CICP certification expands career in credit

No matter where you are in the world, we are all connected. A major event in one part of the world sends ripple effects across global markets, impacting other countries—positively or negatively. As geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty increase, the risks for credit professionals continue to rise. Staying informed and prepared has never been more essential.  

NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program does more than just expand a credit professional’s knowledge; it equips them with advantageous skills and opportunities to grow in their role. 

For Samuel Ogundero, CICP, lending analyst at Farm Credit Canada (Regina Saskatchewan, Canada), this was top of mind as he pursued his Certified International Credit Professional (CICP) designation, a career-changing decision, helping him navigate international trade.  

At just 30 years old, Ogundero has made significant progress in advancing his career, and earning his CICP designation has opened doors in the credit profession. “Being recognized for my CICP has added value to my resume and career as a whole,” said Ogundero. “I am confident that it will help me in the job market in the future as well.” 

From the beginning, Ogundero’s certification journey proved challenging as he balanced work and study whilst caring for his newborn daughter. However, it was his consistency and preparation that helped him remember the material included in the International Credit & Risk Management (ICRM) online course. 

“I learned a lot about credit in the course, especially on the international level, and more about incoterms,” Ogundero said. “We’re insured through Export Development Canada (EDC), so it was nice to study about the theoretical aspect of why insurance is important in credit. Additionally, I had known about the Five Cs of Credit but in this course, I was able to learn about the three additional ones: culture, currency and country.” 

Study tips: Be diligent. Retake the practice quizzes and make notes of key points at the end of each module. “If you need clarification, do your own research online and trust yourself,” said Ogundero. “Also, reach out to your instructor whenever you need. Mine offered to help me if I had any questions.”