Certification Overview
The American Certified Port Terminal Operations Associate (AC-PTOA)® is an internationally recognized professional certification developed by the American Association of Procurement, Supply Chain & Tourism Management (AAPSCM®) for individuals seeking to establish or strengthen their careers in port terminal operations, maritime logistics, cargo handling, container management, and international trade.
Modern ports serve as the backbone of global commerce, handling more than 80% of world merchandise trade by volume. As ports continue to evolve through digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and smart logistics technologies, organizations increasingly require professionals with practical knowledge of port operations, terminal management, cargo movement, safety, security, and international logistics.
The AC-PTOA® certification provides participants with the knowledge, practical competencies, and industry-recognized credentials needed to contribute effectively to modern port and maritime operations.
Why Get Certified?
Global maritime transportation is the backbone of international commerce, with more than 80% of global merchandise trade by volume moving through seaports. As ports evolve into smart, digitally connected logistics hubs, employers are increasingly seeking professionals with practical knowledge of port terminal operations, cargo handling, maritime logistics, digital technologies, and international trade.
The American Certified Port Terminal Operations Associate (AC-PTOA)® certification equips participants with industry-relevant competencies that support operational excellence, workforce readiness, and long-term career advancement in the global maritime sector.
By earning the AC-PTOA® certification, you will be able to:
- Gain internationally recognized knowledge of modern port terminal operations and maritime logistics.
- Develop practical competencies in cargo handling, container terminal operations, vessel coordination, and international shipping processes
- Strengthen your understanding of customs procedures, trade documentation, and regulatory compliance.
- Build foundational skills in digital port technologies, automation, smart ports, and AI-enabled logistics.
- Improve your ability to support safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable port operations.
- Differentiate yourself with an internationally recognized, competency-based professional certification awarded by AAPSCM®.
- Establish a strong foundation for career progression into supervisory, managerial, and executive roles within port operations and maritime logistics.
- Join a global community of certified professionals committed to operational excellence, continuous learning, and professional development.
- Create a clear pathway toward advanced AAPSCM® certifications, including AC-PTOP® (Professional), AC-PTOM® (Manager), and AC-PMLE® (Executive).
Whether you are beginning your career, transitioning into the maritime industry, or seeking to strengthen your professional credentials, the AC-PTOA® certification provides the knowledge, recognition, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s increasingly digital and globally connected port and maritime logistics environment.
Course Description
The American Certified Port Terminal Operations Associate (AC-PTOA)® certification provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, operations, technologies, and professional practices that support efficient port terminal management and global maritime logistics.
Participants gain practical knowledge of:
- Port and terminal operations
- Maritime logistics and global shipping
- Cargo handling and container management
- Vessel planning and coordination
- Port safety and security
- Customs and international trade documentation
- Digital port technologies
- Operational performance improvement
- Sustainability in maritime logistics
- Professional communication and ethics
The program integrates internationally recognized best practices with modern digital technologies to prepare participants for operational roles within ports, shipping companies, logistics organizations, customs agencies, and transportation enterprises.
Certification Testing Outcomes (Skills & Competencies)
Successful candidates will demonstrate competency in the following professional knowledge and skill areas assessed through the AAPSCM® certification process:
- 1. Port and Terminal Operations – Understanding port infrastructure, terminal functions, cargo flow, and operational processes.
- 2. Maritime Logistics and Global Shipping – Knowledge of international shipping operations, multimodal transportation, and maritime supply chain principles.
- 3. Cargo Handling and Container Management – Competence in cargo handling methods, container operations, terminal equipment, and yard management.
- 4. Vessel Coordination and Terminal Planning – Understanding vessel scheduling, berth allocation, operational coordination, and terminal resource planning.
- 5. International Trade Documentation and Customs Compliance – Knowledge of shipping documentation, customs procedures, cargo documentation, and trade facilitation.
- 6. Port Safety, Security, and Regulatory Compliance – Application of workplace safety, port security, environmental protection, and compliance with international regulations.
- 7. Digital Port Technologies and Automation – Understanding Terminal Operating Systems (TOS), Port Community Systems (PCS), smart ports, automation, AI, and digital logistics technologies.
- 8. Operational Performance and Continuous Improvement – Ability to support productivity improvement, resource optimization, service quality, and performance measurement initiatives.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the American Certified Port Terminal Operations Associate (AC-PTOA)® certification, participants will be able to:
LO1 – Understand Port and Terminal Operations
Explain the structure, functions, and operational processes of modern ports, container terminals, and maritime logistics facilities.
