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CUNA Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP), CCUFC Designation and Case Study

Counsel members while improving financial results

CUNA Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) provides credit union employees with the skills and knowledge required to guide their members to sound financial decisions.

Americans often learn about finances from their families and friends, or just go it alone. The need for expert help is real, especially when so many face uncertain economic futures. With certified credit union financial counselors on staff, credit unions are better able to:

  • Help members experiencing financial difficulties
  • Demonstrate the credit union difference
  • Attract new members
  • Grow product and service revenue
View FiCEP details and resources

Case Study

Since 2011, credit unions with at least one Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) have seen a significant drop in delinquency rates.

Get the "Deepening Member Relationships" Case Study

How to earn the CCUFC designation:

Step 1: Choose your method of certification

Option 1: Purchase the 6th Edition CUNA FiCEP book, available in print or PDF.

Option 2: Register for the CUNA FiCEP eSchool, live and recorded options available online.  The CUNA FiCEP book PDF is included in the eSchool registration.

*5th Edition FiCEP Book is only valid until 12/31/2023. You must take the FiCEP exam before then. 

Step 2: Request the FiCEP exam.  Select an exam proctor, schedule an exam date, and complete the proctored exam request form at least 4 weeks prior to the desired exam date.

Step 3: Read and study the curriculum in the 6th Edition CUNA FiCEP book.

Step 4: Take the FiCEP online exam.  After passing the FiCEP exam, download your certificate from your My CUNA account. Then, you may begin using the CCUFC designation after your name.

Live and recorded versions of FiCEP eSchool are available to Training Bundle users at no additional cost. FiCEP books are not included in Training Bundle.

Dates and more information will be posted here as they become available. If you have questions about earning this designation, please call 800-356-9655 or email hello@cuna.coop for assistance.

Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) provides you with the skills and knowledge required to guide your members to financial security.

After you've obtained your Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation, you are required to recertify every three years to ensure that your knowledge about financial counseling is current.

Step 1: Choose your method of recertification

Option 1: Register for the CUNA FiCEP eSchool: Update, live and recorded options available online. The CUNA FiCEP Update book PDF is included in the eSchool registration. 

Option 2: Purchase the CUNA Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) Update Book, 6th Edition, in print or PDF.

Important notes:

  1. Each person that wants to recertify needs to either register for the FiCEP Update eSchool or purchase the FiCEP Update book.  
  2. The FiCEP Update book needs to be read whether someone chooses option 1 or option 2.

Step 2: To self-report your recertification, login at cuna.org, go to My CUNA, then to My Designations.

FiCEP is beneficial for credit union staff who work in financial counseling, collections, lending, and any other staff members who are committed to helping members gain control of their financial futures.