Monday, January 25, 2010

Credit Counselor Programs

Credit Counselor Programs

Credit counselor programs can help you get started in a career that is expected to grow through 2015. With the increase in foreclosures and loan defaults, people are in need of financial advice more than ever. As a credit counselor, you'll be able to help people straighten out their credit problems and assist them in creating a plan that will give them hope for a secure financial future.

National Association of Certified Credit Counselors

    The National Association of Certified Credit Counselors offers two certifications, a Credit Counselor Certification and a Senior Credit Counselor Certification. The Credit Counselor Certification self-study manual, Keys to Success, covers such topics as the proper use of credit cards, debt collection, the psychology of spending and how to reduce or eliminate debt. Review questions are included at the end of each chapter. You'll also find three appendices in the manual: Ethics for the Credit Counselor, Consumer Resources and Consumer Protection Legislation. At the end of the course, you'll take a 100-question certification exam administered online and overseen by a qualified credit counselor. The Senior Credit Counselor Certification self-study manual, Credit Counseling: An Integrated Approach, covers such topics as senior housing and retirement income. The certification exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.

    National Association of Certified Credit Counselors
    209 6th Avenue
    Indialantic, FL 32903
    321-725-3497
    naccc.us

Credit Counseling Education Association

    The Credit Counseling Education Association (CCEA) offers a certification for credit counselors and for debt-management professionals. The online course allows you to complete the training at your convenience. The Uniform Debt Management Services Act passed in July 2005 requires that anyone being paid for credit counseling must be certified, and upon completion of the CCEA course, you should have the skills to assist clients with their debt, budgets and financial goals. The CCEA has a simple process for registering and completing the program. After filling out the online application, you'll be able to log in and get access to the reading material. Once you complete the100-question exam and pass with a grade of 70 percent or better, you can print out your Credit Counseling Certification Certificate.

    Credit Counseling Education Association
    5838 Edison Place, Suite 215
    Carlsbad, CA 92008
    760-448-8081
    creditcounselingcertification.org/

Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education

    The Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education (AFCPE) offers an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) program for those who have already had some experience with credit counseling. Requirements to enroll in the program include having 1,000 hours of experience in one-on-one credit counseling, educating clients and other counselors in financial matters, working as a teacher in a credit counseling organization or supervising other counselors. You also must submit three reference letters---one each from a supervisor, colleague and client---stating your professional abilities and experience. Acquiring the accreditation will allow you to advance your counseling career. You'll use your certified skills to offer clients expert advise in such areas as sound financial principles, reducing and eliminating debt, modifying spending behavior, establishing financial goals and developing self-esteem in regard to their financial situation.

    Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education
    1500 W. Third Avenue, Suite 223
    Columbus, OH 43212
    614-485-9650
    afcpe.org

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