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EDUCATION
is the heart of NACM

Here at NACM, education is the pulse of all we do.
We believe that a good foundation is essential for commercial creditors nationwide.

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Online Courses

Online Courses

Live Webinars

Live Webinars

Credit Learning Center

Credit Learning Center

Professional Designation Program

Professional Designation Program

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Webinars on Demand

Certificate Programs

Certificate Programs

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Graduate School

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Thought Leadership Groups

BENEFITS
of being a member of NACM

NACM is committed to assisting every member, meeting their needs and addressing their concerns by offering easy-to-obtain, high-quality products, services and programs.
Here you will find valuable tools for the credit professional, including links to training resources, online education, useful forms and timely publications.

Take advantage of these resources and so much more as a member of NACM.

Visit our Knowledge Center
Business Credit Magazine

Business Credit Magazine

Knowledge Center

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Credit Manager's Index

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Job Board

Scholarship Program

Scholarship Program

Discount Programs

Discount Programs

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Weekly eNews

NTCR

National Trade Credit Report

Online Courses & Specialty Certificates

NACM offers a wide variety of online courses that cover everything from basic to advanced business credit concepts and topics. Experts in the field record and lead some courses; and for others, expert practitioner instructors monitor online progress. While most of the courses are on demand and can be completed at your convenience, the Basic Financial Accounting and International Credit & Risk Management courses begin and end on specific dates, three times each year.

 

Advanced Credit Policy

Led by Dr. Frederick C. Scherr, this advanced course in the analysis and formulation of credit policy examines the areas of credit investigation, terms of sale, credit granting, and credit limits. This course is designed for those making and enforcing credit policy. The course textbook, Making Sound Credit Policy Decisions, is included in your purchase and mailed to you.

Basic Financial Accounting

This course presents an introduction to basic financial accounting. Students begin at square one, learning the foundation of accounting principles. As the language of business, accounting is essential to business professionals. The course runs approximately 15 weeks and is facilitated by an accounting professional who is available for questions by email. Students receive a course bundle before the start of the session, which includes the textbook, study guide, and online component. During the course, students will take four proctored exams online. This course satisfies one of the three required courses for NACM’s Credit Business Associate (CBA) professional designation.

Bankruptcy Bootcamp

Learn the ins and outs of bankruptcy in this specialty certificate course, which spans three one-hour modules. Led by Lowenstein Sandler, LLP attorneys Eric Chavez and Jeffrey Cohen, you will learn the purpose of bankruptcy, what to know once a case has commenced, and the best ways to maximize recoveries and limit losses. Eric and Jeff use real-world examples to make the learning experience more practical. Module 1 covers the fundamentals; Module 2 covers the details once a case has commenced; and Module 3 focuses on maximizing recoveries and mitigating losses.

Business Credit Principles

Designed and written by fellow credit professionals and led by instructor and credit veteran, Toni Drake, CCE, Business Credit Principles is essential for every credit professional. This comprehensive course covers all of the vital elements of business credit, including the role of credit in financial management, the components of effective credit department systems, specific government regulations that pertain to business credit, credit policy and procedures, selling terms, negotiable instruments, the Uniform Commercial Code, credit investigations, finance and business insurance, business credit fraud, factors associated with credit limits, and international trade, as well as bankruptcy codes and alternatives to bankruptcy. This course satisfies one of the three required courses for NACM’s Credit Business Associate (CBA) professional designation.

Business Law

This course covers various legal aspects of business. Module topics include Law and the Legal Environment, Contracts, and Sales and Lease Contracts. Each one of these topics is broken down into multiple modules for in-depth instruction. You will use two textbooks to follow along readings, which are outlined in the syllabus (provided in the Handouts tab). This course fulfills one of the two required courses for the Credit Business Fellow (CBF) professional designation.

Commercial Bankruptcy Credit Specialist

This course provides a broad overview of bankruptcy to familiarize credit professionals with the different chapters and parties involved. It discusses the major bankruptcy chapters in depth and describes how a creditor can deal with and work through them. You will learn what rights you have as a creditor. The credit professional may recognize the term reclamation from state law concepts. Although reclamation is not specifically a bankruptcy concept, it is implemented in bankruptcy. This specialty certificate course also provides how-to basics on dealing with preference claims and customers filing bankruptcy.

Commercial Collections Specialist

Attorney Robert Bernstein examines the four basic costs of credit that businesses should consider when developing a credit policy. These fundamentals aid in understanding why a customer doesn’t pay, enabling your business to prevent some of these situations. Learn how documenting the credit relationship is a vital part of the preparation for lending and how the right policies and procedures help ensure a good credit relationship with customers. This course is designed for credit professionals with zero to three years of credit experience. The material in this collection of modules is designed for the beginning credit professional. Because regulations vary from state to state, this presentation covers general concepts about state regulations.

