Professional certification signals deep commitment to credit management 

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.  

Menzies decided to pursue her designation after she was promoted to an assistant market credit manager role and subsequently rewarded a scholarship to help her pursue additional education. “Even though I knew there would be challenges, I knew of the added value it would bring,” Menzies said. “I was excited about the potential to expand my knowledge in business credit principles, accounting and financial statements analysis, so I jumped at the opportunity when it was presented.” 

For working credit managers, the certification coursework can help you solve everyday credit dilemmas at work. Connecting your coursework to your day-to-day work can be rewarding as you deepen your understanding of the credit field. “The best part of this experience was navigating through the modules and forming connections with the material presented,” Menzies said. “I was able to relate the material to my own personal experience, which felt really rewarding.” 

Balancing coursework with everyday responsibilities can be a challenge, but pursuing additional education will fuel your career growth as you broaden your credit knowledge. For Menzies, a full-time employee and mother already pursuing a bachelor’s degree, earning her certification meant carefully scheduling her time to keep from getting overwhelmed.  

“Time management was a vital part of my success,” Menzies said. “With my husband’s support, I was able to schedule time to complete coursework for my CBA and bachelor’s degree, as well as have needed family time. It was far from easy, but I am thankful to not only have taken on the challenge but to have excelled in it.” 

📝Study tips: Take advantage of all the materials NACM offers as you study for your exam. “My advice to anyone pursuing this certification is to take notes through the modules, review quizzes and read through the handouts,” Menzies said.