Designation journey deepens understanding of business credit 

When it comes to credit management, no other certification class can supercharge your credit analysis skills quite like NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs. For Carlos Merida, CBA, credit analyst at Atlas Copco Compressors (Rock Hill, SC), earning his Credit Business Associate designation helped strengthen the skills he uses everyday working in credit.  

“I have been working in credit for over 15 years and while I have a master’s degree, I wanted to have more background in credit specifically,” Merida said. “Earning my designation helped me improve my knowledge of accounting and credit analysis skills.” 

For many working credit professionals, earning a designation means carving out time in their already busy schedule, but the journey proves to be worth it when you can bring a host of new schools to your day-to-day work. “It was a bit challenging due to the schedule of the class and the homework since my job sometimes requires me to work over 40 hours a week,” Merida said. “However, I was very satisfied with the results of my tests, it was very motivating to get good grades in the exams.” 

Continuing your credit education not only helps you deepen your knowledge of business credit but opens a network of peers embarking on the designation journey alongside you. A designation is a big step in immersing yourself in the wide-sprawling field of business credit.  

📝Study tip: Taking the time to develop a routine for studying that helps you learn the material without being overwhelmed makes a world of difference. “You have to make sure that with every exam you take, you’re reviewing the mistakes you’ve previously made so you can be well prepared for your final exam,” Merida said.