Contact:Christopher Morris | 608-231-4374 | cmorris@ncuf.coop
Madison, Wis. - - An enhanced version of the Credit Union Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) is available to credit union staff thanks to a collaboration between the National Credit Union Foundation's REAL Solutions® effort, Credit Union National Association’s Center for Professional Development (CUNA CPD), and the Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, and Virginia credit union leagues.
FiCEP, a self-study programoffered by CUNA CPDis a program where credit union employees learn how to counsel members to better prepare for their future and to assist when they are faced with financial difficulties. Until now students have had the option of attending a face-to-face school or through self-study. Through this enhanced version of the program, students not only get the self-study guides, but it includes 8 webinars (1 per module) which will review the printed materials and add real-life experiences, as well as two in-person meetings which will feature networking, education and proctored exams.Click here for more information on FiCEP.
“With the Foundation’s new focus on financial education, this partnership makes perfect sense because it will help more credit union members make better financial choices,” said Lois Kitsch, NCUF National REAL Solutions Director. “This is just the beginning too, as more Leagues come into the program in the next few months. In fact, 500 new financial counselors are expected to go through the program from 16 states during 2011.”
Credit unions interested in having staff trained to become financial counselors should contact Shawn Lanier at CUNA slanier@cuna.coop or Lois Kitsch at REAL Solutions lkitsch@ncuf.coop.
About FiCEP
FiCEPenables all credit union staff to become more confident in helping members build a stronger financial future. FiCEP is designed for credit union staff who work in the financial counseling, collections, and loan departments, or any other staff members who are committed to helping members gain control of their financial future.
FiCEP enhancescredit union services by:
- Proven financial counseling skills become a part of the credit union’s culture;
- Written for all staff levels so anyone can offer financial counseling during every member interaction;
- Certification satisfies members’ needs as they continually look for the value of the credit union;
- Differentiates the credit union with certified financial counselors; and
- Helps members transform the way they deal with money through real-world counseling.
When staff successfully complete the proctored exams for both parts (eight total modules), they will be a Credit Union Certified Financial Counselor ready and able to assist credit union members reach their financial goals.
About REAL Solutions
REAL Solutions® is the signature program of the National Credit Union Foundation. REAL — ― “Relevant, Effective, Asset-building, Loyalty-producing” — Solutions works to help credit unions offer a wide range of products and services that have proven successful in serving working families with low wealth and modest means. Using product/business models created and tested by credit unions, REAL Solutions disseminates information to credit unions through special meetings, an online impact center at www.realsolutions.coop, and state and national conferences. As NCUF’s signature program over the past three years, REAL Solutions has been adopted in 40 states and is saving members tens of millions of dollars. It has now become a documented business strategy for credit unions to grow their memberships by serving the underserved. Real people with real needs are finding REAL Solutions at credit unions.
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About the National Credit Union Foundation (ncuf.coop):
The National Credit Union Foundation is the US credit union movement’s primary national philanthropic program provider, fundraiser and grant-maker. Through NCUF grants and programs, credit unions provide widespread financial education, create greater access to affordable financial services, and empower more consumers to save, build assets, and own homes.
NCUF is funded primarily by investments in the award-winning Community Investment Fund (CIF) and by generous Supporters led by the Credit Union National Association, CUNA Mutual Group, Harland Clarke, CO-OP Financial Services, STAR, California&Nevada Credit Union Leagues, Card Services for Credit Unions, and VISA. All NCUF donors provide support that empowers NCUF and state credit union foundations to make a real impact in the credit union community.
The National Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization and continues to earn the Better Business Bureau seal of approval as an “Accredited