You may have taken courses on U.S. and Australian export controls, but how can you prove that you actually learned the material and are competent at helping your organisation establish and manage a technology and export controls compliance program and governance framework? Successfully passing the ECO exam demonstrates your knowledge of the law and how the law applies in a commercial / operational context.
What is the process?
In order to achieve the certification, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in looking for answers to questions that have commercial and operational significance in the legislation (ITAR, EAR and AU export controls). The exam is based on the legislation itself and is 'open book / notes'. You must be an Australian resident to take the exam. You must answer 75% of the questions correctly (score 75 of 100 possible points).
Do I have to take your courses?
No. It is recommended that you take some form of training (either with us or another organisation) before you attempt the exam. It is also recommended that you read the legislation covered by the exam and understand how each piece of legislation is laid out and what it covers.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge to take the exam and you may take it up to three times. Currently, the pass rate is 60% on average (the August 2024 exam had a 25% pass rate).
The exam covers the following legislation:
- The ITAR
- The EAR
- The Defence Trade Controls Act (as amended in 2024)
- The Defence Trade Controls Regulations (as amended in 2024)
- Customs Prohibited Export Regulations (1958)
- The Safeguarding Australia's Military Secrets Act
- The Customs Act 1901
The exam is offered four times a year in two week windows starting on the following dates: 15 February, 15 May, 15 August, 15 November.
Upon passing the exam, you will receive an official certificate that you can provide to employers, as well as a credential for Linked In.
Why hire a Certified Export Controls Officer (ECO)?
Adequate training on export controls for staff responsible for your company’s trade function can help to mitigate the risk of a resource intensive and potentially costly audit.
We teach courses from an Australian perspective, taking into account the way that the Commonwealth and Australian industry manage Australian controlled technology as well as ITAR and EAR controlled assets.
ECOs that receive our certification must successfully pass a comprehensive exam covering ITAR, EAR and Australian export controls. The test is comprised of fill-in-the-blank questions, essay questions, and problem-solving exercises that seek to demonstrate their ability to not just repeat but to also apply the information learned. The exam may be taken three times per candidate with the aim of passing successfully.
ECOs are best positioned to train your internal staff on why export controls are important, how to comply with them, and what the consequences of non-compliance are. They also have the requisite skills to prepare policies and procedures for staff and conduct internal risk reviews or audits related to the management of export-controlled technology. ECOs know how to work with Quality and Risk or an outside consultant to conduct such reviews and prepare reports to senior management and/or the board.
Would a Certificate IV be a better credential?
In brief, no. Certificate IVs are by and large a fee for credential service. Those undertaking a Certificate IV complete the coursework successfully and are issued a certificate. In the event they do not complete the coursework to the instructor's satisfaction, the instructor works with them to get them up to that standard.
What we offer is an examination of knowledge, not a fee for credential service. The exam is offered at no cost and we are not interested in creating as many ECOs as possible. Only those who truly know the legislation well will pass the exam. The exam may only be attempted three times.
I would like to become an ECO or verify an ECO credential
If you would like to verify an ECO credential, or are interested in taking the ECO exam, please email eva@internationaltradeadvisors.com.au
What will the ECO credential look like in a Linked In profile? See below:
