Online Courses

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

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)

CCE Study Guide

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.

 

CBF Study Guide

Credit Business Fellowsm (CBFsm) Exam Study Guide

About this Guide:

This guide is a listing of suggested study topics for the Credit Business Fellow (CBF) designation exam. The study topics are based on textbooks recommended and used by NACM. The textbook listed may be purchased through the NACM Bookstore. This outline is intended to be used as a general guide for preparing for the examination. In-depth preparation (additional texts, study sessions, seminars, self-study courses, etc.) is recommended in conjunction with reviewing the material within this study outline.

 

About the Exam:

The CBF exam typically consists of approximately 130 multiple-choice and true/false questions having equal point values. Candidates may take up to three and a half hours to complete the exam. The exam covers topics presented in the CBF required courses:

  • Business Law (the law of contracts and negotiable instruments)
  • Credit Law

Candidates may not use notes, reference materials, or books during the exam. Candidates must earn a final score of 70% to pass the exam. If you are uncertain about the references listed or the topics noted or have questions, please be sure to contact the National Education Department for clarification prior to the exam.

Suggested Reading:

While the following textbook is used by NACM, other college textbooks may be substituted. You should compare the topics listed in this guide with topics presented in any alternative texts used to prepare for this exam.

Business Law Today (12th edition) by Miller

Chapter 1: Law and Legal Reasoning
Chapter 2: Constitutional Law
Chapter 3: Ethics in Business
Chapter 4: Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Chapter 5: Tort Law
Chapter 6: Product Liability
Chapter 7: Intellectual Property Rights
Chapter 8: Internet Law, Social Media, and Privacy
Chapter 9: Criminal Law and Cyber Crime
Chapter 10: Nature and Classification
Chapter 11: Agreement
Chapter 12: Consideration
Chapter 13: Capacity and Legality
Chapter 14: Voluntary Consent
Chapter 15: Statute of Frauds – Writing Requirement
Chapter 16: Performance and Discharge
Chapter 17: Breach and Remedies
Chapter 18: Third Party Rights

Chapter 19: The Formation of Sales and Lease Contracts
Chapter 20: Title and Risk of Loss
Chapter 21: Performance and Breach of Sale and Lease Contracts
Chapter 23: International and Space Law
Chapter 25: Security Interests and Creditors’ Rights
Chapter 26: Bankruptcy
Chapter 27: Agency Relationships in Business
Chapter 30: Sole Proprietorships and Franchises
Chapter 31: All Forms of Partnership
Chapter 32: Limited Liability Companies and Special Business Forms
Chapter 33: Corporate Formation and Financing
Chapter 34: Corporate Directors, Officers, and Shareholders
Chapter 35: Corporate Mergers, Takeovers, and Terminations
Chapter 36: Investor Protection, Insider Trading, and Corporate Governance
Chapter 37: Administrative Law
Chapter 38: Antitrust Law and Promoting Competition
Chapter 39: Consumer and Environmental Law

CBA Study Guide

Credit Business Associatesm (CBAsm) Exam Study Outline

Recommended Texts:
The following textbooks, all of which are available for purchase through the NACM Bookstore, should be used to prepare for the exam:

  • Principles of Business Credit, by NACM
  • Accounting by Warren, Reeve & Duchac or any college-level financial accounting text
  • Understanding Financial Statements by Lyn Fraser
  • Credit Management: Principles and Practices by Dr. Charles Gahala, CCE (optional, review text)

This guide outlines the chapters covered by the CBA exam. Please be aware that this study outline is intended as a general guide for preparing for the examination. In-depth preparation (study sessions, seminars, self-study courses, etc.) is recommended in conjunction with reviewing the material within this study outline.

CBA Exam Format:

The CBA exam typically consists of approximately 125-150 true/false and multiple choice questions of an equal point value. Exam questions are drawn from the recommended texts covering any or all of the suggested topics. The exam may require the preparation of a balance sheet, an income statement, a statement of cash flows, or common size analysis (vertical or horizontal). Candidates have three hours in which to complete the exam and may not use texts or notes, but may use hand-held calculators during the examination. Candidates must earn a score of 70% to pass this examination. NACM reserves the right to change the format of the exam at any time.

If you are in any way uncertain about the references or topics listed, please contact the National Education Department for clarification prior to the exam.

