How to Be a Credit Counselor

Credit counselors are becoming increasingly popular as we move away from a cash-based society. There are constantly people who will be looking for help with their financial situations, and a credit counselor is likely the best person for the job. Becoming a credit counselor requires a person who cares about the financial security of others, as well as someone who will take all of the steps to secure that position.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• High school diploma or equivalent Resume

1. Earn your high school diploma or GED. Excelling in mathematics is a plus. It is also helpful to have taken business classes while in high school.

2. Enroll in a community college or vocational school. Take classes in accounting. It would also be helpful to take counseling classes in order to get more experience in the field.

3. Practice your credit counseling skills upon passing your classes. You can use friends and family members, and pretend they are clients. Have them show you bills and credit reports. Help them out by budgeting, setting up payment plans and paying off the more important bills in full.

4. Apply for a license with the Credit Counselor Association. Most credit companies require their credit counselors to be licensed.

5. Create a resume with all of your accounting history, counseling history, and any relevant work history, experience and skills. Be sure to include references.

6. Look into various financial institutions to see which companies are hiring credit counselors. Apply upon receiving your credit counselor license.

7. Secure a position as a credit counselor.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot secure a position with a financial institution, look into places like churches and local small businesses.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.