CDCS Self-Study Guide 2011
CDCS Self-Study Guide 2011
CDCS Self-Study Guide 2011
BAFT- IFSA US, Canada, Mexico, Latin America April 2011 Testing Window
Registration Deadline – February 28, 2011
ifs School of Finance outside the US, Canada, Mexico, Latin America 15 April 2011
Registration Deadline – 31 January 2011
www.cdcs.org
For BAFT- IFSA registered candidates, the 2011 CDCS Examination will
only be offered electronically within candidate’s banks and institutions.
CDCS Self-Study Guide 2011 2
June 2010
Welcome. You made a significant commitment to your career when you registered for the CDCS
examination. This Self-Study Guide has been prepared with your success in mind. It will help
you make the transition from the CDCS Content Outline and the Study Text; in addition, it will
outline a variety of study techniques for your consideration.
The text for the CDCS examination has been updated and revised and published as The Guide
to Documentary Credits: third edition (revised). There are changes to the content outline,
including the changes in UCP 600 and other rules, as well as updating to the general text. It is
important that you study the third edition (revised) as you prepare for the examination.
If it has been a few years since you last studied for an examination, a review of this publication
will help you identify the areas you will find helpful as you develop your individual study plan.
Experiment to find out what suits you best.
The CDCS examination is based on a Job Analysis Study that identified the knowledge and
skills required for competent practice in the field of documentary credits. The Content Outline
details the results of the survey and the Study Text is based on the Content Outline. You can
build on the information and experience you have, as you are involved with documentary credit
practice.
As you can see from the Table of Contents there are many different areas that will be of
assistance to you as you prepare to study for the CDCS examination; not all may apply to you.
Your first step will be to identify those sections that you want to include in your study plan.
Sections 2 and 3 contain the CDCS Content Outline and Examination Specifications. These two
documents are the basis for the CDCS examination and should be reviewed in depth.
The CDCS examination is an opportunity for you to demonstrate what you know and your skills
as a documentary credit specialist. We wish you success in your preparation for the
examination.
There are several products that will assist you as you prepare for the CDCS examination:
The Study Text is the basic reference for the examination; all Multiple-Choice questions
are documented to this text.
The 2011 examination will be delivered in the U.S. and Canada electronically at bank
training sites. For additional information, go to the CDCS website (www.cdcs.org).
CDCS Website (www.cdcs.org): information will be posted on the website as it becomes
available. This will be a source of continuing help to you as you prepare for the
examination.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
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Introduction
The Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) credential is a peer-review project that
includes volunteers in each segment of its development. It is a joint project of the ifs School of
Finance in the UK, and BAFT- IFSA in the U.S. and is endorsed by the International Chamber of
Commerce (ICC). There are several volunteer-intensive phases of the project and they include:
• Job Analysis Study: volunteers identified the major responsibilities of a Documentary Credit
Specialist. They also detailed the knowledge and experience required to competently meet
these responsibilities. The Job Analysis Study serves as the basis of the CDCS Content
Outline and the CDCS Examination Specifications.
Study Text: The Guide to Documentary Credits: third edition (revised) is the reference text
for the CDCS examination. It is based on the Content Outline and was reviewed by
volunteers who served as topic experts.
Item Writing and Test volunteers write, review and revise the questions on the CDCS
examination. This is a very intensive responsibility and the Test Committee meets annually
to prepare for each examination administration.
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CDCS Self-Study Guide 2011 5
The Study Text for the CDCS examination is The Guide to Documentary Credits: third edition
(revised).
The text was reviewed by ifs School of Finance and BAFT-IFSA volunteers and produced by
the ifs School of Finance and BAFT-IFSA. The Study Text is intended to assist CDCS
candidates prepare for the examination. The text is based on the CDCS Content Outline (see
Section 2); the Content Outline details the knowledge and skills identified through a Job
Analysis Study as necessary to fulfill the major responsibilities of a documentary credit
practitioner. A thorough understanding of the topics covered in the CDCS Content Outline
should result in success on the CDCS examination.
Examination questions in the first section of the examination are referenced to the Study Text.
Questions in the Simulation portion of the examination are based on the analysis and
application of the information in the Study Text to actual situations.
The CDCS examination has a total of 120 questions and is in two parts:
• Part A contains 83 multiple-choice knowledge (KN) and application (AP) questions
based on the Study Text -approximately 1.5 hours of the examination.
• Part B contains 37 analysis, in-baskets and simulation questions.
