Certified Credit Counselor

What are a Certified Credit Counselor’s job duties?
Credit Counselors advise individuals and organizations on managing debt. The issues they address may involve whether or not to take on loans, credit card management, debt repayment and specific debt issues such as medical bills or student loans. Some specific tasks may include:

• Creating debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets
• Calculating a clients’ available monthly income to meet debt obligations
• Arranging debt repayment to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure
• Organizing repayment to reduce borrowing costs by paying high-interest or short-term loans first.
• Recommending strategies for clients to meet their financial goals
• Interviewing clients to gather financial information
• Explaining financial topics such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions

Where do Certified Credit Counselors work?
Many Certified Credit Counselors work in the public sector, serving in community education or financial services departments of local or state governments. Some work in the non-profit sector for credit counseling or debt management services. Some work with financial institutions helping borrowers work out troubled loans or manage their debt loads.

Is certification important for Credit Counselors?
Credit Counselors work with highly confidential and often complex, personal matters. They often represent civic or non-profit organizations where trust and competence are of the highest importance. For these responsibilities, certification such as that offered by the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC) signals that you have undertaken a challenging course of preparation and have documented your expertise at the highest levels.