Setting your career on the right track: The value of professional certifications 

There are many benefits to pursuing a designation through each one of NACM and FCIB’s six Professional Certification Programs. For Jen Turchin, CBA, AR/AP specialist for Northern Pipe Products (Fargo, ND), earning her Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation brought a newfound confidence and a higher level of expertise in the business credit field. 

Pursuing additional, credit-specific education can improve every facet of your performance. Deepening your understanding of the principles of business credit while honing your analysis skills can make your day-to-day work as a credit manager easier.  

“I feel the value comes through especially when I am doing credit references for our customers,” Turchin said. “The CBA shows that I have the knowledge needed to assess those reference questions and our customers can feel more secure relying on us. My career is on track with an upward trajectory.” 

Continued education not only improves your personal performance but allows you to contribute more to your credit team and your company. “The certification program is a great incentive to boost your knowledge and credentials while benefiting both you and your employer,” Turchin said. “Educating yourself is only adding to your growth as an employee and a person. Furthering your education is beneficial in so many positive ways. It is vital in keeping us current with the constantly changing world.” 

Challenging yourself to pursue and earn a designation can help you gain confidence as you grow in the business credit profession. “After hearing I passed I was so relieved and having the designation after my name gave me so much pride in my accomplishment,” Turchin said. “I then felt silly having had so much anxiety about passing.” 

📝Study tip: “I suggest portioning out the materials and mastering each portion,” Turchin said. “And start well in advance of your test date.”