Principles of Business Credit, 8th Edition

Chapter 1: Credit in the Business World
Chapter 2: Credit in the Company
Chapter 3: Organizing the Credit Department
Chapter 4: The Credit and Sales Partnership
Chapter 5: Legal Forms of Business
Chapter 6: Legal Environment of Credit
Chapter 7: The Uniform Commercial Code
Chapter 8: Credit Policy and Procedures
Chapter 9: Credit Applications

Chapter 10: Terms and Conditions of Sale
Chapter 11: Credit Investigations
Chapter 12: Business Credit Fraud
Chapter 13: Making Credit Decisions
Chapter 14: International Trade
Chapter 15: Financing and Business Insurance
Chapter 16: Negotiable Instrument
Chapter 17: Bankruptcy Code Proceedings
Chapter 18: Bankruptcy Alternatives

Accounting, 27th Edition

If you are using another accounting text, compare these topics against those in a different text.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Accounting and Business
Chapter 2: Analyzing Transactions
Chapter 3: The Adjusting Process
Chapter 4: Completing the Accounting Cycle
Chapter 5: Accounting Systems
Chapter 6: Accounting for Merchandising Businesses
Chapter 7: Inventories
Chapter 8: Sarbanes-Oxley, Internal Controls, and Cash

Chapter 9: Receivables
Chapter 10: Fixed Assets and Intangible Assets
Chapter 11: Current Liabilities and Payroll
Chapter 12: Accounting for Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies
Chapter 13: Corporations: Organization, Stock Transaction, and Dividends
Chapter 16: Statement of Cash Flows

Understanding Financial Statements

Chapter 1: Financial Statements: An Overview
Chapter 2: The Balance Sheet
Chapter 3: Income Statement and Statement of Stockholders' Equity
Chapter 4: Statement of Cash Flows
Chapter 5: The Analysis of Financial Statements

Credit Management: Principles & Practices, 4th Edition

Part I: An Introduction to Business Credit Management
Chapter 1: The Changing Nature of Credit Management
Part II: Credit Policy and the Extension of Credit
Chapter 4: Managing Credit Policy
Chapter 5: Legislation and Regulations Pertinent to Business Credit Decision Making
Chapter 6: Conducting the Credit Investigation
Chapter 7: Business Credit Reporting
Part III: Credit, Collection and Analysis
Chapter 8: A Systematic Approach to Effective Collection Activity
Chapter 9: Financial Statement Analysis Part IV: Secured Credit and Bankruptcy
Chapter 11: Secured Credit Arrangements and Letters of Credit
Chapter 12: Bankruptcy and Reorganization

The Credit and Sales Partnership

General Information for Certification Courses

General Information for our Certification Courses

Comprehensive courses for credit analysts as well as CBA, CBF, CCRA applicants and CCE candidates.

Tuition Information

The tuition for each program is 

Member: $1,795.00
Non-Member: $1,995.00

Includes: the cost of the program, materials and meals.

Hotel Information

Located in NACM’s “backyard,” The Staybridge Suites Columbia Hotel is a newly renovated hotel that will be your home away from home during the program. Conveniently located in the Washington, DC/Baltimore corridor, the hotel is nestled within a residential area with easy access to major interstates (I70 and I95). Each suite comes with all the comforts of home. Enjoy amenities such as spacious floor plan, separate living/work space and free high-speed Internet access.

Credit Analysts Courses at Staybridge

The Staybridge Suites Columbia Hotel
8844 Columbia 100 Parkway
Columbia, Maryland 21045
Phone: 410-964-9494

Hotel Reservations

Program participants may make their hotel reservations at The Staybridge Suites Columbia Hotel. The hotel is adjacent to NACM Headquarters office where the program is being held.

Make your hotel reservations online and use code NAC to secure the NACM meeting rate of $119 for a studio suite. 

To ensure you receive a room at the NACM meeting rate, make your reservation as early as possible.  The meeting rate is based on availability. When making your reservation, be sure to review or inquire about the hotel’s deposit and cancellation policies.  Check in time is 4:00pm and check out is 12:00pm.

Transportation Information

The Staybridge Suites Columbia Hotel is conveniently located 12 miles from Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Transportation is provided by NACM for offsite dinners.  Please contact BWI’s website for hotel transportation options to and from the hotel.

Program Cancellation and Refund Policy

Due to inherent costs associated with establishing and holding the program and refilling participant slots, the following cancellation charge schedule has been established:

  • $250 processing fee for cancellations received 21 days before the program start date.
  • No refunds within 21 days of the program start date. Qualified substitutions are permitted.