LO2 – Apply Maritime Logistics Principles
Describe the movement of cargo through international shipping networks and explain the role of ports within global supply chains and multimodal transportation systems.
LO3 – Perform Cargo and Terminal Operations
Apply fundamental principles of cargo handling, container operations, terminal equipment utilization, and yard management to support safe and efficient port activities.
LO4 – Interpret Shipping and Trade Documentation
Identify and interpret shipping documents, customs requirements, cargo manifests, and international trade procedures used in maritime logistics.
LO5 – Support Vessel and Port Coordination
Explain vessel scheduling, berth allocation, terminal coordination, and operational planning activities that contribute to efficient port performance.
LO6 – Apply Safety and Security Practices
Demonstrate an understanding of workplace safety, cargo security, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance within port and terminal operations.
LO7 – Utilize Digital Port Technologies
Recognize the role of digital technologies, Terminal Operating Systems (TOS), Port Community Systems (PCS), automation, and smart port solutions in improving operational efficiency.
LO8 – Promote Sustainable Port Operations
Describe sustainable operational practices that improve environmental performance, resource utilization, and organizational resilience.
LO9 – Support Operational Excellence
Apply continuous improvement principles, effective communication, customer service, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance port and maritime logistics performance.
LO10 – Demonstrate Professionalism and Ethical Practice
Exhibit professional conduct, ethical decision-making, teamwork, and accountability while supporting safe and efficient maritime logistics operations.
AC-PTOA® Virtual/Online Instructor-led 4-day Training
Select an instructor tab to view session details and full trainer profile.
Gleb Mikulich – AAPSCM® Executive Trainer | Supply Chain Strategist | Digital Transformation Leader
Gleb Mikulich is a seasoned professional with over a decade of expertise in supply chain, procurement, logistics, and digital transformation. He has collaborated with globally recognized organizations, including Accenture, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Pfizer, CNH Industrial, and Mediterranean Shipping Company, delivering impactful solutions across diverse industries.
- Industry-leading experience in Global Supply Chain Operations – Gleb has collaborated with top-tier industry leaders such as Accenture, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, CNH, and Mediterranean Shipping Company, delivering measurable results in supply chain integration, procurement modernization, and performance optimization.
- Certified Supply Chain & Project Management Expert – Gleb holds industry-recognized credentials, including SCPro Certified (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals), and additional certifications in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, PMP, and PMI-ACP, showcasing his multidisciplinary expertise in process improvement, agile project leadership, and operational efficiency.
- Advanced Academic Credentials in Strategy & Digital Technologies – Gleb earned an MBA from IE Business School, with a concentration in strategy, operations, and digital technologies, and pursued advanced supply chain management training through MITx, equipping him with cutting-edge insights into global logistics, data-driven decision-making, and tech-enabled supply chains.
- Recognized Leader & Emerging Talent in the Field – Gleb is the recipient of the Young Professionals Emerging Leader Award from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and a lifetime member of Beta Gamma Sigma, a recognition of academic excellence and leadership in business education.
Dr. Jason Matyus – Advisory Board Executive Director, Training, Course Development, and Examination
Dr. Matyus is the Advisory Board Director for Course Development, Training, and Examination. Dr. Jason Matyus’s career spans many disciplines. Dr. Matyus started as a public school teacher. After leaving teaching he worked for 20 years as a business professional working for two Fortune 500 Companies. Within those 20 years, he had varying roles that touched Project Management, logistics and Supply Chain, Procurement, Corporate Trainer, and Leadership. After receiving his MBA in Leadership and Doctorate in Business Management, he spent the last 5 years in higher education. In addition to his work in business, he is also on the Board of Directors for Cornerstone Care and the Carmichaels Area School District Board of Education and currently serves on the Farmville Urban Development Board.
Séverine Boulard – AAPSCM® Executive Trainer
Séverine Boulard is an international HR consultant, trainer, and founder of HR Graff Consulting GmbH, Switzerland. With over 20 years of experience in global HR leadership roles across banking, finance, consulting, fintech, and high-growth international environments, she specializes in HR transformation, compliance, talent strategy, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. She has led HR functions across multiple jurisdictions and is recognised for combining strategic expertise with practical, business-focused execution. Séverine delivers engaging training programs designed to translate complex HR topics into real-world leadership capability. She holds a European Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and completed executive studies in HR Transformation through Cornell University. She trains in English, French, German, and Russian.
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