2,500 individuals have become CCS certified. In 2007, NCBFAA began requiring CCSs to obtain 20 continuing education credits per year in order to maintain the certification. These credits can be obtained by participating in CCS-certified seminars, conferences, Web-based seminars (webinars) and online quizzes. (Note that points cannot be rolled over from one year to the next.)
Webinars Offered by NCBFAA and Others Worth 1-2 Points Each (Fee)
NCBFAA is offering "Third Thursday Webinars." These webinars will be offered on the third Thursday of approximately eight months throughout the year. NCBFAA sources add that each Third Thursday Webinar offered throughout the year is on a different topic. These webinars are worth 1-2 CCS points each, and the cost is $250 for the first 3 people and $60 for each additional person (NCBFAA members receive a discount).
NCBFAA has also allowed other companies to provide webinars that count towards the CCS continuing education credits. (According to the NCBFAA Web site, such webinars are worth 1 or 2 points, and the prices vary.)
Online Case Studies Offered by NCBFAA, Worth 10 Points Each (Free)
According to NCBFAA sources, it will be offering online case studies in August, September, and October. Each case study will be worth 10 CCS points and will be free. (Information on these case studies is not currently provided for on NCBFAA's Web site; however, sources state the information should be posted shortly.)
"Ethics Game" Course, Worth 20 Points (Fee)
NCBFAA has adopted the ethics course "Ethics Game: Core Values" as its business ethics course. The course supplies the complete requirement (20 CCS points) for the CCS certification requirement.
According to sources, this course will be offered every fourth Monday of the month, through 2007. If enough people register, the company may open a second start date on the second Monday of each month. The cost is $300. (Registration and additional details available at www.ethicsgames.com)
CBP's ACE Exchange Conferences Worth 7 Points Per Day (No Fee)
According to NCBFAA sources, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP's) free ACE Exchange conferences are worth 7 points per day. Sources add that since the conferences are not listed on the NCBFAA's CCS portfolio of events Web site, participants must submit a Form 222 (form for seeking approval for inclusion in the portfolio of events for CCS sent in by an individual (Form 111 is for companies)).
Conferences, Seminars, Courses, Etc. throughout U.S. (Various Points, Fees)
NCBFAA has authorized various seminars, conferences, courses, etc. throughout the U.S. to count towards continuing education credits (e.g., NCBFAA's Annual Conference, which was recently held, was worth 15 points; WESCCON, to be held on October 11-14, 2007 is worth 12 points, etc.).
NCBFAA portfolio of events available at http://www.ncbfaa.org/nei/poe.htm
NCBFAA forms available at http://www.ncbfaa.org/nei/ccsceu.html