In the unfortunate event a course is cancelled, NACM is not responsible for a registrant’s flight/travel/hotel expenses. We recommend this consideration be factored in when making flight/travel/hotel reservations.

Classes fill up, so register early. Check the schedule!

Business Credit Principles

Business Credit Principles

About the Program

This intensive program offers a comprehensive look at the credit function. Upon successful completion, you should understand the role of credit in financial management, the components of effective credit department systems and procedures, specific government regulations that pertain to business credit, credit and policy procedures, selling terms, negotiable instruments, the Uniform Commercial Code, credit investigations, financing and insurance, business credit fraud, factors associated with credit limits, out-of-court settlements, and bankruptcy.

Program Overview

This program satisfies a requirement for the Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation. Using the textbook, Principles of Business Credit, 8th Edition, published by NACM, participants will receive in-depth exposure to:

  1. Credit in the Business World
  2. Credit in the Company
  3. Organizing the Credit Department
  4. The Legal Environment of Credit
  5. Credit Policy and Procedures
  6. Terms and Conditions of Sale
  7. Negotiable Instruments
  8. The Uniform Commercial Code
  9. The Legal Forms of Business
  10. Credit Investigations
  11. Know Your Customer
  12. International Trade
  13. Financing and Business Insurance
  14. Business Credit Fraud
  15. Making Credit Decisions
  16. Customer Visits
  17. The Credit and Sales Partnership
  18. Out-of-Court Settlements
  19. Bankruptcy Code Proceedings
  20. Financial Statements
  21. Financial Analysis Fundamentals
  22. Analysis and Forecasting of Credit and Receivable Information

Program Instructor

toni-drake, business credit, credit and collectionsToni Drake, CCE is the President of TRM Financial Services, Inc., a company specializing in consulting and outsourcing services in the area of business credit and collections. Ms. Drake launched The Connection Center in 2005, which focuses on training and education in credit and collections, including financial statement analysis, as well as in the areas of professional development. Ms. Drake has been a member of NACM since 1984, and began teaching CAP classes and various educational sessions in 1997. Ms. Drake served as the NACM National Chair of the Board in 2013. She is an alumni of the NACM Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management at Dartmouth College. She was awarded the Credit Executive of the Year Award by NACM-Southwest and was awarded the CCE Designation of Excellence Award by NACM National in 2008.

Program Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course though a basic knowledge of accounting principles is helpful.

General Information

The Certificate Sessions are conducted
at the NACM headquarters located in Columbia, Maryland.

Find out how you can complete an NACM
Certification Program requirement
in one week.

 

 

Program Schedule

 

 

Day One

 

Day One – Monday

8:00 – 8:30am
Continental Breakfast

8:30am – Noon
I. Financial Overview

Credit in the Business World

  • Discussion of the role of commercial credit in today’s society for the financing of goods and services.
  • Discussion of the role of the Federal Reserve in expansion and contraction of the flow of funds.
  • Legal aspects of the Consumer Protection Act and its effect on Consumer and Commercial Credit.
  • Anti-Trust legislation.

Noon – 1:00pm
Lunch

1:00 – 5:00pm

Credit Policy

  • Defining credit policy in relationship to company goals and objectives.
  • Discussion of factors affecting credit policy.
  • Establishment of company credit policy and procedures.
  • Implementation of credit policy throughout the company.

Understanding Negotiable Instruments

  • Elements of negotiable instruments.
  • Understanding use of notes and drafts.
  • Legal implications of a negotiable instrument.

5:30pm
Dinner at a Local Restaurant

All dinners are held at local restaurants. A variety of dinner choices is always available.

 

 

Day Two

 

Day Two – Tuesday

8:00 – 8:30am
Continental Breakfast

8:30am – Noon
II. The Credit Decision-Development

Decision Procedures

  • What is a marginal account?
  • Factors affecting the development of terms of sale.
  • Understanding the three areas of terms.
  • Uniform Commercial Code and its effect on terms of sale.
  • Benefits of proper terms of sale on company.
  • Use of guarantees and letters of credit.
  • What is a bank line of credit, factoring, ordinary accounts receivable financing?

Noon – 1:00pm
Lunch

1:00 – 2:15pm

Legal Forms of Business

  • Thorough study of legal forms of business structures—benefits and disadvantages of each.
  • How should the credit grantor react to each form of business entity when establishing credit availability amounts?

