Standing out in a dynamic industry: A credit pro’s certification journey

Credit management is shaped by market cycles, economic trends and digital transformation. In an industry like this—you can’t afford to stand still. Staying ahead of the curve requires continuous learning, and many credit professionals build their expertise by earning certifications through NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program. 

For instance, one of the core responsibilities of a credit professional is to evaluate a customer’s creditworthiness before extending credit. While this skill takes time to master, the right tools and education can make all the difference. “Pursuing my Credit Business Associate (CBA) helped me in my role of assessing the credit potential of prospective or existing customers,” said Seth Eisenberg, CBA, credit coordinator at Victaulic Company (Easton, PA). 

The CBA certification is the first level of the Professional Certification Program, offering members three foundational business credit courses: Basic Financial Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis 1 and Business Credit Principles. Whether you’re new to credit or an experienced practitioner looking to enhance your knowledge, mastering these core concepts is essential for long-term success.  

After earning his CBA, Eisenberg was able to contribute more to his role for his team and his company. “Overall, I gained a proficiency at my job that I otherwise wouldn’t have had,” he said. He also credits his manager for playing a key role in his achievement. “Her willingness to help and encouragement made the process that much easier.” 

💡 Study tip: Eisenberg’s biggest challenge was passing the individual module quizzes. His strategy? Careful study, repetition and using every available resource. “I kept reviewing the quiz and re-listening to all the videos as often as I could,” Eisenberg said. “I did some online research at the NACM website for study strategies, which is where I learned about the CBA Exam Study Guide and the CBA Practice Exam.”