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What does a Credit Counselor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A credit counselor is a professional who helps people manage their debt and improve their credit. Counselors work with individuals and families to create a budget, negotiate with creditors, and develop a plan to pay off debt. They also provide education on financial management and credit repair.

Credit Counselor job duties include:

  • Meeting with clients to discuss their financial situation
  • Assessing client's needs and developing a budget
  • Negotiating with creditors on behalf of the client
  • Helping clients develop a plan to get out of debt
  • Providing education and counseling on financial management
  • Referring clients to other resources as needed
  • Keeping accurate records and documentation
  • Maintaining confidentiality of client information
  • Meeting performance goals set by supervisor

Credit Counselor Job Requirements

To work as a credit counselor, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in a field such as finance, accounting, or business. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field. You will also need to be certified as a credit counselor by a professional organization such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). In addition to education and certification requirements, you will need several years of experience working in the financial industry to be considered for a job as a credit counselor.

Credit Counselor Skills

  • Patience
  • Active listening
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Organizational
  • Time management
  • Research
  • Computer
  • Persuasive
  • Interpersonal
  • Conflict resolution

Related: Top Credit Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Credit Counselor

There are a few things to consider if you want to become a credit counselor. The first is whether you have the necessary skills and qualities. Credit counselors need to be able to empathize with people in debt, be non-judgmental, and be excellent communicators. They also need to be able to negotiate with creditors on behalf of their clients.

If you have the necessary skills, the next step is to get certified. Certification requirements vary by state, but most states require credit counselors to have at least a bachelor’s degree and to pass an exam. Once you are certified, you can start working as a credit counselor.

Most credit counselors work for nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost counseling services. Some also work for for-profit companies, banks, or credit unions. You can also start your own credit counseling business.

If you want to become a credit counselor, consider whether you have the necessary skills and qualities. If you do, get certified and start working for a nonprofit organization or other company that provides credit counseling services.

Related: Credit Counselor Resume Example

Related: Credit Counselor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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