2:15 – 5:00pm
Comprehensive Review and Mid-term Exam
This review and mid-term exam will cover the material presented in class on Tuesday and Wednesday.

5:30pm
Dinner at a Local Restaurant

 

 

Day Three

 

Day Three – Wednesday

8:00 – 8:30am
Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 5:00pm
III. The Credit Decision - Investigation

  • Understanding the 5 C’s of Credit.
  • Rethinking the credit application.
  • Direct credit investigation.
  • Indirect credit investigation.

IV. The Credit Decision - Financial Statements: Understanding
Fundamentals of Financial Analysis

  • Auditor’s opinion statements.
  • What is a balance sheet?
  • What is an income statement?
  • What is a statement of cash flows?
  • Understanding financial ratios.
  • Case Analysis—Utilizing all of the credit decision tools.
  • Establishing the credit availability amount.

Noon – 1:00pm
Lunch

5:30pm
Dinner at a Local Restaurant

 

 

 

Day Four

 

Day Four – Thursday

8:00 – 8:30am
Continental Breakfast

8:30am – Noon
IV. The Credit Decision - Financial Statements: Understanding Fundamentals of Financial Analysis – continued

Noon – 1:00pm
Lunch

1:00 – 5:00pmV. Collection Procedures

Defining Collections

  • Reviewing ongoing accounts.
  • What is collection procedure? When does it begin?
  • Collection policy.
  • Use of invoice and statements in the collection process.
  • How to deal with an overdue account at various stages of delinquency.
  • Dealing with out-of-court settlements.
  • Is it a bad debt?

Bankruptcy Code Proceeding

  • What is a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
  • What is a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?
  • What is a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
  • How do we react to each?

Management Reports

  • What reports are key and important?
  • Who reads the reports?
  • Understanding and interpreting reports to management.
  • Are they necessary?

5:00pm
Study Session and Pizza Dinner

 

 

Day Five

 

Day Five – Friday

8:00 – 8:30am
Continental Breakfast

8:30am
Comprehensive Review and Final Exam

In order to give you sufficient time to take the final exam, we strongly recommend that your return flight not be scheduled to depart before 2:00pm on the final day of the program. Please do not plan on leaving the national office for the airport before 1:00 pm.

 

 

*Schedule is subject to change.

 

NACM's Virtual Business Credit Principles Class

NACM's Virtual Business Credit Principles Class

bcp-class2About the Program
This intensive program offers a comprehensive look at the credit function. Upon successful completion, you should understand the role of credit in financial management, the components of effective credit department systems and procedures, specific government regulations that pertain to business credit, credit and policy procedures, selling terms, negotiable instruments, the Uniform Commercial Code, credit investigations, financing and insurance, business credit fraud, factors associated with credit limits, out-of-court settlements, and bankruptcy.

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Program Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course though a basic knowledge of accounting principles is helpful.

Program Overview
This program satisfies a requirement for the Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation. Using the textbook, Principles of Business Credit, 8th Edition, published by NACM, participants will receive in-depth exposure to:

  1. Credit in the Business World
  2. Credit in the Company
  3. Organizing the Credit Department
  4. The Legal Environment of Credit
  5. Credit Policy and Procedures
  6. Terms and Conditions of Sale
  7. Negotiable Instruments
  8. The Uniform Commercial Code
  9. The Legal Forms of Business
  10. Credit Investigations
  11. Know Your Customer
  12. International Trade
  13. Financing and Business Insurance
  14. Business Credit Fraud
  15. Making Credit Decisions
  16. Customer Visits
  17. The Credit and Sales Partnership
  18. Out-of-Court Settlements
  19. Bankruptcy Code Proceedings
  20. Financial Statements
  21. Financial Analysis Fundamentals
  22. Analysis and Forecasting of Credit and Receivable Information

 

Program Instructor
toni-drake, business credit, credit and collectionsToni Drake, CCE is the President of TRM Financial Services, Inc., a company specializing in consulting and outsourcing services in the area of business credit and collections. Ms. Drake launched The Connection Center in 2005, which focuses on training and education in credit and collections, including financial statement analysis, as well as in the areas of professional development. Ms. Drake has been a member of NACM since 1984, and began teaching CAP classes and various educational sessions in 1997. Ms. Drake served as the NACM National Chair of the Board in 2013. She is an alumnus of the NACM Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management at Dartmouth College. She was awarded the Credit Executive of the Year Award by NACM-Southwest and was awarded the CCE Designation of Excellence Award by NACM National in 2008.