Why become a Certified Export Controls Officer (ECO)?

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 an export controls compliance program?

Becoming a Certified ECO is a rigorous process by which you can gain the skills you need to succeed and establish yourself as a competent professional.

In order to achieve the certification, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in looking for answers to commercially important questions in the legislation (ITAR, EAR and AU regulations). The exam is based on the legislation itself and is 'open book / notes'. It is recommended that you take some form of training (either with us or another organisation) before you attempt the exam. There is no charge to take the exam and you may take it up to three times. Currently, the pass rate is 50%.

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.

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 ITAR and EAR controlled assets.

ECOs that receive our certification must not only complete requisite coursework, but they 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 exercises that seek to demonstrate the 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.

Australian 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.

If you would like to verify an ECO credential, or are interested in taking the ECO exam, please email eva@internationaltradeadvisors.com.au