Empowering Credit Professionals: NACM and FCIB’s Certification Programs 

NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs are a catalyst for growth and advancement in business-to-business (B2B) credit management. Each certification program educates credit professionals on various aspects of B2B credit management, from the fundamentals of business credit to the nuances of international trade, equipping them with the tools needed to tackle daily challenges.  

Charity Wyatt, CBA, credit specialist at Steel Dynamics, Inc., Roanoke Bar Division (Roanoke, VA), said that earning the Credit Business Associate (CBA) certification was a crucial first step toward her goal of achieving the Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation. “The CBA certification will not only enhance my resume but also provide a solid foundation in credit principles, which is particularly valuable as I am relatively new to the credit field,” Wyatt said. 

Wyatt’s designation journey began when she registered for the CBA exam back in February 2024, with the intention of testing in July. However, since the registration deadline for the required course had passed and the next available exam date was in November, it was contingent upon completing the course by September 

“While I had hoped to complete the designation more quickly, I adjusted my timeline and dedicated myself to preparing for the November exam,” Wyatt explained. “Fortunately, I successfully completed all required coursework by August, allowing ample time for focused study.” 

This designation has provided Wyatt with valuable knowledge and skills to strengthen her credit expertise and enhanced her ability to foster positive customer relations while mitigating risk for her company, stating, “I’m eager to continue progressing toward my goal and building a portfolio of future accomplishments.” 

The courses offered by NACM, including those required for this designation, have broadened Wyatt’s understanding of credit principles, enabling her to work more efficiently and productively in her daily credit processes. “I’ve learned that effectively applying this knowledge, particularly through clear communication between all parties, allows credit management to foster positive customer relationships, rather than creating negative experiences when collecting or setup,” said Wyatt. 

✏️Study tips: “The study guide, videos and course materials, including the presentations and textbook, provide a valuable resource that I can reference to address questions that arise in my daily credit work,” Wyatt said. “I dedicated at least two hours each day to studying these materials.” 

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