NAFTZ requires a certain level of experience to achieve the AZS credential because we know you have to be involved in the industry every day to stay current with the program’s rapidly changing technology and regulatory requirements. Such in-depth experience couldn’t be captured on an exam. Therefore, at this time, we do not expect that there will be an exam-based qualification for the AZS credential, but we strongly encourage all FTZ professionals to get involved in one of the many industry committees that the Association sponsors as a way to both develop and demonstrate your knowledge and experience of the program.
Earning and maintaining the AZS is a two-part process. All candidates must meet eligibility requirements prior to submitting an application. Once you have earned the credential, you must maintain it by fulfilling designation renewal requirements every three years.
You have been employed in the foreign-trade zone field for at least five years.
Any continuing professional education offered by NAFTZ may be acceptable toward the professional development requirement.
1. Confirmed attendance at a minimum of 5 NAFTZ professional development activities over the past 5 years. At least 2 of these must be met in-person or by attending virtual conferences; the other 3 can be webinars. AZS credit can only be given if you attend the original, live event. Credit cannot be given for watching the archived version of any NAFTZ event. We strongly recommend the Fundamentals or FTZ Seminar or the Fundamentals Track for those new to the industry.
2. NAFTZ endorsed events: AZS candidates can submit one of the following NAFTZ endorsed events for consideration:
A committee can be one of the most productive tools that the association has to work with. Whether one is chairing a committee or is a committee member, he or she faces the challenge of getting involved in the work the committee was formed to accomplish. Being an “active” committee member involves understanding the committee, understanding your role, and being able to commit your time, abilities, and energy. Determine in advance how and when you will contribute. The work or activities that committee members can participate in varies by committee, but typically includes taking part in an outreach or promotional effort or volunteering time at an NAFTZ event. Before submitting an AZS application, contact your committee chair to confirm active participation and to ask him or her to write a recommendation letter.
$300 for NAFTZ members/$600 for nonmembers
AZS holders maintain their knowledge and credential by fulling the designation renewal requirements every three years. Application and payment are on the date of your credential expiration.
Confirmed attendance at a minimum of three NAFTZ professional development activities over the past three years. At least two of these must be met in-person or by attending virtual conferences; the other one can be a webinar. AZS credit can only be given if you attend the original, live event. Credit cannot be given for watching the archived version of any NAFTZ event.
$150 for NAFTZ members/$300 for nonmembers
Congratulations, you’ve achieved your designation! Now what? It’s time to start marketing yourself as an accredited AZS professional to your employer, colleagues, and new foreign-trade zone professionals.
Convey your value by talking openly about your accomplishments.
Your designation creates a positive image and increases awareness of your professionals. Start using the acronym of your credential after your name in email signatures, business cards, directories and listings, and Facebook. LinkedIn, and Twitter postings.
Tell your friends, family, followers and fans about your designation on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Frame and hang your certificate in a high-traffic area of your office.
Contact Kristine Rosa at 202-331-1950 or krosa@naftz.org
Join NAFTZ as a member or join our email listserv to stay in the know and help support the FTZ industry.