About CXS Certification - Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists

Invest in Your Career with the
Certified Export Controls (CXS) Specialist

Certification Program

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DURATION: 8 Weeks
FORMAT: Virtual Classroom or Self-Study
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The CXS Program Certifies You as an Export Controls Specialist

If you have anything to do with export controls, you are a prime candidate to benefit from Certified Export Controls Specialist (CXS) certification. CXS participants come from diverse backgrounds united by their professional interest.
CXS is a big step forward for beginning or developing an export controls career. It’s a flexible program that fits in with the busiest of schedules and is a great way to show an excellent understanding of export controls compliance.

Registration and pricing

Build On Your Knowledge and the Rewards Will Follow

The curriculum elaborates on the full anatomy of export controls, including Wassenaar Arrangement and examines US, EU and UK practices. It covers classification, due diligence, screening, how agencies such as BIS work, diversion, and much more – all essential topics practitioners must know.

You or your team can gain the CXS 3 months after starting your studies. But you have up to one year to prepare for the proctored exam. It can be taken at a convenient date and time at one of over 5,000 centers worldwide. You can also take the exam with a virtual proctor at your home or office.

The CXS qualification is administered by the Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists (ACSS). The ACSS is dedicated to furthering the careers of its members and providing first-class professional training and education.

As a CXS, you gain many benefits, a higher profile and access to a community of like-minded professionals. It is a mark of distinction that confirms your knowledge of the specialist subject of export controls.

Testimonials

“The Certified Export Control Specialist (CXS) training curriculum is a rigorous and highly intricate program that effectively explains international treaties, multilateral export control regimes, and national regulations of the United Kingdom, the European Union and of course the United States. Although the course content is extremely comprehensive, the design of the program makes it easy for student to learn the material quickly. The program contains practice questions and answers which I believe are an added value to the training curriculum.”

Sarah Hodges

Financial Crimes Officer & BSA/AML Compliance Officer, Computershare

“It is crucial for all compliance professionals to have a sound understanding of the various domestic, regional, and multi-lateral Export Control regulatory frameworks to be able to skilfully navigate and advise on the current ever-changing legislative landscape. The CXS Couse meets this exact need as it spans across key jurisdictions, cornerstone concepts from across the practice, and risk profiles for both common items and emerging, strategically-sensitive digital products. The CXS Course is comprehensive by addressing the end-to-end compliance considerations of any given transaction, the curriculum is logical and well-structured, and the practical insights shared by the instructors tie the entire learning experience together. While it does ask for a clear time commitment from your side, the CXS Course will help you build and enhance your ability to spot and interpret the unique nuances around each transfer and stakeholder group, legislative amendments, or enforcement actions.”
Diana-Elena Sârbu, LL.M., CXS

Global Digital and Technology Trade Compliance Officer, Shell

“Navigating the export control landscape can be challenging. The course is intensive; however, participating in the ACSS CSX Exam Preparation Course has given me a better understanding of this complex area. The instructors were very experienced and were able to share their knowledge in a clear, accessible, and engaging way. They used relevant real-life examples, making it easier to translate theory into practical application. The course was well-structured, provided a clear learning path, and helped me strengthen our compliance program and take it to the next level.”
René Bo Dam Jensen, CXS

Certified Export Controls Specialist, FOSS

“For me it was essential to join the live sessions with the great coaches Jeff Nielsen, Etienne Bigo and John Withworth. Export controls can be a complex landscape to navigate, yet guided by these experts, what once felt intricate became far more approachable and engaging to understand. The course was thoughtfully designed to bring each concept to life, allowing us to actively test and apply what we learned during the sessions — turning theory into practice and making the entire learning journey far more engaging and impactful.

I’ve recommended the CSX Exam Prep Course to my colleagues. For me, it was more than just a course—it truly elevated my expertise and broadened my perspective to a whole new level.”

Mrs. Anne Särkiniemi

General Manager, Global Trade Compliance, Wärtsilä Finland Oy

“Preparing for this certification was an excellent opportunity to deepen my knowledge of export control frameworks across the US, EU, and UK, while reinforcing the practical challenges organizations face when managing classification, screening, licensing, due diligence, and diversion risks. As global supply chains become more interconnected and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, export controls remain a critical component of effective trade compliance programs. This achievement reflects my commitment to continuous learning and to helping organizations navigate complex global trade compliance requirements with confidence.”
Thomas Lobert

Solutions Consultant, Global Trade Intelligence

“The Certified Export Control Specialist (CXS) Exam Prep Course is a state-of-the-art self-learning platform. It provides advanced guidance through recorded classroom sessions, reference readings, case studies, and structured practice exercises. After completing this certification, I now confidently apply the knowledge gained to manage export control risks for my organization and its trade clientele, achieving measurable success.”
Babar Najam Khan, CXS

Head AML, TBML and FCC Advisory, Faysal Bank Limited (Pakistan)

