Q. What is Debt Settlement?

A. Many people and businesses have difficulties in paying their unsecured debt. Debt Settlement is an aggressive approach to credit card and other unsecured debt elimination. It is most appropriate for consumers who are continually struggling with their basic financial obligations and owe at least $10,000 in unsecured debts. These consumers are under considerable financial strain, and are considering bankruptcy as a viable alternative. The process through which a debt settlement service is able to reduce and settle the unsecured debts owed is called “debt arbitration or negotiation”.You as a Certified Debt Specialist will save the debtor a considerable portion of his/her debt by using proven methods of debt negotiation and reaching settlement with the creditor/collector.

Q. What is Credit Counseling?

A. In Credit Counseling, a counselor works with a debtor to set up a realistic payment plan. The counselor negotiates with creditors for lower interest rates and sets up monthly payments and a timeframe that works with the debtor’s budget. This is called a Debt Management Plan. Additionally, good credit counselors help debtors to plan for their financial futures in addition to fixing current problems.

Q. Why would a creditor do this?

A. Because the alternative might be consumer bankruptcy. Creditors are much better off working with consumers and negotiating terms that will solve the debt problems and recover the borrowed funds. Debt relief professionals help that along.

Q. What is the IAPDA ?

A. The International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators grew from the commitment of its members to the establishment and maintenance of the highest standards of ethics, professional conduct, and responsible trading, for members operating in the Debt Relief industry.

Our membership is comprised of individual staff members and management with firms of all sizes from small (1-4 consultants) to some of North America's leading and largest Debt Settlement firms......more

Q. Who should register for the IAPDA Certification programs ?

A. Many types of people. Entrepreneurs/Sole Proprietors who want to start their own debt settlement and/or credit counseling business; persons who wish a debt relief credential on their resume; and debt relief companies who wish to certify their employees. There really are no restrictions: We provide our training and certification programs for companies of all sizes - from Sole Proprietors to some of the industry's largest companies. See our member links page to view the many companies that we serve.

Q. Are the training programs completed online ?

A. Yes! Both certification training courses are completed entirely online at your own pace, and the certification exams are submitted online when you are ready. In fact, we do not offer in-person training (it’s impractical and unnecessary in this day and age.)

Q. How long does it take to complete the training programs ?

A. The training courses are completed entirely at your own pace, you will receive access to the training course materials at a password protected website and you have unlimited access for lifetime. Most members take 1 - 2 weeks working part time to complete the training and submit their certification exams but it can be completed much faster (as quickly as one full day of study) if desired, or much slower.

Q. What does registration cost ?

A. Registration costs are for each individual member and are based on the number of members with the company or group who register with a single payment transaction, we offer volume pricing discounts, please refer to our registration & pricing page for exact costs. IAPDA Membership is granted for life with no annual renewal fees – IAPDA certifications are valid for two years with refresher training and 2 year re-certifications at only $60.00 per year afterwards.

Q. Do you offer volume registration price discounts ?

A. Yes, please visit our registration page to view volume discounts up to 50%, we also have a "Fairness in Pricing" policy and do not discount beyond our published volume discounts. This way all members can be sure they have received our best pricing.

Q. Can we add more members at a later date and still receive the volume price discounts ?

A. Yes, discounts are available for your first 10 members, volume discounts are limited to registrations for multiple members placed in a single transaction. Many companies will pre-purchase registrations to take advantage of volume pricing discounts, these do not expire and can be used at any future date. All 2 year certifications after 10 members of your group/company are only $120.00 each for an unlimited number.

Q. Do you offer a payment plan for the registration payment ?

A. We no longer offer a monthly payment plan. Our members advise that budgeting the business cost of certification and training is best achieved by using their credit card repayment options. Visit our registration page for complete registration details.

Q. How do I register ?

A. Registration is completed and processed entirely online from our registration page. Once registration is authorized you will immediately receive your unique Login User ID and Password with login instructions by email.

Q. What is the annual membership renewal cost ?

A. IAPDA Membership is granted for life with no annual renewal fees – IAPDA certifications are valid for two years with refresher training and 2 year re-certifications at only $60.00 per year afterwards.

Q. Do I need licensing from a Government Agency ?

A. Currently licensing is not required in approx. 50% of States*, the Uniform Debt-Management Services Act (UDMSA) is under consideration in a number of state legislatures and proposed for enactment in all 50 States.

We established the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA) as member based training and certification programs for approval by all legislative bodies who require this. Those who successfully complete our program are granted membership in the IAPDA, adhere to our Code of Ethics and are granted the professional Certified Debt Specialist (CDS) and/or Certified Credit Counseling Specialist designations.

Our Certification training programs content complies with the accreditation training requirements set out in the draft version of the new Uniform Debt-Management Services Act (UDMSA) - the proposed legistlation governing the Debt Settlement Industry in all 50 States. We are an approved accreditation program in States with Uniform Debt Management Services Act legislation.

*Note: Our members operate in all 50 States and 10 Provinces. As legal compliance requirements State by State vary greatly and can change often we provide our members with access to debt relief industry legal experts and the most up to date information available regarding legal compliance in all 50 States and 10 Provinces. We do not give direct legal compliance advice to our members or others and cannot answer legal compliance inquiries by telephone or email, we recommend consultation with an attorney.

Q. Is there a market for this service ?

A. There are literally millions of debtors out there who need help. There is a large demand for Certified Debt Specialists and Certified Credit Counseling Specialists. Creditors have Collection Agencies and Lawyers on their side. The one the debtor has is a Certified Debt Professional, a skilled and trained, arbitrator/negotiator.

Q. Why will my service be needed ?

A. The debtor must act sooner rather than later, otherwise they may find themselves in lengthy, costly and stressful lawsuits. A Certified Debt Specialist and Certified Credit Counseling Specialist provides a simple, cost effective solution for the debtor.

Q. What are my chances of being successful in a business of my own ?

A. Good question! Not everyone is cut out to run their own business. While there is really no definitive way of knowing if you have what it takes, there are a number of entrepreneurial tests that can provide you with an insight. Click here to open a new window and take a simple ten-question quiz. It may help you with your decision.

Q. Do you provide support with membership and training ?

A. Yes – a lot, in fact. We provide all of the support you will ever need while you set up and grow your professional Debt Relief practice. To be honest, the training never stops.

Q. What is the passing grade for certification exams ?

A. The passing grade for IAPDA exams is 75%

Q Is there a fee to re-write an exam ?

A. There is never a fee to re-write an exam and no limit to re-writes.

*Question Not Answered Here ?, please complete our Express Contact Form, we will respond promptly.