Supply Chain Finance Courses – Certification and Training (CSCF)

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Trade Finance Global / Supply Chain Finance | 2024 Supply Chain Finance (SCF) Guide / Supply Chain Finance Courses – Certification and Training (CSCF)

Supply Chain Finance Certification and Training (CSCF)

Certificate in Supply Chain Finance (CSCF)

If you are looking for an accredited supply chain finance certification, you have come to the right place. TFG has partnered with the London Institute of Banking and Finance to offer the Certificate in Supply Chain Finance (CSFC) designation. CSCF is the industry certification designed for finance professionals who want to build their knowledge and understanding of the techniques for financing international supply chains.

Overview of this Supply Chain Finance Certification

  • Royal Charter approved Qualification
  • Comprehensive training, approved by Trade Finance Global
  • Free one year supply of Trade Finance Talks Magazine
  • Written by SCF Practitioners and Experts

By completing this course you will develop an understanding of the standard definitions for techniques of SCF, how to identify funding gaps as a result of trade cycle analysis, understand clients’ needs, develop your skills in structuring and implementing SCF solutions, and more.

The key characteristic of SCF is that the techniques available are driven by the nature of the physical supply chain. Analyzing a client’s underlying trade cycle and accurately identifying and applying for finance, risk mitigation (including foreign exchange management) and settlement are central to any approach in meeting clients’ needs and expectations. This course will provide you with an opportunity to develop a broad understanding of the available finance options, a  central facet to success within this industry.

CSCF

Who is the course for?

This course is perfect for those seeking a professional supply chain finance certification and aspiring to work within an area dealing with Supply Chain Finance (SCF). This certificate will allow you to stand out from the crowd as you can use the CSCF designation after your name upon completion. 

The CSCF has been designed by renowned specialists in the supply chain finance field to include all the key insights and hidden details that will help students outperform their competition. Whether you are trying to break into the industry by impressing hiring managers or looking for a training program that will give your team a competitive edge in today’s hyper-competitive environment, you have come to the right place.    

What is Supply Chain Finance?

The term “Supply Chain Finance” (SCF) has been around for some time in the banking and finance market but its definitions still vary considerably and there has been little consistency across the range of solutions and products available. In fact, the term ‘SCF’ is often used to describe a Payable Finance solution (a.k.a. Supplier Finance or Reverse Factoring) when in reality this is just one technique of a broad range of solutions.  

The SCF family of techniques includes receivables purchase based and loan based solutions as well as traditional documentary trade finance. This supply chain finance certification will introduce students to all these valid vehicles for financing supply chains. The defining characteristic of SCF is that the specific set of techniques suitable for each use case depend on the events in a client’s physical supply chain. This makes it imperative for SCF professionals to be able to understand, not only the intimate working of supply chain finance, but also have a firm understanding of its complex and sometimes nuanced relationship with the physical flow of goods itself.

Why get a Supply Chain Finance Certification?

The Certificate in Supply Chain Finance (CSCF) is relevant if you work or are aspiring to work within an area dealing with SCF. In completing this qualification, you will develop an understanding of the standard definitions for techniques of SCF, you will also learn how to identify funding gaps as a result of trade cycle analysis, understand clients needs and develop your skills in structuring and implementing SCF solutions offering a combination of receivables purchase, loan-based and documentary techniques as may be appropriate.

What is Supply Chain Finance?

Supply Chain Finance is the use of financing and risk mitigation practices and techniques to optimize the management of the working capital and liquidity invested in supply chain processes and transactions.

40% of all supply chain finance now uses digital software or proprietary technology

Course Overview

CSCF is a Level 4 distance study qualification made up of one mandatory unit which must be successfully completed. This unit will encourage you to develop your ability to undertake trade cycle analysis and structure supply chain finance solutions. While completing the unit, you will also have the opportunity to enhance your ability to work and study independently by utilising resources effectively.

By the end of this course you will:

  • Understand the need for and use of Supply Chain Finance
  • Understand and be able to apply Trade Cycle Analysis
  • Understand and be able to structure Supply Chain Finance solutions
  • Understand the practicalities of the implementation of Supply Chain Finance
  • Understand alternative financing and innovation in Supply Chain Finance

Further details

There are no specific entry requirements and registration is open year round. However, a working knowledge of the basics of trade finance would be an advantage and you need to be satisfied of your ability to study in English.

In line with the London Institute of Banking & Finance regulations, as CSCF is a single unit qualification, recognition of prior learning does not apply

The Certificate in Supply Chain Finance is a Level 4 qualification registered with Ofqual in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Fees

Registration fee: £650

Exam resit fee: £315

Recertification fee: £200

Cargo

Key Skills Developed

By completing this supply chain finance qualification you will gain knowledge in:
  • Supply chain finance environment
  • Role of traditional trade finance products
  • Key components of trade cycle analysis
  • Application and implementation of supply chain finance techniques and associated legal, technological, cost and risk implications
  • Importance of innovation and strategy
  • the management of foreign exchange exposures. 
  • And more

Time required to study

Total Qualification Time (TQT) is a prediction of the total time a student with no prior knowledge might need to complete the course. 

