Boosting credibility and skills: The value of certifications for credit professionals 

Certifications serve as a powerful tool, elevating you from rookie status to a recognized expert by validating your abilities and expanding your knowledge. For experienced credit professionals, certifications not only strengthen credibility but also refine existing skills, offering a valuable opportunity to refresh and stay current in an ever-evolving industry. Designations earned through NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program transform credit professionals of any level to outstanding leaders in their field.  

As a newer credit professional, Catherine Kelley, CBA, assistant market credit manager at Ferguson Enterprises LLC (Euless, TX), sought her Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation to increase her credit knowledge. After learning she passed the final exam, she was nothing short of excited. “I’m proud to have the CBA as an additional qualification,” Kelley said. “It’s added value to my role and represents the amount of effort I applied as well as an increased knowledge base.” 

With the CBA, Kelley is more confident about her performance at work. “I’ve been in credit for four years now, so I had some general knowledge of business credit before taking the course, such as the five Cs of credit,” Kelley said. “Earning my CBA helped me learn more about the technical aspect, such as financial statement analysis and accounting.” 

✏️Study Tips: Take advantage of NACM’s educational resources, like the CBA Practice Exam, Credit Learning Center (CLC) and course study guides to study more efficiently. “Make sure you pace yourself during each course and if you’re able, take the classes in the order of your liking to get the most out of your designation journey,” she said. 

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