In recognition of DC-PRO Focus as a premium on-line resource for the professional development of documentary credits specialists, the International Financial Services Association (IFSA) and the Institute of Financial Services (IFS) have decided to award PDUs to members of DC-PRO Focus.

IFSA and IFS are the governing bodies of the Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS), a professional certification that has become the industry's standard of excellence since its launch three years ago. To obtain this professional certification and the CDCS designation, it is necessary to pass an intensive, 3-hour, trade finance based exam. However, the work does not stop here. To ensure continued professional development, re-certification is required every three years. This can be achieved by re-sitting the exam or by earning 24 Professional Development Units (PDUs) over the course of the 3 years.

PDUs are awarded to activities that contribute to professional development, including: obtaining further qualifications e.g. Masters or PhD; speaking at international trade conferences; volunteering for industry leadership e.g. serving on IFSA, IFS or ICC committee. Different activities yield different numbers of PDUs and so must be combined to reach the required number of 24 PDUs.

In recognition of the wealth of knowledge available on DC-PRO Focus, IFSA and IFS will now also award up to 12 PDUs to CDCS that are active members of DC-PRO Focus over the 3-year period. To qualify for the PDUs, the CDCS must keep up to date with certain key areas of information on DC-PRO Focus, such as new Unpublished ICC Opinions and legal cases, and submit a form to IFSA or the IFS on a yearly basis to that effect.

Initial feedback to the author indicates that this new collaboration between DC-PRO and CDCS will be warmly welcomed, with one CDCS commenting that he likes the idea because it embodies the principle of continual professional development and he can "earn PDUs while he works".

Click here for information on how to apply for the PDUs