How certification programs are shaping the next generation of credit professionals

Growth is never linear. Even if two people take the same path, they may arrive at different places. At NACM, we keep this in mind when supporting our members through their professional certification journeys.  

Credit professionals are constantly evolving to keep pace with an ever-changing industry. For example, through the encouragement of his credit team, Frank Franklin, CBF, senior credit analyst at Joseph T Ryerson & Son, Inc. (Little Rock, AR), pursued the  Credit Business Fellow (CBF) certification. “Our company supports our career ambitions, so when the opportunity to continue my credit education presented itself, I did not hesitate,” said Franklin. 

Franklin set his sights on the CBF while pursuing his Credit Business Associate (CBA) in 2022. After having earned his latest designation, Franklin developed a profound level of expertise and credibility in his industry. “It sharpened my decision-making skills and exposed me to different perspectives on risk management,” said Franklin. “I was able to learn more about the legal perspective and the history behind certain credit laws.” 

With that knowledge came a confidence he hadn’t had before. “As someone who hadn’t been in school for some time, retaining information was challenging,” said Franklin. “After some time, though, I overcame that insecurity and started to remember and enjoy everything I was learning about. I found it useful and inspiring.”  

Study tips: Despite the daily hustle, Franklin managed to carve out some time for focused study time leading up to the final CBF exam. “I made sure I really understood the material by reading the book in depth,” he said.