How to Become a Pre-bankruptcy Debt Counselor
The United States Bankruptcy Code currently requires potential personal bankruptcy debtors to attend a credit counseling session before filing for bankruptcy. These sessions are usually run by a debt counselor at a counseling agency who reviews the debtor's income information, debt, bills and estate assets. A debt counselor goes over this information directly with the debtor and discusses options to handle the debt load. When the counseling session is over, the debt counselor issues a certificate of completion to a debtor, who then has the option to file for personal bankruptcy or attempt to manage her debt on her own with the help of the debt counselor.
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Instructions
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Focus on mathematics, interpersonal skills and economics throughout your education. While receiving your debt counselor certification does not require you to have a college degree, the level of mathematics required to pass the certification exam does require advanced knowledge. You must have at least a high school diploma or GED to sit for the exam, although advanced degrees are recommended. The exam is considered difficult, so advanced courses in mathematics and economics are encouraged.
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Order your credit counselor certification package from the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC) website at http://naccc.us/certification.php. This package includes all the information you need to learn in order to pass the credit counselor certification exam. The NACCC also offers seminars and classes as well that can increase your chances of passing the exam on the first try. Study these materials well, making sure you understand all the aspects of debt counseling.
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Register for the credit counselor certification exam through the NACCC website. The exam is taken online at a proctored location. Register early, as dates can fill up quickly. Results are scored immediately since the test is electronic. The test can be retaken, but you must sign up for another testing date; the test cannot be retaken immediately.
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Apply for jobs as a pre-bankruptcy debt counselor at credit counseling agencies in your area. Many of these agencies are nonprofit, and the pay rates may be low. Make sure the agency is legitimate by checking with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (the NFCC), which certifies counseling agencies.
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