Commercial Construction Credit Specialist

This course is designed especially for commercial credit executives in the building and construction arena. It covers construction terminology and the importance of contract terms and forms that will reduce costs and motivate a debtor to pay. The course presents a brief guide to the Uniform Commercial Code, along with descriptions and explanations of Article 2: Sales; Article 6:  Bulk Sales and Article 9: Secured Transactions. Learn the terms the Uniform Commercial Code adds to your contract automatically unless you otherwise agree. The course also examines the mechanic’s lien filing process, including when and why to file a preliminary notice. Other topics include payment bonds, the difference between public and private entities, and dispute resolution options.

Credit Law

This 23-module course is designed to teach business credit professionals about the legal aspects of business credit. Module topics include business organizations, commercial transactions, and government regulation and compliance. Eighteen of the 23 one-hour modules require a passing quiz grade to advance to the next module. Many of the modules feature guest speakers who provide valuable information and real-time examples. This course fulfills one of the two required courses for the Credit Business Fellow (CBF) professional designation.

Financial Statement Analysis 1

Using the text, Understanding Financial Statements, this course presents an overview of financial statements and then dives into the Balance Sheet, the Income Statement, Statement of Stockholders Equity, and the Statement of Cash Flows. The final chapters examine sources of information, such as audit reports and 10Ks, and key financial ratios, including activity, profitability, and leverage ratios. Short-term liquidity, operating efficiency, capital structure, and long-term solvency are also examined. Led by Dr. Frederick C. Scherr, this course satisfies one of the three required courses for NACM’s Credit Business Associate (CBA) professional designation.

International Credit & Risk Management Online Course℠

The International Credit & Risk Management (ICRM) course is a comprehensive, in-depth 13-week course designed to educate professionals about the intricacies of global credit and risk management. The course offers vital, up-to-date information in a collaborative, 24-7 accessible learning environment. Peer-to-peer interaction helps strengthen, diversify, and build a reliable network of professionals, while helping learners gain an all-encompassing view of credit and risk management. Drawing from multiple perspectives, the knowledge and hands-on experience provides a balanced view of how to better understand, manage, and mitigate the credit risks associated with doing business internationally. In simple terms—know the risks of getting paid and get paid on time. Successful completion of this course and exam leads to the Certified International Credit Professional (CICP) designation.

Letters of Credit (LCs)

Most exporters will use letters of credit (LCs) at some point in their business. LCs should be simple and effective payment tools, but experience reflects a different scenario. Most exporters encounter payment frustrations and delays due to incorrect/discrepant documents being presented to banks for payment. In this 8-module specialty certificate course led by Chip Thomas, General Manager of the American Export Training Institute, you will learn about all aspects of the Letter of Credit process. You will learn the major causes of discrepancies and the critical factors that exporters must manage or control in order to avoid this problem. This course is a must if you want to reduce your frustrations, DSO and costs when using letters of credit, and you care about improving cash flow and profitability. Empower yourself to improve your letter of credit skills and outcomes! Watch a quick clip of instructor Chip Thomas share the importance of LCs.

Soft-Skills, Ways to Conduct Effective Conversations with Kevin Stinner

Employers need current or prospective staff to have strong soft-skills, which are a combination of people and communication skills along with emotional intelligence and certain personality traits. In this course, you will learn about the skills especially helpful to today’s credit professional, including how to have effective conversations face-to-face, on the phone, and with the sales department. Each topic is broken down into its own module.

Certification Exam Information

The dates for the CBA, CBF and CCE exams can be found on our event calendar and in the NACM National Certification Brochure. The exam test date schedule may be modified from time to time; all exam candidates will receive updated information and schedules with their written eligibility confirmation if this occurs. The CBA, CBF and CCE exams will be given at your local Affiliated Association office on the dates listed below.

Your Registration Form, Application Form, corresponding fees and documented Career Roadmap (if applicable) must arrive in our office by the day of the paperwork deadline to ensure a formal evaluation of your information for each exam. You will receive written confirmation of your file status approximately four weeks from the date we receive your paperwork.

Testing

Certification exams are administered in accordance with the national test date schedule. No books, notes or reference materials are permitted in the exam room; however, hand-held calculators are permitted. Exam results are released in writing as pass or fail (unsatisfactory) only. Numeric grades are not released. Candidates receiving a failing result will be given study suggestions to help prepare to retake the exam.

You are encouraged to study for the examination. For the CBA and CBF designations, test questions are drawn from the material covered in the required courses. Candidates will receive a copy of the appropriate exam study outline from the NACM-National Education Department with their approval letters. Because NACM reserves the right to update the exams, qualified exam candidates should reference the current Study Guides to prepare for the exam. All of the recommended study texts can be purchased through the NACM Bookstore.

