Certified Consumer Debt Specialist

 

The Certified Consumer Debt Specialist^SM provides professional development and training for those working in Debt Settlement to effectively negotiate on behalf of consumers while improving their personal finance management. This comprehensive program allows debt specialists working in the Debt Settlement industry to educate their clients about establishing personal budgets, evaluating debt loads, setting financial goals, and developing a plan of action to avoid becoming repeat debtors. Certification ensures that individuals have been trained and tested in regulations governing the Debt Settlement industry, negotiation skills and the fundamentals of financial management.

Course Outline

Part I details communication, counseling techniques and negotiation skills. Communication techniques include listening skills, obstacles to effective communications, improving communication skills and counseling formats. Cognitive issues and problem solving skills are also addressed.

Part II details the fundamentals of financial management: money management, credit, investing and retirement, debt management and insurance.

Part III discusses consumer protection legislation.

Part IV is the Resource Guide which includes worksheets, a glossary, forms, website information, the Code of Ethics and a practice exam.