Balancing life and learning: Ashley Lilly’s success in earning the CBA 

Learning is an ongoing process that, when done right, remains engaging. Credit professionals can stimulate their minds by earning designations through NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program. Each designation allows credit professionals to gain valuable insights and strategies to enhance their credibility and advance in their careers. 

For Ashley Lilly, CBA, credit analyst at Water Pik, Inc. (Fort Collins, CO), her Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation journey was a rewarding one. “I learned a great deal about credit and how the different roles my colleagues play come together to create a cohesive process,” she said. “I also realized that if I set my mind to something, I can persevere, no matter how busy or stressful life can be at times.” 

Because Lilly hadn’t taken some of the courses in several years and had lost some of the material during multiple moves, she had to revisit much of the content while balancing a full-time job and caring for two toddlers.  

Lilly credits her success to her supportive community. “My friends helped me by watching my kids while I studied at a quiet library on late nights,” Lilly said. “Despite the challenges, I pushed through, and achieving this was incredibly rewarding. Of course, I’m also grateful for NACM through my journey.” 

✏️Study Tips: Use flashcards, purchase the extra study materials and watch the videos. In addition, take notes and truly engage with the content. “The key to not getting overwhelmed was to just keep studying, even when it felt tough,” Lilly said. “Staying consistent and focused helped me push through.” 

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