Sustainable Trade Manager (STM)

Minimum Requirements

Applicants for the Sustainable Trade Manager (STM) membership level of the IST are expected to meet the following entry requirements:

NFQ Level 8 Qualification or equivalent + 5 Years’ Management Experience in International Trade and/or Sustainability.

OR

NFQ Level 7 Qualification or equivalent + 10 Years’ Management Experience in International Trade and/or Sustainability.

To check where your Irish or international qualifications fit on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), click here.

Individuals who do not meet the minimum educational requirements but believe they have achieved equivalent levels of learning and experience have the option to apply for IST membership via a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application process. Click here to download the application form. 

Certified Professional STM

Applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements for the STM membership level join the IST as an Affiliate member. To become a Certified STM member, a suite of learning modules and exams must be taken in the first year of membership. Individuals who pass the STM exams will receive formal certification from the IST. To learn more about certified IST membership, click here.

An alternative route to IST membership: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not meet the minimum education requirements for the desired IST membership but who can provide evidence of equivalent learning or work experience can submit a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application. The RPL application will be assessed by the IST Standards Committee. A copy of the RPL form can be downloaded here and should be emailed with supporting documents to training@instituteofsustainabletrade.ie.