NACM professional certifications--benefits: far beyond the initials.(National Association of Credit Management)

Credit professionals who have earned professional certifications from NACM can be justifiably proud of their educational accomplishments. However, beyond the recognition and prestige these certifications confer to those who have earned them, many have attested to the improved skill level and knowledge they have gained. Many employers understand too that they gain in substantive ways by supporting their credit professionals in their continuing educational pursuits.

NACM-National's Education Department developed the Credit Administration Program (CAP) and the Advance Credit Administration Program (ACAP) to meet the educational needs of today's credit professional. Both programs are comprised of a series of college-equivalent courses designed to improve or enhance the credit professional's skills and knowledge. The CAP and ACAP programs are offered exclusively through NACM Affiliated Associations. Those who complete the requirements of CAP may take the exam to earn their CBA (Certified Business Associate) certification. Completing the requirements of ACAP and attaining the required roadmap points entitles participants to take the exam in order to qualify for a CBF (Credit Business Fellow) certification. Also part of the educational program is NACM's Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management. Those who successfully complete this educational opportunity may take the CCE (Certified Credit Professional) exam in order to earn this highest professional designation in the field of business credit. However, one can attain a CCE certification without attending the credit graduate school, as there are several paths to follow to achieve it. Roadmap points are gained from various activities such as work experience and attending conferences and seminars.

An important factor in fostering a commitment by credit professionals in their continuing education is the support they receive from their employers. Companies that promote continuing education as an important goal for their employees are more likely to build a topnotch professional credit staff. Besides words of encouragement, companies can take practical steps to facilitate the continuing education of their credit employees such as paying for the cost of the education, making time available during work hours to take courses and tests, allowing and paying for seminars and conferences and rewarding the attainment of professional certifications with promotions and salary increases. One of the companies that actively supports the continuing education of its credit professionals is Stock Building Supply. Dan O'Neill, Corporate Director of Credit, noted the importance professional talent could bring to his company. O'Neill said he and other high-level management realized that a growing company like theirs needed to promote a high degree of talent from among the credit staff. He said that often this level of talent couldn't be acquired outside the company so it must be cultivated from within through continuing education. "The company supported it. We implemented the programs we needed to get our employees to the level of expertise at which they needed to be." In November 2006, O'Neill mentioned that 11 employees took the CBA exam and 10 of them passed. "I think we may have another batch that's interested in taking the test in March (2007)," he added.

Deb Wangsgard, CCE is the Corporate Credit Training Manager for Stock. "I have about 170 credit people for whom I'm responsible," she said. She noted that her mission is complimented by her company's commitment to increasing the skill and knowledge level of its existing employees. Wangsgard said that NACM's certification program provides ...