A credit professional’s role is a multi-faceted one. On top of assessing and mitigating risk, collaborating with departments and building relationships with customers, they have to adapt to company-wide and industry changes. Most recently, tariffs, severe weather events, disrupted supply chains and rising costs have created an unpredictable trade environment for businesses. NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program offers the essential knowledge and guidance for credit professionals to survive even the most challenging of periods. 

Earning a designation through one of NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs takes perseverance and dedication. It allows professionals to commit to deepening their understanding of business credit and best practices. For Vimal Patel, CCE, director of credit at OneSource Distributers (Oceanside, CA), earning his Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation was an opportunity to challenge himself to learn more about the credit profession and refine his skills.   

Earning a professional certification can be a transformative milestone in a credit professional’s career, opening doors to career growth and advancement. In recent years, hiring managers have increasingly valued certifications over traditional four-year college degrees. NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program helps both new and experienced credit professionals gain the practical knowledge and skillset needed to stand out and thrive in the B2B credit industry. 

The decision to pursue a designation through one of NACM and FCIB’s six Professional Certification Programs is a big one and the journey can be long, but the opportunity to refine your skills and grow professionally makes the big step worth it.  

🎙️On today’s episode of Extra Credit …Being a leader is hard but leading during stressful periods where internal or external stressors seem to add pressure to your credit team can be even harder. Whether your company is undergoing a merger that throws everyone’s day-to-day work through a loop or economic instability brings added stress to everyone’s days, workplace challenges can pop up at any moment. But what can leaders do to ease tensions and calm their credit teams?

NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program has proven to transform careers for credit professionals. Each designation unequivocally expands the knowledge base and skill set in various aspects of business credit. In addition to gaining credibility in their role, each designee walks away with valuable insights and experiences of personal growth. 

In the ever-changing world of credit, education is a vital tool for credit managers looking to keep up in an industry constantly in flux. Earning a designation through NACM and FCIB’s six Professional Certification Programs can help you stay ahead of the curve. For Hailey Menzies, CBA, assistant market credit manager at Ferguson Enterprises (Newport News, VA), earning her Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation reflects her commitment to expanding her knowledge of credit.  

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.