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The Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) teaches credit union staff how to counsel members so they can budget better, smartly save, pay down debt and plan for the future. Obtaining the training and associated credentials allows your credit union to differentiate itself from other financial institutions and be more confident in helping members emerge from the challenges of the pandemic and build a stronger financial future.
The cohort-style training consists of 8 tutorial webinars, exam preparation, proctored exam, and program development training - taking place between June 30 through October 27, 2021. Upon completion, participants will receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation. Attending the webinars live provides the opportunity to participate in discussion; however, they will also be available as a recording. On average, students should expect to spend approximately 30 minutes studying each chapter, 60 minutes participating in each webinar, and additional time as needed to review the materials before the exam. The last training session following the proctored exam is designed to help you develop a detailed vision and plan for financial counseling at your credit union. Cost: $479 per participating student As a central part of its mission to provide resources for credit unions and communities to prosper and thrive, MnCUF has generously committed funding to help support the cost of the program for another year. The program is provided in partnership between the MnCU Foundation, CUNA's Center for Professional Development (CUNA CPD), and CU Difference. More information about the program is available by watching the video above, or contact Andrea Molnau with questions. |
2021 Enhanced FiCEP Schedule
Tuesday, June 1: Deadline for registration Wednesday, June 30, 10 am: Introduction to FiCEP & Orientation) Webinar Wednesday, July 14, 9–10 am: Chapters 1-2 Webinar Wednesday, July 28, 9–10 am: Chapters 3-8 Webinar Wednesday, August 11, 9–10 am: Chapters 9-12 Webinar Wednesday, August 25, 9–10 am: Chapters 13-15 Webinar Wednesday, September 8, 9–10 am: Chapters 16-20 Webinar Wednesday, September 22, 9–10 am: Chapters 21-24 Webinar Wednesday, October 6, 9–10 am: Chapters 25-28 Webinar Wednesday, October 20, 9–10 am: Chapters 29-33 Webinar Wednesday, October 27, TBD: Testing and Training |
Benefits to You and Your Credit Union
The Enhanced FiCEP builds confidence in credit union staff when helping members strengthen their financial future. While certain employees may see different benefits of completing the Enhanced FiCEP, there is built-in value to participants at all levels due to the credit union-specific nature of this program.
FiCEP enhances credit union services through:
Upon completion of this program, participants will receive the Certified Cred Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation.
Credit union staff who have received a CCUFC designation include:
FiCEP enhances credit union services through:
- Developing financial counseling skills that become a part of the credit union’s culture;
- Curriculum built for all staff levels to ensure every member interaction includes confident and consistent financial counseling;
- Satisfying members’ needs as they continually look for the value of the credit union;
- Differentiating the credit union with certified financial counselors; and
- Helping members transform the way they handle financial questions.
Upon completion of this program, participants will receive the Certified Cred Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation.
Credit union staff who have received a CCUFC designation include:
- Senior Management
- Branch Managers
- Educators/Business Development/Marketing
- Lending Department
- Collections Department
- Branch Employees – Member Service Representatives, Loan Officers and Tellers
CCUFC Re-certification
Those who have obtained the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation are required to recertify every three years to ensure that knowledge about financial counseling is current. CCUFC professionals in Minnesota have the option to receive re-certification with the MnCU Foundation. This opportunity includes a half-day refresher training provided by CU Difference on October 26th, and a copy of the CUNA Financial Counseling Certification Program Update Book, 5th Edition.
Cost: $245 per participating student
Cost: $245 per participating student