“The CXS Exam Prep Course was well structured, highly practical, and directly relevant to my knowledge of and daily work with export controls. It provided valuable insights and reinforced my understanding of complex export compliance requirements.”
Morten Hansen, CXS

CEO, Intec System

“I highly recommend the Export Control Specialist (CXS) certification. Great course handbook and materials, fantastic experts to learn from and an exam that covers real-life practical examples which really puts your knowledge to the test. “
Byron McKinney, CXS

Senior Director, Global Risks Insights, Dow Jones

“I am thankful to ACSS for introducing an examinable Certified Export Controls Specialist (CXS) course covering relevant U.S., UK, and EU laws and regulations, which I found helpful to have undertaken.”
Gabriel Yuen, CXS, CSS

VP - Ethics & Regulatory Compliance, Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL)

“I found the materials provided very comprehensive and valuable. I enjoyed the structure/type of the questions on the exam, since most of them were structured as practical case studies, and thus were able to test the true understanding of the main concepts”

Ornella Belfiori,

Lawyer, Rome, Italy

Who Can Apply for CXS Certification?

Eligibility requires a minimum of 40 points based on education, experience and other factors. But if you fall short of 40, you can take continuing education programs with ACSS or other sources. Virtual Classroom lessons count for 20+ points. See Eligibility and Applications – Points-Based Entry Requirement. You do not need to be a member of ACSS. We have member and non-member pricing.
Calculate your points

Course Description

Having the “CXS” credential after your name requires a thorough grounding in export controls as administered by the international regimes such as Wassenaar and Nuclear Supplier Group, plus US, EU and UK authorities. Rest assured that our expert faculty have your best interests at heart. Our mission is to help you gain the necessary knowledge to pass the exam.

With your new knowledge, you can contend with the sanctions issues you will likely face.

CXS Exam Preparation Guide: If all you need for learning is the study material, choose the CXS Exam Preparation Guide. After purchasing this option, you can download the guide, which is an online PDF of approximately 350 pages. You will need self-discipline to comprehend the material in time for your examination. The guide ends with practice questions to test your knowledge in preparation for the exam.

Virtual Classroom: If you prefer a classroom structure for learning, choose the CXS Virtual Classroom. You will watch live web-based lessons and be assigned homework. Virtual Classroom divides the CXS Examination Preparation Guide into eight two-hour interactive classes held weekly with an expert instructor. Apart from providing in-depth analysis, the instructor can answer any questions.

All sessions are recorded: You can watch them later If you cannot make a live viewing. Or you may choose to watch them again. You can also download specially prepared presentation slides with informative diagrams and vital summaries. If you choose this option, you will be enrolled in the next Virtual Classroom.

What You Will Learn

What You Must Know to Pass the Exam

The CXS curriculum provides you with the knowledge export controls officers and other compliance professionals need to comply with export controls rules and regulations. In creating the program, we analyzed job requirements, US and EU and UK international best practices, and international regimes.

We offer certification through two different packages.

OPTION 1

CXS Certification Standard Package

Package includes:

1. The CXS Exam (physical or virtual)

2. The CXS Exam Preparation Guide

This is your primary reference material and content source for preparing for the CXS examination. The CXS Exam Preparation Guide is provided in an online PDF format. It can be downloaded from the ACSS course page.

Disclaimer:

The practice questions in the CXS Exam Preparation Guide are not meant to indicate the exact style or difficulty of the actual CXS Exam questions. They are provided only to help candidates review the content of the course material.

OPTION 2

CXS Certification Self-Paced Package

Package includes:

1. Everything in the CXS Certification Standard Package

2. 40+ Videos

Our specially prepared micro-learning videos cover all the essential topics required for the CXS Exam, beginning with an introduction to the certification and the fundamentals of export controls. The program continues with additional lively and instructive 10–15 minute concise videos covering the core principles of export controls across multiple sections.

By the end of the program, you will understand the key export control frameworks, including U.S., EU, and international export control regimes, the scope of controlled items and technologies, licensing considerations, restricted party screening, end-use and end-user risks, and the foundations of an effective export controls compliance program. You will also gain practical insights into enforcement trends, compliance responsibilities, and how organizations manage export control risks in global trade.

OPTION 3

CXS Certification plus Virtual Classroom Package

Package includes:

1. Everything in the CXS Certification Self-Paced Package

2. Eight 2-hour virtual classroom training sessions

Receive extra guidance in a structured learning environment. An expert instructor discusses the study materials and assists in eight live weekly, two-hour, web-based interactive classes.

