The International Reciprocal Trade Association has been raising the standard of the Trade, Barter and Alternative Currency Industry since 1979. The Certified Trade Broker Program (CTB) challenges each one of us to strive for the highest level of service to our clients and ensures the continued growth and expansion of our industry.

As professionals involved in managing and providing quality barter service, you are invited to apply for accreditation as a Certified Trade Broker. The CTB Program is offered annually by IRTA at the International Convention.

In 2010 NATE and IRTA worked together to completely revise and modernize the CTB test as well as the eligibility criteria for the CTB program. In an effort to make the educational benefits of the CTB program available to more individuals earlier in their barter careers, a new Registered Trade Broker (RTB) designation was created.

The RTB designation does not require an applicant to be in the barter business for two years before being allowed to take the CTB test. Rather, the RTB designation permits newer trade exchange owners and trade brokers to gain the knowledge provided by the CTB course early in their barter careers, and then receive the CTB designation by following the 200 point CTB accreditation process that has historically been in place, (see accreditation parameters below). The RTB designation provides an early foundation of knowledge of the barter industry and is the first step in obtaining your CTB achievement. The RTB designation is awarded upon successful completion of the certification course and CTB test.

As a professional involved in managing and providing bartering services, you are invited to apply for professional broker accreditation as a Certified Trade Broker. These established standards provide guidelines for the highest level of professionalism, performance standards, and you must demonstrate strict adherence to an industry code of ethics which requires truth, honor, and fairness in your professional relationships.

A written and oral examination will be administered by the Accreditation committee. These exams are designed to test your knowledge of our industry and evaluate your professional skills. You will be tested on your knowledge of marketing, advertising, accounting and purchasing concepts, understanding of barter basics, customer service issues, barter ethics, and your ability to calculate and apply leverage factors, as well as your telephone skills.

Eligibility Criteria- IRTA is in the process of revising this criteria to make it available to a larger audience. Check back in Mid March for updates on the timing of the roll-out of the on-line RTB/CTB program.

Letter of recommendation from the owner of the trade exchange
3 hour certification course
Successfully pass the written & Oral CTB Test

CTB Criteria

For employees: Two letters of recommendation: one each from owner of a trade exchange and from a member of your trade exchange (should include specific details how applicant has demonstrated exceptional ability as a broker) The letter from the owner should be submitted either in advance or on the day of the test; the letter from the member may come at a later date if this is a new broker but must be received before designation is given.

For Owners of a Trade Exchange, you must be members of NATE or IRTA for a minimum of 2 years to achieve a Certified Trade Broker designation.

Accreditation is based on receiving a minimum of 200 points and successful completion of the CTB test is mandatory for certification designation.

Accreditation Procedure

If you meet eligibility requirements, an application will start the process. The application will help you record your personal, academic, and professional credentials. You will earn points for these and continue to earn additional points for future accomplishments as well.

Additionally, you must attend a three hour Certification Course and must pass both the oral and written examinations administered by the Accreditation Board. Applicant-designated references must confirm exceptional job performance and professionalism in order for you to receive certification.

Typically, you will be able to earn Certified Trade Broker status within one year of application. During this time, your application will be kept on file with the Accreditation Board. When you submit written validation of each new accomplishment, the committee will update your file and track your progress. When you have completed all requirements and earned sufficient points, you will receive you Certified Trade Broker documentation.

Accreditation Points System

Certification Designation – A minimum of two years successful brokering experience for receiving the designation of a Certified Trade Broker

Upon successful completion of all requirements, you will be awarded your Certified Trade Broker designation. (The CTB is awarded to individuals and must never be used as part of a trade or company name.)

The initials, CTB, should be used directly after your name. The designation may appear on professional stationery, in advertising, or in trade/business directories. The designation may also be used on name badges at conventions, meetings, and seminars.

Mandatory Certification Course

The Certified Trade Broker Accreditation Program is based on a 200-point system (minimum) which awards credit for education, experience, and participation in barter industry programs.

• Academic preparation
• Conference attendance
• Knowledge of the Barter Industry
• Professional conduct
• Examinations
• Academic Preparation

You can earn points for post-high school education, college and graduate degrees. Years of brokering experience you have in excess of the 2-year minimum eligibility requirement. Completing supplementary courses in Economics, Communications, and Marketing at an accredited college or university. Seminars and workshops may also merit credit but must be approved in advance by the Accreditation Board.

A three-hour mandatory Certification Course will contribute points as well as enhance important professional skills. Your knowledge of course topics will be tested during the oral and written examinations

To obtain a Certified Trade Broker status, you must also earn points through your involvement in activities on behalf of your clients and company. (Earn points for chairing trade shows, auctions, seminars, etc.)

Barter Industry convention participation that demonstrates your leadership, knowledge, and understanding of the responsibility of a Trade Broker. Earn points for participating on Panels, Round Table, or Seminars. For those who are unable to attend conventions, volunteering on IRTA committees earns points.

Essay (200-250 words) focusing on the benefits of barter for businesses.

Scoring

Accreditation is based on receiving a minimum of 200 points and successful completion of the CTB test is mandatory for certification designation.

5 – Associate’s Degree
10 – Bachelor’s Degree
15 – Master’s Degree
15 – For each convention attended
20 – Participating on Panels, Round Table, or Seminars
20 – Volunteering on IRTA committees
15 – Volunteering to assist with specific duties (i.e. assembling convention welcome packages, working reception desk, serving as greeter, assisting with name tags, article for newsletter, etc.)
10 – Brokering Experience 2-4 Years
15 – Brokering Experience 5-10 Years
20 – Broker Experience over 10 years

Required

30 – Essay focusing on the benefits of barter for businesses
30 – Letters of recommendation
50 – Written CTB Test
25 – Oral CTB Test