Unleash your inner potential with professional certifications 

Everyone has the capacity to learn, whether it’s practicing new skills or applying yourself in school. However, earning a certification takes an extra level of effort, especially when it’s aimed at advancing your career. Credit professionals ready to excel in their roles will earn designations through NACM’s and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs, each level providing them the tools and knowledge to improve their practices and make informed credit decisions.  

Nydia Flores Dion, CICP, CBA, credit analyst at The Andersons, Inc. (Overland Park, KS), said earning her Certified Business Associate (CBA) designation enhanced her knowledge and credibility in the field, allowing her to make more informed credit decisions and contribute to her company’s financial success. “The CBA demonstrates my commitment to professional development and continuous learning within the credit industry,” she said. “I hope that it will open doors for career advancement and provide me with the tools to excel in a credit management role.” 

Despite holding a bachelor’s in economics and a master’s in finance, Flores Dion recognized that she lacked some of the knowledge and skills necessary for the business-to-business credit field. “I asked my manager about the opportunity to earn the CBA designation, which is a respected and prestigious professional designation in this field,” she said. “The biggest challenge was ensuring I would efficiently manage my personal time and if I were capable of absorbing all new information in a very short amount of time.” 

Ultimately, Flores Dion pushed through her doubts and successfully passed the final exam for her CBA. “I learned that if you put your mind and effort towards a goal you want to achieve, you can do it,” she said. “Everyone in the credit field should go for it! It feels great to have accomplished this and share my knowledge with my colleagues.” 

✏️Study tips: Devise a study plan to allocate time to learning the material on a daily or weekly basis, as your schedule allows. Take thorough notes and review all the materials before taking the exam.  

Also, remember to take breaks to rest your mind as it is a lot of information to absorb, and get a good night’s sleep before taking the exam. “When taking the exam, take a deep breath and trust in yourself as you have prepared for this moment,” Flores Dion said. 

For more information about each designation within NACM’s and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs, visit our website.