• Effective 2008, the 120 questions within the CDCS examination will include 15 pre-
testing questions. These 15 questions are for pre-testing purposes only and the
grade awarded to candidates will be based upon their performance on the remaining
105 questions.
• The 15 pre-testing questions will be distributed throughout the examination paper
and will not be identifiable by candidates. Candidates should therefore answer all of
the 120 questions on the examination paper.
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CDCS Self-Study Guide 2011 6
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C.1.d Confirm
C.1.e Amend
C.1.f Transfer
C.1.g Present
C.1.h Examine
C.1.i Pay/Reject
C.1.j Claim
C.1.k Reimburse Funds
C.1.l Cancel
C.2 Related Products/Terms
C.2.a Letter of Indemnity
C.2.b Air Way Release
C.2.c Steamship Guarantee
C.2.d Assignment of Proceeds
C.2.e Participation and Syndication
C.2.f Trade-related Incoterms
D. Financial and Commercial Documents
D.1 Draft/Bill of Exchange
D.2 Commercial Invoice
D.3 Non-negotiable Seaway Bill
D.4 Charter Party Bill of Lading
D.5 Multimodal Transport Document
D.6 Air Transport Document
D.7 Road, Rail or Inland Waterway Transport Document
D.8 Forwarder’s Cargo Receipt, Mate’s Receipt and Consolidator’s Receipt
D.9 Post Receipt or Certificate of Posting
D.10 Courier or Expedited Delivery Service Document
D.11 Insurance Document
D.12 Weight Certificate
D.13 Certificate of Origin
D.14 Packing Lists
D.15 Inspection Certificate
D.16 Other Documents
Rules
E.1 UCP600 – Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits
E.2 ISP98 – International Standby Practices
E.3 URR 725 – Uniform Rules for Bank-to-Bank Reimbursements Under
Documentary Credits
E.4 ICC Decision on Original Documents (Appendix to ICC Publication 681 – ISBP)
E.5 ISBP 681
E.6 eUCP
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General Information
• Your objective should be to arrive at the examination secure in the knowledge that, through
a well planned course of study and your practical experience, you are in as strong a position
as possible to be successful.
• Draft a study schedule/timeframe based on your objectives and a realistic view of your time
available for study and preparation.
• Review the CDCS Content Outline and Examination Specifications (Sections 2 and 3) and
identify the areas with which you are familiar and require review and the areas that are new
and will require in-depth study.
• Discuss your objectives and study plan with a colleague or mentor who is willing to discuss
the examination materials with you and assist you during your study phase.
Study Techniques
Using your experience, think about study techniques that have helped you in the past and any
others you may have come across.
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• Test yourself frequently. Do not spend time studying what you know. Use what you know for
review at the end of the study process.
• What is troublesome? Identify someone to help you understand sections you do not know
and find difficult.
• Use the resources available through ifs School of Finance and BAFT-IFSA: Check the web
site (www.cdcs.org) for the CDCS Forum, a listing of review/revision courses and other
examination-related information.
• Note questions to ask others with more experience or members of your study group.
Once you have considered the different study options available to you, it is still important to draft
a study schedule/timeframe based on your objectives and a realistic view of your time for study
and preparation. Your study plan should reflect your individual preferences and methods of
working. It is important to remember that a study plan is a flexible document and is both an
indicator of where you are and where you want to be.
The first step you should take is to determine your personal study objectives based on the
Content Outline and Study Text.
• You may find it helpful to write out your objectives and post them in a visible location.
• Advance planning will provide multiple benefits as you prepare for the CDCS
examination. It will not require much time to develop a study plan, but doing so will
establish your priorities. The most important part of a study plan is to identify how, when
and where you want to study.
• By reviewing the CDCS Content Outline and Examination Specifications (Sections 2 and
3), you will be able to identify the areas with which you are familiar; those you wish to
review in detail; and those that are new to you and need in-depth study.
• You will now be in a position to develop an overall study plan with specific timelines. In
drawing up your plan, you may find the following useful:
− Prepare a study schedule — be realistic. Space your studying and allow ample time
for review.
− Keep a copy of the CDCS Content Outline in a prominent place as you will refer to it
often.
− Make the best of your environment. Some individuals prefer to study in a quiet
place, while others prefer working with the radio or television on in the background.
Whatever your preference, you can usually create the environment you want for
your study session.
− Be prepared to study in free moments, whenever you can. This means identifying
times that are available to you for study, such as travel time, standing in lines and
queues, waiting for a meeting to start, etc.