Syllabus:

Session 1 - Introduction, international and multilateral export controls regimes
  • General CXS Exam Information
  • Export Control Definitions and Key Terms
  • International Treaties and Agreements
  • Multilateral Export Control Regimes
Session 2 - National Regulations & Unilateral Controls
  • Applicable UK framework
  • Applicable EU framework
  • Applicable US framework
Session 3 - Item Classification in the UK & EU
  • Item classification
  • Non classified items subjects to controls
  • Practical examples and scenarios
Session 4 - Item Classification in the US
  • Item classification
  • Non classified items subjects to controls
  • Practical examples and scenarios
Session 5 - Licensing, authorizations and notifications
  • EU: licenses and exceptions
  • UK: licenses and exceptions
  • US: licenses, license requirements, licenses exceptions
Session 6 - Stakeholder's risk management and circumvention & diversion risks
  • Stake holder risk identification
  • Risk assessment
  • Risk responses
Session 7 - Export Controls Compliance Programs
  • Management commitment
  • Export control risk assessment
  • Export authorization procedures
  • Recordkeeping
  • Training and awareness raising
  • Audits and tests
  • Handling compliance issues
  • Build and maintain the ICP
Session 8 - Violations, investigations and enforcement
  • Investigations and visits
  • Voluntary disclosure
  • Enforcement
Registration and pricing

Instructors

Rachel Booth

VIEW BIO

Jeff Nielsen

ACSS Denmark Chapter Chair &
International Sanctions & Export Controls Lawyer
Ramboll

VIEW BIO

John Whitworth

Principal Consultant
MJ Trade Advisory
VIEW BIO

Rachel Booth

Ian is a former banker with extensive experience across EMEA, specialising in sanctions risk. His work focuses on how sanctions decisions are made in practice, particularly within front‑line business activity, and on helping organisations build realistic awareness of risk.

Jeff Nielsen

ACSS Denmark Chapter Chair & International Sanctions & Export Controls Lawyer
Ramboll
Jeff Nielsen is a sanctions and export controls lawyer with over 20 years’ experience representing clients in diverse industries, both at law firms and in-house. His expertise is in both United States and European Union sanctions and export controls laws.

John Whitworth

Principal Consultant
MJ Trade Advisory
John has his own consultancy practice, MJ Trade Advisory Ltd advising clients on many aspects of compliance to export controls and trade sanctions regulations.
He has a good understanding of the requirements of the UK, the EU and the US jurisdictions, having worked for a number of multinational organisations in his career including General Electric, JaguarLandRover (JLR), and FTI Consulting.

FAQs

Do I have to be a member?

No. You do not need to be an ACSS member to take the CXS exam. We offer both member and non-member pricing. Membership is optional and does not affect your eligibility.

How do I get points?

To be eligible for the CXS exam, you must earn at least 40 points based on your education, professional experience, certifications, and training in export controls or sanctions.

The CXS credit system includes:

  • Education: Associate, Bachelor’s or Master’s/PhD level (with supporting documents)
  • Professional experience: 10 points per year (max 3 years)
  • Financial certifications: 10 points per certificate (e.g., CAMS, CPA, CIA – min. 8 hours + exam)
  • Sanctions/export controls training: Up to 60 points (must provide proof)
  • CXS Certification Package: Standard = 11 points, Plus Virtual = 27 points

You can estimate your score using the CXS Eligibility Calculator.

Who can take the exam?

Eligibility requires a minimum of 40 points based on education, experience and other factors. But if you fall short of 40, you can take continuing education programs with ACSS or other sources. Virtual Classroom lessons count for 27 points. See Eligibility and Applications – Points-Based Entry Requirement. You must provide 3 professional references.

What topics will be on the exam?
The exam covers all key topics pertaining to international best practices, the Wassenaar and other multilateral export controls regimes, principal export controls frameworks, like the US, EU and UK.
How is the exam administered?

Exams can be taken throughout the year at one of over 5,000 testing centers worldwide or with online proctoring at home or in your office. Please refer to the Candidate Handbook for more details.

I passed the CXS exam, which my company paid for. If I leave the company, will I keep my credential?
Credentials travel with the person. Accreditations and memberships are personal, regardless of whether the institution paid for it. Ensure that you recertify, to keep on using your credential.
How do I recertify after my CXS expires in 3 years?
A certain number of continuing education points must be accumulated within three years after obtaining a CXS or recertification. These can be sanctions or export controls-related courses from ACSS, internal training, or other providers. The deadline for earning continuing education points is December 15 of the year of your recertification.
Why should I take the CXS exam?
On passing the exam, the CXS credential siginfies you have specialist knowledge of export controls. Your CXS distinguishes you in the growing export controls community comprising other professionals, small companies, large organizations, government workers, and others.
How do I apply and what are the payment options?

You apply online and pay by credit card for immediate enrollment.

How much time should I allocate to study?
The time you require for studying depends on your existing knowledge of export controls, among other factors. If you choose the self-study course, pace yourself to learn the material at a rate that fits your work and personal schedule. The Virtual Classroom course imposes a structure that some may prefer. If YOU fail on the first attempt, you can resit the CXS exam at no extra charge within one year of enrolling in the program.
Do you provide sample questions to prepare for the exam?
Practice questions followed by answers are at the end of the CXS Exam Preparation Guide and in the lessons of the CXS Virtual Classroom.

Contact

Additional questions? Contact ACSS for more information, Please email acss@sanctionsassociation.org and we will get back to you soon!

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