The value of the CCE designation 

The Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation signals that a credit professional has reached the highest level of credit expertise through NACM’s Professional Certification Programs. The designation is earned through a combination of education, credit experience and involvement in professional development. When designation seekers apply to take their CCE exam, they are taking a big step in their credit careers that will benefit them years into the future.  

Why it matters: Earning the CCE designation not only shows that you have the knowledge, skill and mastery required to pass the exam, it also solidifies your dedication to the business credit profession. By pursuing your CCE designation, you are showing your colleagues, managers and professional network that you are committed to improving yourself within the field by deepening your understanding of credit and risk management.  

“It is important to keep in mind that earning the CCE designation does more than validate technical expertise,” said George Schnupp, CCE, instructor for NACM. “The professional designation helps deepen a credit professional’s visibility, creditability and relationships within the credit community. While preparing for the exam you will immerse yourself in a peer network of senior credit leaders who will be there to guide you throughout the entire process. You will find yourself collaborating through NACM study and review programs.” 

The CCE designation is known throughout the credit community as a valuable distinction that epitomizes a credit professional’s dedication to the business credit field. By adding those three letters to your title, you are opening yourself up to a wider world of opportunities.  

“Throughout my career, I noticed that my colleagues who earned the CCE designation often stood out in their credit departments, such as a credit manager, director of credit, vice-president of credit or chief credit officer,” Schnupp said. “The CCE shows employers that the credit professional is well-qualified, motivated and prepared to tackle strategic decision-making responsibilities.” 

Designation holders stand out in applicant pools as employers notice that the applicant is not only deeply competent in many facets of risk management, but confident. “Having my CCE designation definitely helped me when I was looking for a position in credit,” said Staci Cima, CCE, director of credit for Springfield Electric Supply Company (St. Louis, MO). “When I first transitioned into the field, it was really important for me to get my CCE because I wanted to be an expert in the field. Even in my day-to-day work when I am having conversations with managers or the board of directors, it helps to be able to show that I have the experience and education to be seen as a trusted resource.”  

No two paths to the CCE designation are the same, with three distinct routes to the exam based around credit experience, previous education and involvement with NACM. “What’s nice about the process of earning your CCE is that you can find a path that fits you best,” Cima said. “It’s inclusive so there is a path for every person to get their designation. No matter what your journey has been or where you are in your career, you can always pursue your CCE.”  

Earning your CCE not only furthers your professional development but strengthens your bonds within the credit community. “Connecting with other designee seekers along the way was incredibly encouraging and reminded me that growth is often fueled by shared experiences and mutual support,” said Whitney Styer, CCE, CCRA, assistant credit manager for Helena Agri-Enterprises (Collierville, TN). “To anyone considering pursuing the CCE, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it, knowing that the effort you invest will come back to you in confidence and professional pride.” 

While the CCE exam may seem intimidating, it is important to remember there are resources available through NACM that can ready you for the test day. “I personally relied on the Principles of Business Credit to prepare for the short essay portion and the Understanding Financial Statements book to prepare for the case study,” Schnupp said. “I would encourage everyone to reach out to the NACM Education Department and utilize their exam review educational offerings.” 

The bottom line: Earning your CCE is more than a measure of your test-taking abilities, but atestament to your dedication to the credit field. Diving deeper into the world of business credit and risk management as you work towards your CCE allows you to emerge from the experience confident in your approach to credit management.

“The CCE is a statement of leadership, ethics, strategic capability and credibility – not just technical expertise,” Schnupp said. “The designation is a differentiator and it shows you’re operating and functioning at the executive level. The CCE designation lets your organization know you’re ready for the next step in your career.”