The IIFA FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding is an internationally recognised qualification covering the cornerstones of the Freight Forwarding and international Supply Chain industry.
Duration: September – June annually (next Group commences 28th August 2024, concludes with Final Exam on 24th June 2025 – View all dates here)
Location: Online through posted training manuals + on-demand webinar access
Price: €1,950.00 (no extra costs for manuals, examinations etc…)
Note – Subsidized places are available through CILT Skillnet for the 2024/2025 Group at €1,450.00.
Over a ten month period (September – June each year), Participants are posted 10 training manuals on different areas of Freight Forwarding (Air Freight, Sea Freight, Customs Clearance, Dangerous Goods etc.) and are given between 3 – 4 weeks to study each module. Throughout that month study aids in the form of online videos (available to view on-demand) and assignments are also made available via e-mail. At the end of each month participants then take an online multiple-choice test. At the end of the 10 modules there will be a break of 3 – 4 weeks before a Final Examination, which will take the form of a 3-hour written test, held in Dublin.
The aim of this Diploma programme is to educate and produce confident Freight Forwarding Operators. The academic background of material suitably detailed yet equal focus is given to practical areas such as operational documentation like Air Waybills, Bills of Lading, CMR notes and practical exercises such as calculating Air Freight rates and Customs Import Duty/ VAT.
Course material is updated annually and is validated by FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations. IIFA’s most recent re-validation was December of 2021 with the FIATA Logistics Academy, Ireland’s third successful re-validation of its FIATA Diploma course material.
A more detailed overview of the modules/ subjects can be found through the boxes below along with further information on the format of web delivery.
This training course is delivered and administered by IIFA Staff who have achieved Distinction level qualifications through a QQI Level 6 Training Delivery and Evaluation course.
Those interested to undertake this course are asked to complete the enrolment form, linked to at the bottom of this page, or to contact the IIFA office via 01-845-5411.
• A solid foundation in operational requirements for International Cargo transport by Land, Sea and Air
• Knowledge of contractual responsibilities in International Trade including full training on Incoterms 2020
• Knowledge of Customs Clearance process including classification of goods and Duty & VAT Calculations
• Practical experience with key documentation used in Freight Forwarding offices
• An understanding of Insurance requirements and responsibilities for the Shipper and Freight Forwarder
• Awareness of the process and considerations needed for the transport of Dangerous Goods via all Modes of Transport
• Firm knowledge of the end to end process for International Cargo Transport
• Confidence with handling Customer queries and International Shipments
• An understanding of Carriers’ Quotations and ability to accurately quote the Customer for all Modes of Transport.
On Wednesday 12th September 2018 IIFA, along with previous Graduates, celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the FIATA Diploma in Ireland. Three Graduates from previous years were invited to speak to assembled Guests about their own Career Paths; where they were when they undertook the IIFA FIATA Diploma course, what this Education programme has done for them and what their career has been like since obtaining a IIFA FIATA Diploma. he Guests Speakers included Gabbie White, Director, Global Logistics at Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Warnock, CEO at Emerald Freight Express Ltd and Sinead Wheatley, Key Account Manager at Kuehne & Nagel Ireland Ltd. Recordings of these presentations are available to view below.
Sinead Wheatley speaking at the 10 Year Anniversary event for the IIFA FIATA Diploma
Gabbie White speaking at the 10 Year Anniversary event for the IIFA FIATA Diploma
Glen Warnock speaking at the 10 Year Anniversary event for the IIFA FIATA Diploma
A previous version of the FIATA Diploma programme, designed as a Traineeship, was first made available in Ireland in 1995 through FAS and continued to be available until 2010. While this partnership was successful, training was available only to those that were job-seeking.
In 2008, IIFA redesigned the course content with additional modules and learning sections. The course structure was also revised in order to make this training initiative available privately and through a blended learning system. Participants with years of industry experience could now undertake a formal Diploma, out-of-business-hours, as a means to qualify their years of industry experience.
Over the early years, IIFA delivered this training through class-room lectures and monthly written examinations. As technology and Participant needs evolved, so to did IIFA’s training offerings. With an fluid and ever changing industry, course content is reviewed annually by the IIFA Secretariat to ensure that all material is timely and relevant.
Today, the IIFA FIATA Diploma is administered by a IIFA Moodle site, with assignments and webinars available on-demand. Assistance is available throughout the training period via e-mail and telephone.
Thomas Sim presenting IIFA Executive Officer Seamus Kavanagh with IIFA's 4 Year Validation certificate for Irish delivery of the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding.