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Summary
Relax while studying. The CDCS examination is an opportunity for you to learn and to
demonstrate your knowledge and ability. Maintain a positive attitude that you will be successful
on the examination and will allocate the resources required to ensure success.
Do not worry about how much time is left before the examination. You have planned adequately
to allow for the maximum use of your time.
A sample Study Plan is shown on the next page – you may wish to reproduce it to assist you in
your preparation for the examination.
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Study Plan
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As adults we know that we learn in a variety of ways that differ significantly from the ways we
learned as children. As you read the Study Text you will be able to compare the information with
your own experience and knowledge. You can use the information you are studying in several
ways:
• If this is information you already know, the materials will reinforce your knowledge.
• If the information is new to you, you can relate it to your own experience and consider how
the information can be used in your job.
• Each chapter has objectives and study questions that will assist you as you focus on the key
elements within a chapter.
− Frequent Recall and Use: build regular reviews into your study sessions. Be selective
about what you need to recall — use key terms and facts.
− Indicate Significance: make the information you need to recall stand out by emphasizing
it; link the information to your experience; use mnemonics.
− Link to Other Items: link information to your own experience; look for patterns and
relationships among the items; compare and contrast information.
• Regular Review: plan regular reviews of key points; end a session by summarizing what you
have studied.
• Getting started can be difficult: starting a session with a brief review of the previous session
may be helpful.
• If you are not feeling motivated, consider why you started this study in the first place and
think about what the CDCS credential will enable you to do.
• Build in rewards: at the end of study sessions; at the completion of a predetermined number
of study sessions; and when you have completed your study.
• It is important to think positively during your preparation period. If you do not feel
comfortable about your memory, monitor your progress. You will be pleased at how much
you can recall.
• There are no trick questions. As you take and study the sample test, you will see how
straightforward the questions are.
• The answers to all multiple-choice questions have been documented to the Study Text.
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• To develop my study plan, I reviewed the syllabus and study materials. Then I divided the
study text and the study topics into the number of weeks before the exam, allowing time
for review.
• Design your plan with short study sessions (about 45 minutes) on a regular basis. This
builds a study habit and makes it easier to stick to your plan.
• When planning your schedule or timetable of study, always build in extra time for
contingencies, time off and relaxation and fun. There is nothing worse than feeling like a
prisoner of the examination preparation process. If you build in extra study sessions, you
can afford to be flexible and remain in control of your time.
• Tell your family, friends and colleagues what you are doing. They will then know what to
expect of your schedule and be more supportive.
• Take charge of your own studies. Spend time getting to know the structure and layout of
the materials. Monitor your study progress against your plan and make adjustments as
needed. Expect success — if you put the effort in, you will pass.
1. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early, as identification will be checked prior to your being
allowed into the examination room.
5. Pace yourself: the examination has been written to allow approximately 1½ hours for each
section of the CDCS examination.
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There is a great deal of benefit to studying with others. Conference calls, email and the
Internet provide access to your colleagues preparing for the CDCS examination. Usually
two types of information are shared in study groups:
Topic information from the Study Text
Informal study tips, support and general assistance
There are several ways to form study groups; most candidates preparing for other
certification examinations prefer the following two:
Local Study Group: if there are others in your bank or city preparing for the
examination that is your first and probably best option.
Electronic Study Group: identify others preparing for the examination who are willing
to share ideas, information and provide support by phone, fax and/or email.
All questions on the examination are referenced to the Study Text; it is very important to use
the Study Text as the sole reference. It should be supplemented by the Rules outlined in
Section E of the Content Outline.
1. Select the format that meets the schedules within your group:
Weekly usually meets for 1 – 1 ½ hours per session
Semi-monthly usually meets twice a month for 3-hour sessions
Monthly usually meets for 3 or 4 hours per session
Two Days often 4 - 6 hours per day
Three Days often 4 - 6 hours per day
3. Determine the topic schedule: number of sessions on topic material and number of
sessions focused on study tips etc.
6. After individual or group review of a chapter, answer the questions at the end of
each chapter. They are not in the examination format but highlight the important
information in each chapter.
8. Prepare glossary cards based on the terms in the Self-Study Guide and other key
terms identified from the Study Text.
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Analysis (AN), also called higher level thinking, questions require both
knowledge and application skills.
There are several standard formats for multiple-choice questions. Becoming familiar with
the various types will assist candidates as they prepare for the examination.
If the time in London, using Greenwich Mean Time, is 7.30 P.M., what time will it
be in New York, using Eastern Standard Time (EST)?
