Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
Questions about the online classroom
Technical Questions
Questions about Certifications
Questions about Government Regulation Courses

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General Questions

Q: What type of people should consider taking courses?

A: Anyone interested in the course topics may enroll. However, to enroll in the degree program, individuals must possess a high school diploma or higher. Whether an individual has years of experience in international trade or is new to the discipline, the courses provide the practical skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the rapidly changing world of international trade. Specifically, individuals who want valuable help preparing for the industry certification examinations, or who are seeking to change careers into the international trade arena will find these courses most helpful.

Q: What level of education is required?

A: There is no requirement as to education level, but some college-level coursework experience will be helpful. Degree seeking individuals will need to meet degree program enrollment requirements. Many government regulation courses expect that the students have at least a basic understanding of the material. If you are unsure about your experience with a subject, an Registration Advisor can better detail the experience recommended for any course.

Q: Where do I take the courses? Can I take them at my local college or university?

A: You can live anywhere and take the courses online. You attend class anytime that is convenient with your schedule– the classroom is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Depending on where you live in the world, the Institute may have strategic partners — colleges and universities– in your area that teach the courses on-ground. Contact us if you would like more information about our strategic partners.

Q: Do I need to speak or write a certain language to take the courses?

A: At this time: YES. Students must be able to read and write English. (TOFL score of 520 or higher strongly recommended.) Before long, as colleges and universities in other countries begin offering courses, the courses will then be able to be taught in the native language of that country.

Q: Who says that IIEI is the certification authority?

IIEI has been recognized in over 90 countries. The World Trade Center University recognizes IIEI as the global certification authority. They are also one of our strategic partners. Employees from the U.S. Department of Commerce possess our various international trade certifications around the world. Many global companies have employees who have completed the certification programs offered by IIEI.

Q: Do I get college credit for the courses I take?

A: Yes. IIEI is an accredited, licensed university in the state of Arizona. However, each school determines if it will accept another school’s credits. The International Import-Export Institute is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the Council of Recognized National Accrediting Agencies (CRNAA).

Q: Will the courses I take count towards an accredited college degree?

A: Yes. we offer an accredited Bachelor of Science degree in International Trade Management.

Q: Do I have to be a registered student attending a specific school to be eligible to take international trade courses?

A: No. Anyone can sign-up to take a course at any school that offers courses.

Q: Do I have to be a member of IIEI in order to take the courses or certification tests?

A: No, but IIEI Membership allows you discounts on course study materials and the certification test itself, networking opportunities, as well as an information clearinghouse and other valuable benefits (see Membership section for a complete listing of benefits).

Q: Is IIEI affiliated to a certain school?

A: No. IIEI works with colleges, universities and other organizations worldwide to help expand their current curriculum and broaden their reach to almost anywhere in the world.

Q: Are you going to offer other courses in international trade?

A: Based on the input from the students and schools we serve, IIEI will continue to expand its course offerings that will be available through colleges and universities worldwide. IIEI offers short courses on specific, narrow topics. See IIEI Continuing Education Course offering schedule.

Q: Where does IIEI find their training educators?

A: All of IIEI training educators are members of the international trade community that have at least a masters degree and are currently working with and, or have an expert understanding of the area they teach.

Q: Does IIEI have financial aid programs for students?

A. No. At this time IIEI does not have financial aid programs. We expect to have financial aid available to students in the near future.

Questions about the online classroom

Q: How does the online classroom work?

A: IIEI’s online interactive classrooms are designed to give students the utmost convenience. On Thursday, the first day of class, each student will be given the lecture, assignments and requirements for the upcoming week, including all due dates. In addition, students will receive discussion questions to respond to in the discussion area. This will continue every Thursday and each week will end on Wednesday until the class is finished.

Q: How does the discussion area work?

A: After each student receives their discussion questions from the teacher they will answer the questions and “post it” in the discussion area of the classroom for the other students and the teacher to see. Also, each student is required to read the other students discussion questions and respond to them. The teacher may respond to a students answer and expand the idea or ask questions to allow the student to expand the answer them self.

Q: When do I have to be in the discussion area?

A: There is no set time for anyone to be present in the discussion area. The discussion area in each classroom works like a “post it” board allowing students from any time zone around the world to participate in any course. The classroom is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Q: How current are the courses?

A: The courses are constantly revised as information is received at the institute. IIEI receives a constant flow of information from numerous sources, such as government, member’s contributions, advisory board members, interns and private industry.

Technical Questions

Q: What type of computer do I need?

A: Almost any computer that is capable of getting you on to the Internet will do. PC compatible computers or Macintosh computers with a minimum of 4 meg of RAM and 5 meg of hard disk storage available will work. Obviously, the more modern the computer the faster the Internet access will be.

Q: What if I don’t own a computer?

A: Many colleges and universities have computer labs that are available to students for a small fee. Check with the schools in your area. Because of the flexibility of when you go online to the virtual classroom, many times employers will allow you to use computers at work.

Q: If my company has a firewall that prevents me from down loading will I still be able to participate?

A: The IIEI classroom can be used in two formats; the down loaded version and directly through the Internet. It your company has a firewall that prevents you from down loading you will still be able to access the classroom through the Internet.

Questions about Certifications

Q: Do the courses prepare me to take the industry certification examinations?

A: Yes. Specific courses prepare you for various levels of industry certification. To see the specific requirements for IIEI certification, visit the Certification section (from IIEI’s main webpage) or contact an Registration Advisor 800-474-8013.

Q: How will an industrial certification benefit my career?

A: Industrial certifications like IIEI offers give individuals the opportunity to designate them self as an expert in their field. IIEI acts as a third party validation body to anyone holding an international trade certification. Proven and documented expertise will help to open many doors and windows for you international trade career.

Q: Where do I take the certification exam?

A: IIEI certification exams are proctored tests that require the supervision of a testing official. Almost all community colleges and universities have proctored testing centers where students can take any numerous kinds of tests. After making an appointment with an IIEI Academic Advisor a date and time will be set for you to take the certification exam at the nearest proctored testing center.

Q: Is it possible to override or test out of courses required for the certifications?

A: It is possible to override some courses if extensive experience or formal education can be proven on the subject matter. To do so students will need to send their resume, official transcripts and anything else pertinent to their exemption, to an Academic Advisor for review.

Q: Is it possible to double-up on course to get through the certification faster?

A: In some instances it is possible to double up on classes but everyone should consult an Academic Advisor before doing so.

Q: Do I have to pay for the whole certification up front?

A: No, never is a student required to pay for more than one class at a time. However, full payment of a program ahead of time will ensure a seat in each sequential class allowing you to finish as soon as possible.

Questions about Government Regulation Courses

Q: Will I have the opportunity to have addressed the specialized problems my company deals with in the classroom?

A: Yes, the discussion area gives students the opportunity to include anything they want into the curriculum and have it addressed by the teacher and the other students.

Q: How often do you have the Customs Exam Preparation course?

A: We always hold customs course prior to each customs exam on April 1st and October 1st. IIEI’s customs courses will end before the customs exams are given.

Q: Why is it necessary to register so early for government regulation courses?

A: Registering early gives IIEI the opportunity to create more classes on the same start date to accommodate everyone. Because the courses are limited to 15 people often times students that register late get left out.