CBA and CBF Online Practice Exams are intended to provide a sampling of the official exam’s format and content. They are not intended to reflect the exact number of questions on any specific subject nor are they reflective of the exact number of questions found on the official exam. The Online Practice Exams are meant for study preparation and as a tool to become comfortable with the testing process. Please note that an exam access fee may be instituted during the year.

Exam Retake Fee

Should your exam results be unsatisfactory, you may retake any of the designation exams on the next scheduled test date. You must complete and send the Exam Retake Form along with the appropriate retake fee to the NACM-National Education Department to retake an exam. Your form should be received by the NACM-National Education Department at least 30 days prior to the scheduled test date.

If you would like to inquire about your exam, please make inquiries within three months of the exam date on which you sat. Exams will be destroyed after this time. Unfortunately, the number of exams taken each year precludes their storage.

Exam Rescheduling and Fees

Anyone rescheduling an exam date should put their request in writing or update their exam notification form (this will arrive with your written testing approval letter). The NACM-National
Education Department must receive written notification of your wish to change exam dates at least two weeks prior to the exam date. You may fax or mail the request. A $40 fee is charged if you reschedule up to two weeks prior to the examination date or are a no-show for the examination. This fee applies each time you reschedule or cancel two weeks prior to or within two weeks of the exam.

Application and Testing Expirations

All three designations require the candidate to apply for qualification. Candidates must take the appropriate designation exam within one year of written eligibility and must pass the exam within three years of eligibility. Failure to complete the process by taking or passing the exam will require the candidate to reapply.

FAQs for NACM Certification Program and Career Roadmap

  1. Do I have to complete the Education Department Registration form before taking the required courses?

    You should complete the registration form either before you begin taking your courses or after you have completed your first course.
  2. Do I need to be an NACM member to sit for NACM's designation exams?

    You are not required to be an NACM member to sit for our designation exams, however, NACM members do qualify for discounted application fees.
  3. Do Continuing Education points apply only to NACM-sponsored conferences, seminars and meetings?

    Employee-sponsored training may also be entered in the Continuing Education at Conferences, Seminars and Meetings section.
  4. What do CAP and ACAP stand for?

    The Credit Administration Program (CAP) and the Advanced Credit Administration Program (ACAP) refer to courses that are offered through NACM Affiliated Associations.
  5. How do you prove that you are the registered participant for NACM-National webinars and teleconferences?

    The NACM Education Department will verify your registration with the NACM-National Meetings Registrar.
  6. If I took an accounting course in college, do I still need to take the accounting course through NACM?

    You may submit an official college transcript for review by the Education Department to determine if the course fulfills NACM's requirements.
  7. How can I get information on seminars and classes I've attended?

    For local events, please contact your local NACM affiliate. You may find a listing of your NACM National education history by visiting www.nacm.org. After logging in, click on Check My Account and then Participation to view your CEU earnings, NACM meeting history and CMI survey participation.
  8. Does work experience outside of credit count, such as accounting, accounts receivable or accounts payable?

    If your work experience was in the financial management field, points may be awarded in the work experience area.
  9. Do I need to complete the Career Roadmap if I am applying for the CBA designation?

    The Career Roadmap is only required for the CBF and CCE designations. We do recommend keeping a record of any educational programs you attend, however, if you plan on working towards your CBF and/or CCE designation.
  10. Why aren't additional points awarded for the CCRA designation to those that achieved the CBF designation prior to 2013?

    Prior to 2013, the Financial Statement Analysis 2 course was required for the CBF designation. Since all the courses for the CCRA designation would have been required for either the CBA or CBF designation prior to 2013, no further coursework would be necessary, therefore no further credit may be given.
  11. How do I participate in NACM-National surveys?

    Please visit our website to receive monthly email reminders to take the CMI survey.
  12. Can I pay for my Education Department application fees online with a credit card?

    Yes! You can pay here.

NACM Career Roadmap

Along with the CBF and CCE designation applications, you must submit the NACM Career Roadmap. The CCRA and CBA designations do not require the submission of the Career Roadmap. The Roadmap enables you to assess your professional accomplishments. There are more than 500 points available on the NACM Career Roadmap. A total of 75 Roadmap points is needed to apply for the CBF designation and a total of 125 points is needed to qualify for the CCE designation. Points are awarded for both formal and continuing education, work experience, participation with your local and National NACM offices, as well as special activities in which you may be involved. You must send your completed Career Roadmap to the NACM-National Education Department for evaluation with the CBF and CCE application form and fee. Your Roadmap will be reviewed and verified, after which you will be notified of your status. Completed paperwork is due eight weeks prior to the scheduled exam date to ensure time for a thorough evaluation.