A. 12:30 A.M.
B. 1:30 A.M.
C. 1:30 P.M.
* D. 2:30 P.M.
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If a flight taking off from London at 12:35 P.M. takes 6.5 hours to reach New York,
what time will it land, using Eastern Standard Time (EST)?
A. 1:05 P.M.
* B. 2:05 P.M.
C. 12:35 A.M.
D. 1:05 A.M.
Question styles:
Direct or Closed Question: a complete question followed by four options; there is only one
correct answer to direct or closed questions.
Open Question or Incomplete Sentence: an incomplete sentence with four options; there
is only one correct answer to incomplete sentence questions.
Complete Question that includes the phrase ‘which of the following’: is used when there is
more than one correct answer to a question, but ONLY one of the correct answers is
offered in the options.
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Complex Multiple-Choice: there may be more than one correct answer. The response will
include options.
A. 4 only
* B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 2,3 and 4 only
Negatively worded or EXCEPT questions: three of the four options are correct and only
one option is incorrect. There is only one answer for EXCEPT questions.
Key Words — LEAST, BEST, MOST: the question requires evaluation and the selection of
the appropriate option.
Situational Set: there is one answer to each question in situational sets. There may be
more than one question for each information set.
Michael has $100 to purchase clothes. Costs are: shirts, $20 each; sweaters $30
each; slacks $40 per pair; and socks $5 per pair.
1. If Michael purchased 1 pair of slacks and 1 sweater, how many shirts can he buy
with his remaining money?
* A. One.
B. Two.
C. Three.
D. Four.
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2. If Michael spent 40% of his money on socks, how many pairs did he purchase?
A. Four.
B. Five.
* C. Eight.
D. Ten.
In-Baskets
Each in-basket will comprise samples of documents for review and five related
questions.
Simulations
Each simulation exercise has five responses that equate to FIVE questions per
simulation.
There will be a series of documents that the candidate must review prior to
answering the questions for each simulation.
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• In multiple-choice questions, the answer follows the question. There are four options and
only one is correct. Your task is to identify the correct answer from the plausible, but
incorrect, distracter answers. The correct answer is called the key and the other options are
called distracters.
• Remember that all multiple-choice questions have the same format — 4 options but only
one correct answer.
• Only correct answers are scored, so it is to your advantage to answer every question on the
examination.
• Try to answer the question before looking at the options. Then decide which option is
closest to your answer and is the best option.
• The more questions you answer, the better your chances of achieving a passing score. For
best results pace yourself, periodically checking your progress.
• If you are near the end of the examination period, make your best guess at the unanswered
questions by eliminating the incorrect/wrong options. You could get the answer correct.
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• The admission ticket/Confirmation Form should be received two weeks prior to the
examination.
• Select the best route to the test center and identify parking options.
• Plan to arrive at the test center 30 minutes prior to the examination start time.
• Plan on three full hours to complete the examination after instructions by the test center
supervisor.
• Bring your admission ticket/Confirmation Form and two forms of identification; one must be a
picture ID.
• For Paper and Pencil Examinations bring several HB/ #2 sharpened pencils and an eraser;
most test centers will not have pencil sharpeners.
• Bring a watch as the test center may not have a clock.
• Do not bring food, beverages, extra paper, books, supplies, etc. into the examination room.
• Do not bring electronic devices into the examination room. You will be disqualified if a pager
or phone vibrates or rings.
• Instructions to candidates:
Paper and Pencil Tests: ifs School of Finance candidates only
o Become familiar with the answer sheet.
o Use only HB/#2 pencil to complete this form.
o Make sure that you mark your choice with a straight line.
o To amend an answer, THOROUGHLY erase and mark the appropriate box.
o Mark ONE box only for questions 1 - 105.
o Mark FIVE boxes for simulations 1 – 3.
o Answer all 120 questions.
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The practice test for electronic or computer based examinations in US and Canada will be
posted on the CDCS – ExamSoft Website
March/April 2011
A sample test can be found on the CDCS website (www.cdcs.org). The sample test paper is
a small sample of the type of questions you will encounter in the actual test paper. The test
represents one third of the actual test and should take no longer than 1 hour to complete.
• The CDCS website is available for your use and is a helpful tool as you prepare for the
CDCS examination - www.cdcs.org.
• For additional information or if you do not receive your materials, visit either the ifs or BAFT-
IFSA website or contact ifs or BAFT-IFSA directly.
BAFT-IFSA
9 Sylvan Way, First Floor
Parsippany NJ 07054 USA
http://www.intbanking.org
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