TQT consists of two elements, Guided Learning and all other hours:  Guided Learning is the amount of time spent studying under the immediate guidance or supervision of a teacher.  All other hours include hours spent unsupervised in research, learning, e-learning, e-assessment, exam preparation, and formal assessments. 

CSCF is primarily considered as a distance learning qualification with on-demand examinations through Pearson VUE. 

Guided Learning Hours: 0 hours 

Other hours: 270 hours 

Total Qualification Time: 270 hours

ABC

Examination / Assessment and further details

CSCF is assessed through a single 2 hour 30-minute objective exam, split into two sections:

  • Section 1) 60 multiple-choice questions (a total of 60 marks available for section A)
  • Section 2) 5 multiple choice questions and 5 multi-response questions (worth 1 mark each); followed by 3 case studies comprising a combination of questions requiring you to evaluate a scenario, including questions requiring you to pair statements from a selection of options, 10 marks will be available for each case study (a total of 40 marks available for section B).

You can choose which date to sit your exam at selected centres worldwide, with the result provided on the day. The exam must be written within one year of registration. Organizing time and location to write the exam is the sole responsibility of the student. It is recommended to schedule a time at least three weeks in advance, although depending on demand requirements, some students are able to schedule their exam with as little as two working days notice.  

Upon completion, your CSCF designation will remain valid for three years. To retain the designation, you are required to participate in the recertification programme. Alternatively, you can register for and retake the exam at the end of the three-year period.

To Recertify you will need to complete 36 hours of CPD learning within each three-year cycle. CPD credit can be earned from a variety of different activities provided the content is relevant to international trade and supply chain finance. 

Learning resources that you’re given

CSCF is available as a distance learning qualification, it allows you to study independently with comprehensive online learning materials. The London Institute of Banking & Finance Student Services will provide practical (non-academic) support to help students succeed. 

You are provided with the following learning resources:  

  • online access to the core text through MyLIBF
  • access to KnowledgeBank (e-library) through MyLIBF; 
  • online study course; 
  • unit syllabus;  
  • study planner; 
  • specimen examination paper;
  • student handbook; and,  
  • student-led forum. 

The core text for CSCF has been prepared by John Bugeja and Lionel Taylor of Trade Advisory Network; renowned specialists in the field of supply chain finance. 

In addition, candidates will have access to the ICC Academy Advanced Supply Chain Finance online module at no extra cost.

Extras (from TFG) 

By registering for this course through the TFG partnership program you will also receive:

  • A free hard copy subscription to TFG’s Trade Finance Talks magazine,
  • A free subscription to TFG’s podcast series, and  
  • A free subscription to TFG’s e-newsletter

TFG produces a wealth of educational videos and guides for businesses on topics around trade, and shares industry knowledge through its role as strategic media partners for trade conference providers around the world.

Attracting around 100k monthly readers, our online publications (the Trade Portal) have a global audience in 185 countries. Our newly launched specialist content hubs provide guides, thought leadership articles and features on almost every aspect of trade. Gaining access to this wealth of information will be the perfect supplement to your supply chain finance certification and will enable you to continue learning and increasing your expertise. 

The London Institute of Banking & Finance programme has contributed massively in strengthening the capability, competence and professionalism of our people to build credibility and confidence with our customers. The qualifications help HSBC to demonstrate, through an externally benchmarked programme, that our people are highly skilled to deal with new regulations. –Jennifer E M Crawley, Deputy UK Director of Small Businesses, HSBC BANK PLC

Endorsements

In Partnership with:

ICC Academy

Supported By:

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About the Author

Natasha Roston is Head of People and Growth at Trade Finance Global (TFG). 

She builds partnerships to create innovative trade finance education projects and experiences. A key advocate for TFG’s annual Women In Trade campaigns, Natasha wrote a piece on the impact of gender stereotypes for gender equality in the workplace in 2022. Natasha is also responsible for TFG careers, culture, and team growth. A Level 2 Qualified Coach and Mental Health First Aid Champion, she leads internal training, supporting the holistic wellbeing of the team.

Before joining TFG Natasha worked in education for over a decade. Initially as a classroom teacher, and then in academic and pastoral leadership roles. Following this, she worked in EdTech as a Learning Design Coach for Aula’s Higher Education platform.

Natasha holds an MA from Tel Aviv University, a History PGCE from The Institute of Education and a BA from the University of Nottingham. Currently, she is studying for her Level 3 Certificate in International Trade from the Institute of Export & International Trade. In addition to her work at TFG, Natasha volunteers for the Young Women’s Trust as a Work It Out – CV Volunteer. 

 

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