How to Become a Credit Expert

Becoming a credit expert has lots of daily uses. It allows you to better manage your finances, help friends and relatives with credit problems, or organize self-help groups for your church or place of worship. Or you could parlay your expertise of credit into a full-time job as a nonprofit credit counselor or a loan officer at a bank or credit union. Becoming a credit expert is possible through self-study and professional training.

Instructions

1

Read or view as much accurate information as possible about credit from reputable sources, such as the websites for major credit bureaus Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. The credit bureau websites offer practical, unbiased advice about credit and issues affecting credit scores. Some of the sites offer free video training about credit.

2

Study legal issues caused by credit problems, such as judgments and bankruptcy, by reading content posted on nonprofit legal assistance websites such as the Atlanta Legal Aid Society or the New York Legal Assistance Group.

3

Participate in seminars and community outreach programs offered by nonprofit credit counseling agencies in your community. Find government-approved credit counselors in your area by visiting the website for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

4

Network with loan officers and bankers to learn more about challenges people face with credit. Contact your bank or credit union to inquire about more community outreach programs. Attend the events to learn more about credit.

5

Show that your are becoming an expert in credit by personally maintaining a high credit score. Credit scores range from 350 to 850, with scores of 720 or higher generally considered outstanding. Set a personal goal of reaching a 750 or higher credit score to further establish yourself as credit-savvy.