CBA certification opens doors to new opportunities 

It’s safe to say that one of the top goals for credit professionals—apart from maximizing profit and minimizing risk—is to gain more knowledge in their field. With all the intricacies and nuances of business-to-business (B2B) credit, knowing where to start can be a challenge, especially for new credit managers. By earning certifications through NACM’s and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Programs, credit professionals can gain in-depth knowledge and learn about different strategies to thrive in their field. 

Nicole Hale, CBA, credit manager at Nutrien US LLC (Santa Maria, CA), pursued her Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation to find new job opportunities. “I pursued my CBA to continue my credit education shortly after my manager and director introduced me to NACM,” Hale said.  

As a newer credit manager, Hale had limited knowledge of credit management. However, the CBA designation provided her with the information she needed and more. “I’ve worked in business for a couple of decades, but I really had no exposure to credit prior to that, so the CBA helped me understand in my new role why we were doing some of the things we do,” Hale said. “Having earned my bachelor’s in accounting, I only had to complete the Business Credit Principles course.”  

It was through the support of her employer that Hale succeeded in earning her CBA. “I’m grateful to my employer for spending time, energy and money toward my designation,” she said. “Our assistant credit manager helped ensure I had what I needed and met the requirements to pursue my CBA.”  

Not only did Hale receive help from multiple people from her company, but she also received support from NACM National and NACM Commercial Services as well. “Phyllis Thomas, certification program coordinator, was very helpful throughout my journey,” Hale said. “Jennifer Walsh, CCE, gave me a helping hand as well. I’m glad I earned my CBA, and I will consider pursuing another certification in the future.” 

✏️Study tips: Refer to the educational resources available on the NACM website including exam review guides like the CBA Study Guide. “I watched a couple of one-hour videos and took the practice exam which were a huge help and prepared me for the CBA exam,” Hale said. 

For more information about each designation within NACM’s and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs, visit our website.