The principal objective of the CILT is "To promote and encourage the art and science of logistics and transport", which it achieves both through its membership and professional qualifications.
CILT's Chartership is of equivalent standing to these, and applying for it requires demonstrating achievement of educational attainment, professional competence and (CPD) to a panel.
Chartered Members who have attained important positions or have had distinguished careers can be nominated for Fellowship, with the post-nominal letters FCILT.
In addition, they certify academic degrees from other institutions, such as the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds and The Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, providing their graduates with exemption from examinations for proceeding to chartered status.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport is represented by national councils and branches in the following continents and countries.