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  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 and September. 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
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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 CUNA's Center for Professional Development (CUNA CPD), CU Difference, and a collaboration with the Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana Credit Union Foundations.

Contact Andrea Molnau with questions.
2023 FiCEP Program Schedule
Friday, April 28: Deadline for registration

​Thursday, May 25, 2–3 pm: Orientation, Introduction & Logistics Webinar

Thursday, June 1, 2–3 pm: Chapters 1-2  Webinar

Thursday, June 15, 2–3 pm: Chapters 3-8 Webinar

Thursday, June 29, 2–3 pm: Chapters 9-12 Webinar

Thursday, July 13, 2–3 pm: Chapters 13-15 Webinar

Thursday, July 27, 2–3 pm: Chapters 16-20 Webinar

Thursday, August 10, 2–3 pm: Chapters 21-24 Webinar

Thursday, August 24, 2–3 pm: Chapters 25-28 Webinar 

Thursday, September 7, 2–3 pm, Chapters 29-33 Webinar

​Wednesday, September 27, 9 am-4 pm: In-Person Testing & Training, MnCUN Office

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:
  • 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 virtually by CU Difference , and a copy of the CUNA Financial Counseling Certification Program Update Book, 5th Edition. 

Cost: $245 per participating student. 2023 Event Date and Registration Coming Soon.