Which level of DDTC certification occurs before pretrial certification?

The first level of DDTC (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls) certification is indeed the stage that occurs before pretrial certification. At this initial level, individuals or organizations begin to establish their adherence to the regulations governing the export of defense articles and services. This certification is primarily focused on understanding and implementing compliance measures that align with U.S. export control laws.

Establishing a foundation at this first level is critical, as it sets the groundwork for the subsequent levels of certification. It involves education on the relevant laws and regulations, as well as the establishment of internal processes to ensure compliance. This initial step is essential for preparing for the more stringent and detailed requirements encountered in later stages, including pretrial certification, which follows after proving basic compliance capabilities.

The progression through the certification levels is designed to ensure that individuals or entities fully understand and can implement the necessary controls before moving on to more advanced levels of compliance review.