Accelerating in credit: How certification helped one pro level up fast

Credit management is a fast-paced career where decisions often need to be made quickly, sometimes in real time, to manage risk, cash flow and customer relationships. But, the trust, knowledge and judgment that drive those decisions are built slowly, over time. Credit professionals hoping to develop those traits and gain instrumental knowledge seek out education through NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program. By doing so, certification holders bring forth an enriched expertise and skill set that helps them stand out in the crowd.  

Troy Saunders, CBA, credit and AR manager at Calumet, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN), is one of those stand-out professionals who earned his Credit Business Associate (CBA). “I was inspired to pursue the CBA designation to deepen my understanding of business credit and to formally validate my expertise in this new arena,” said Saunders. “It was also a way to demonstrate my commitment to professional growth and to align myself with industry best practices. I’m confident that this credential will open doors and help me contribute at a higher level.” 

Earning the CBA provided Saunders with the structure and motivation in his transition to the business-to-business (B2B) credit sector after 25 years of working in consumer credit and collections. “I was already familiar with many foundational credit principles and while many of the core principles were similar, the nuances of trade credit, risk assessment and B2B financial relationships required a different lens,” Saunder said. 

During his journey, Saunders developed a more strategic, analytical approach suited for B2B environments. He referenced educational materials and sought additional resources from NACM to reinforce his understanding. “I wanted to make sure I wasn’t just memorizing content, I wanted to truly grasp the concepts and how they applied in real-world business credit scenarios,” Saunders said. 

On a personal note, earning a professional certification reinforced Saunders’ love of learning and boosted his confidence. “It’s not just about the letters after your name, it’s about the knowledge, confidence and credibility you gain along the way,” he said. “The congratulations from my coworkers made it even more special, it felt like a shared win.” 

📝Study Tips: Deep understanding comes from reflection, not just memorization. “I wanted to make sure I wasn’t just memorizing content, I wanted to truly grasp the concepts and how they applied in real-world business credit scenarios,” Saunders said. Eliminating distractions and studying in a calm, focused environment helped Saunders retain information more effectively.