Debt Counselor Training

Debt counselors help people manage their finances.

Debt counselors try to help their clients get back on track financially by providing free training about debt and money management. They can do this over a telephone helpline or by meeting with people in person.

Math Skills

Credit counselors must have a good command of math skills in order to help people and small businesses manage their finances.

Call Center

For credit counselors who will be working on a telephone help line, experience working in a call center may be required.

Bilingual

Depending on the area of the country in which you will be working, the ability to speak Spanish may be required.

Finance Background

Training to become a debt counselor can be gained from prior job experience. Related fields are finance, consumer credit or a counseling-related field.

Know the Options

Credit counselors must be able to properly assess their client's financial situation and be able to know all the different options available in order to assist the client, such as debt management plans, debt consolidation, bankruptcy and debt negotiation.

Get Certified

While not a requirement, you can become certified through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors. You will learn counseling skills, credit cards, debt collection, the psychology of spending and the various options for resolving debt. Certification may make landing a job easier.

References

• Thingamajob: Bilingual Debt & Budget Counselor
• Federal Trade Commission: Knee Deep in Debt
• National Association of Certified Credit Counselors: Credit Counseling Certification