Ten modules across the complete international trade lifecycle – markets, sales, export, import, customs, documentation, logistics, supply chain, compliance and strategy. Take one course, build credits as you go, or complete the full qualification.
Most trade qualifications are written by committees and delivered by lecturers. This one is delivered by Richard Bartlett – an ICC-qualified Incoterms® trainer who has run a freight forwarding business, advised on Brexit and rules of origin for the Institute of Export & International Trade, trained in Riyadh, Dammam, Doha and at the WTO in Geneva, and built the AI trade compliance platform this page is served from.
That matters for a Level 4 qualification in 2026. Customs is going digital, AI is already reading declaration data, and the module on AI and market research is taught by someone who has actually built the systems, not read about them.
Three routes through the same programme. Start with a single module and step up whenever it suits you.
Choose any module as a standalone professional development course, and choose at checkout whether you sit the assessment for credits or take a certificate of attendance.
Take the assessed route on eligible modules and, where the TRCC assessment requirements are met, build credits towards the Level 4 qualification.
All ten modules paid up front, working through the required assessed units and credits towards the full Level 4 Diploma.
A certificate of course completion is not the same as regulated qualification credit. Formal credit is achieved through the applicable TRCC assessment and quality-assurance requirements.
International markets → sales → export → import → customs → documentation → logistics → supply chain → compliance → strategy.
Understanding the Global Trading Environment
The foundation module develops understanding of international trade, its historical development, its importance to domestic and global economies, the UK's trade strategy, international trade theory and policy, and the legal, regulatory and financial frameworks governing trade.
What you will develop: Understand the wider trading environment and research international trade issues using credible evidence.
Understanding How Global Supply Chains Operate
This module develops understanding of how international supply chains are structured and managed, how supply chain management relates to logistics, and how organisations respond to disruption, technology, sustainability and risk.
What you will develop: Analyse international supply chains and understand how organisations manage disruption, technology and risk.
Managing the Export Journey from Enquiry to Delivery
This module follows the complete export process from customer enquiry and commercial planning through documentation, customs, transport and final delivery, combining compliance with commercial decision-making.
What you will develop: Manage an export transaction from enquiry to delivery while controlling commercial and compliance risk.
Managing Imports from Purchase to Final Delivery
This module examines the complete import journey from purchasing and transport through customs clearance, duties and taxes and final delivery. Learners also examine how structured Import Procedures Manuals support compliance and audit readiness.
What you will develop: Control import transactions and contribute to structured, compliant and auditable import procedures.
Finding Global Opportunities in a Digital World
This module combines traditional market research with global trade data, digital platforms, social media and artificial intelligence to identify and evaluate international opportunities.
What you will develop: Use research, digital technology, social media and AI to identify and evaluate international market opportunities.
Identifying Customs Risk and Building Effective Procedures
This corrected module develops practical customs compliance knowledge and a diagnostic approach to reviewing import and export operations. Learners identify weaknesses, risks and control gaps and consider how findings are converted into effective operational procedures.
What you will develop: Identify customs weaknesses and understand how structured procedures improve compliance and governance.
Understanding the Documents and Logistics Behind International Trade
This module brings documentation and physical logistics together, examining how documents establish responsibilities and evidence while transport and logistics move goods efficiently across borders.
What you will develop: Understand how documentation, customs and logistics work together in compliant international trade.
Moving from Customs Compliance to Advanced Customs Management
This module develops advanced knowledge of customs procedures, authorisations, warehousing and trusted trader arrangements, including the controls required to maintain compliance and audit readiness.
What you will develop: Develop advanced understanding of customs authorisations, special procedures, warehousing and AEO.
Understanding Responsible International Trade
This module examines the environmental impact of global supply chains and the increasing connection between sustainability, customs data, traceability and responsible international trade.
What you will develop: Understand sustainability in global supply chains and how customs data supports transparency and accountability.
Bringing the Complete International Trade Journey Together
The capstone module brings together commercial strategy, markets, customs, finance, logistics, marketing, documentation, compliance and risk into a complete international trade strategy.
What you will develop: Bring commercial, customs, logistics, financial, compliance and market considerations together into a structured international trade strategy. Assessment and Credit-Bearing Route The standalone Export Unlocked® learning route and the formal qualification assessment route are separate. Standalone learners can receive an Export Unlocked® certificate of course completion. This does not by itself award formal qualification credit. Learners seeking qualification credit must undertake the applicable TRCC assessment requirements. Only successfully assessed achievement under the formal qualification framework should be described as credit-bearing. Subject to the final approved qualification specification, assessment may include written assignments or reports, development of an international trade strategy, case-study analysis, scenario-based assessment and controlled assessment. Learners on the formal Level 4 pathway are expected to demonstrate knowledge, application, analysis, evaluation and professional judgement appropriate to Level 4. Who Is the Programme For? International Trade professionals Import and Export teams Customs and Compliance teams Logistics and Supply Chain professionals Procurement teams International Sales and Operations Freight Forwarding professionals International Business Development professionals People seeking a career in international trade The Complete International Trade Journey International Markets → Sales → Export → Import → Customs → Documentation → Logistics → Supply Chain → Compliance → Strategy Delivery, Assessment and Regulatory Position Training and learning delivery: Export Unlocked® Assessment and qualification partner: The Real Consultancy Company (TRCC) Regulatory status: Awaiting Ofqual approval. Export Unlocked® provides the specialist international trade learning and practical industry context. TRCC provides the assessment and qualification framework for learners following the formal qualification route. Until Ofqual approval has been formally confirmed, promotional material should state that approval is awaited and should not describe the qualification as currently Ofqual regulated. Once approval is confirmed, all public wording should be updated to match the final approved qualification specification and regulatory status. One Programme. Multiple Ways to Learn. Take one standalone course and receive an Export Unlocked® certificate of course completion. Choose the TRCC-assessed route to work towards formal qualification credit. Build eligible credits progressively in accordance with the final qualification rules. Continue through the required assessed units and credits towards the full Level 4 Diploma.
Registration is £295. Individual modules are £395. The full ten-module Diploma is £3,795.