Keep a copy of your Roadmap accessible and add points to it as you attend classes and participate in activities and events. Save a complete copy of your Roadmap for future reference each time you submit it with a designation application.

Listen to tips about completing NACM’s Career Roadmap 



Career Roadmap (pdf)

Career Roadmap Sample #1 (pdf)

Career Roadmap Sample #2 (pdf)

Career Roadmap Sample #3 (pdf)

Certified Credit Executive® (CCE®) Exam Study Guide

About this Guide:

This guide presents a listing of suggested study topics and recommended books and material to prepare for the CCE designation exam. Due to the comprehensive nature of the exam, this guide cannot present a listing of every possible topic that can appear on the exam. Depending on your level of proficiency, you may not need to read every book. Some topics are duplicated in these publications. Be sure to spend time on legal and financial issues when preparing for the exam.

 

About the Exam:

The length and scope of each CCE exam may vary. Traditionally, the exam is comprised of two sections: short answer/essay questions covering a variety of credit, legal and management issues and a case study. The exam measures a candidate's ability to apply concepts to situations or explain how they relate to the field of business credit. The case study will require a candidate to analyze a case company and apply your findings to specific questions.

Candidates may take up to four hours to complete the exam. Many candidates have difficulty with the time constraint. We suggest you take questions from the Charles Gahala text listed herein, and attempt to answer the questions in one or two well-developed paragraphs. To get a feel for the testing environment, time yourself. Gauge your progress after fifteen minutes. If you are unable to thoroughly discuss a topic in a timed situation, focusing on the topic's primary issues, you may wish to review the topic in greater detail or continue with these timed exercises.

During the exam if you are uncertain about a question, move on and come back to it later or provide as much information as you know since partial credit is given. If the exam instructions state that a fully developed answer is composed of two or three paragraphs, do not over or under respond to the question. Providing a two-page answer where two paragraphs will suffice only eats away at your time. Also, keep in mind that the opposite is true. If you are familiar with a subject, writing a two sentence response is clearly too brief based on the instructions.

Please be aware that the essay portion of the exam and the case study section are each worth approximately fifty points. No one section is more important than the other. The exam you take will note the precise value of each question. Texts and notes may not be used during the exam. Hand-held calculators may be used. Candidates must earn a final score of 70% to pass this examination. And finally, please keep in mind that every test-taker is different. You are the best judge of your study habits and testing strengths and weaknesses.

Suggested Reading:

Depending on an applicant's proficiency, some or all of the following publications are recommended:

  • Credit Management: Principles and Practices, 4th edition by Dr. Charles Gahala, CCE
  • Understanding Financial Statements by Lyn M. Fraser
  • Manual of Credit and Commercial Laws, by NACM
  • Antitrust, Restraint of Trade, and Unfair Competition: Myth Vs. Reality by Wanda Borges, Esq.

All of these publications are available for purchase through the NACM Bookstore.

Credit Management: Principles and Practices by Dr. Charles Gahala

This book presents a comprehensive review of the many topics covered by the exam. It is recommended that candidates read the entire book and answer the end of chapter questions. Depending on a candidate's level of knowledge, the other publications listed in this guide should be consulted.

Understanding Financial Statements by Lyn M. Fraser

This book, written in an easy-to-read format, presents a comprehensive look at the subject of financial analysis.  Candidates should focus on the meaning of information or interpreting the information presented in financials.  Candidates should review this entire book.

Manual of Credit and Commercial Laws by NACM

The Manual presents a comprehensive look at the legal environment of credit. Candidates should pay particular attention to the following chapters:

Vol. I, Chapter 5: The Formation, Performance and Enforcement of Contracts
Vol. 1, Chapter 6: Antitrust and Trade Regulation for Credit Groups and Grantors
Vol. 1, Chapter 8: The Sarbanes-Oxley Act:  Compliance Issues and Regulations
Vol. II, Chapter 3: Uniform Commercial Code: An Overview
Vol. II, Chapter 4: Negotiable Instruments: Notes, Checks, and Drafts
Vol. II, Chapter 6: Secured Transactions: A Step-by-Step Explanation
Vol. II, Chapter 7: Bad Check Laws
Vol. II, Chapter 10: Consumer Protection Legislation
Vol. IV, Chapter 1: Reclamation, Stoppage in Transit and Adequate Assurance Rights, Administrative Claim in Favor of Goods Suppliers, and other Return of Goods Remedies
Vol. IV, Chapter 2: A Creditor's Guide to the Bankruptcy Process
Vol. IV, Chapter 3: Alternatives to Forcing a Financially Distressed Debtor into Bankruptcy

Please note that volume and chapter numbers refer to the 2019 edition of the Manual of Credit & Commercial Laws.  If you have an earlier edition, the chapter numbers will be different.