Start your exciting career in the Freight Forwarding Industry

Course Overview:
The Clearing and Forwarding Diploma provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the clearing and forwarding industry, focusing on key operational, regulatory, and financial aspects of international trade. This programme equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate customs procedures, freight forwarding operations, shipping documentation, and trade regulations effectively.
This diploma ensures that participants are well-prepared to manage global logistics processes, coordinate transport solutions, and ensure compliance with international trade laws.
Course Duration:
Six and a half months Part Time or six weeks Full Time
Part time studies - where you study part time in the evenings and on weekends using our online training program.
Full time studies - when you take time off work to study full time using our online training program.
Recommended study time set aside – for Part Time Studies we would recommend that you would need to set aside 3 to 4 hours a week and for Full Time Studies 12 to 16 hours a week. The time will vary depending on the students original knowledge of the course material.
Course Structure:
• A comprehensive course module in PDF format will be available for download via the e-campus. We are busy developing video versions of the course content to be added to your e-campus.
• Participants may choose to print the course materials for personal use.
• Each week, participants will complete one online exam. Each module includes two exams spaced over two weeks.
Course Evaluation:
• Module Exams: 40% of the final mark. Two online exams for each module must be completed within a set time limit.
• Assignment: 20% of the final mark. A final assignment is to be submitted to the e-Tutor for grading and feedback.
• Final Exam: 40% of the final mark. This online exam covers all course materials and is timed.
Course Modules, Assignment and Final Exam:
The Diploma program is divided into 11 core modules, each of which addresses a crucial aspect of shipping. These modules are as follows:
1. Clearing and Forwarding Terminology Certificate - This module provides a comprehensive glossary of industry terms, covering over 75 pages of essential terminology used in clearing and forwarding operations.
2. The Freight Forwarding Business Certificate - Participants will gain insight into the role of freight forwarders, business structures, capitalisation, key assets, and the processes involved in container export and import transactions.
3. Transport Modes Certificate - This module explores various transport modes, including shipping, airfreight, road, and rail transport, while examining intermodal versus multimodal freight and factors influencing route and transport mode selection.
4. Shipping Role Players Certificate - An in-depth look at key industry stakeholders, including exporters, importers, ocean carriers, shipping agents, freight forwarders, inland carriers, ship brokers, cargo brokers, and other essential players in global trade.
5. Vessels and Cargo Types Certificate - This module covers different vessel and cargo types, including breakbulk and bulk shipping, tramp and liner services, container types, loading and unloading procedures, container securing, and load safety regulations.
6. Goods Classification and Duties Certificate - Participants will learn about customs and excise functions, goods classification, bonded warehouses, duty calculations, non-tariff trade barriers, special tariffs, VAT in international trade, and customs administration.
7. International Customs and Shipping Documents Certificate - An overview of critical shipping documents, including enquiry, instruction, transport, insurance, customs, inspection, and finance documents, ensuring compliance in international trade transactions.
8. International Trade Law and Sales Contracts Certificate - This module introduces international trade laws, contract preparation, and the fundamentals of drafting legally sound international sales contracts, including model contract frameworks.
9. Incoterms 2020 Certificate - A detailed examination of Incoterms 2020, including terminology, recent revisions, selection criteria, and specific rules governing different modes of transport in global trade agreements.
10. International Payments Certificate - Participants will gain an understanding of international payment methods, documentary collection, letters of credit, and the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP 600).
11. Forwarding Operations Certificate - This module covers key forwarding operations, including dangerous goods handling, groupage, packaging standards, weight-to-volume considerations, freight desk operations, and cost breakdowns.
By completing these modules, participants will acquire a comprehensive knowledge base that empowers them to navigate the complexities of global shipping and the role of a sales representative.
Upon successful completion of the modules, participants will be required to:
• complete an assignment, followed by a
• comprehensive final exam.
Learner Support:
• Online Exams: Participants will receive email notifications for upcoming exams. Each module includes two exams, which are designed to support learning and keep students on track with their Personal Course Plan.
• Personal e-Tutor: Each participant will be assigned a personal e-Tutor, who will provide support and guidance via email.
• Personal Course Plan: Your e-Tutor will communicate with you on a weekly basis (every Monday) to ensure you remain on track with your course program and offer motivation as needed.
• Past Exam Papers: Access to downloadable past exam papers with model answers to support exam preparation (available for the Diploma course only).
• Study Tips for Exams: Download a study timetable from the e-campus and review our study tips to improve exam preparation and performance.
• Fun Merchant Shipping Quiz: Test your knowledge with our fun quiz, giving you a sense of what to expect in your exams.
Our E-Campus Offers:
• Course Portal: Access course notes and complete all exams online via our dedicated course portal. COMING SOON – Video versions of the modules will be added as they are developed.
• Shipping Library: Explore a wealth of important and interesting information relevant to your courses and your career development.
Who Should Attend:
This course is ideal for:
• Professionals working in clearing and forwarding, freight forwarding, shipping, and logistics
• Individuals seeking to enter the clearing and forwarding industry and gain essential knowledge
• Importers and exporters looking to understand customs regulations and shipping processes
• Supply chain professionals, procurement officers, and logistics coordinators
• Government and regulatory officials involved in customs, trade compliance, and tariff administration
• Business owners and entrepreneurs engaged in international trade and transportation
The Aim of This Course:
The primary objective of this diploma is to develop skilled professionals who understand the complexities of clearing and forwarding, enabling them to facilitate smooth international trade operations. The course provides in-depth knowledge of transport modes, customs processes, shipping documentation, trade contracts, and international payment methods. Participants will gain expertise to ensure efficient cargo movement, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective logistics solutions.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand key clearing and forwarding terminology and its application in professional settings
• Analyse the role of freight forwarders and the business structures within the industry
• Evaluate various transport modes, including intermodal and multimodal freight options
• Identify key shipping role players and their responsibilities in international trade
• Recognise different vessel and cargo types, as well as handling and safety procedures
• Navigate customs regulations, goods classification, duties, and tax calculations
• Prepare and manage international shipping documents to ensure trade compliance
• Understand international trade laws and draft legally sound sales contracts
• Apply Incoterms 2020 correctly in global trade agreements to define responsibilities and risk allocation
• Assess international payment methods, including documentary collection and letters of credit
• Manage forwarding operations effectively, including dangerous goods handling, packaging standards, and cost control
This diploma provides a structured approach to clearing and forwarding, ensuring that participants gain the skills and expertise required to excel in the global trade and logistics industry.