IAPDA - Certification Training Course Summaries

Certified Debt Specialist
Certified Credit Counseling Specialist

The material included in the certification training programs is complete, and presented in an easy to follow format, all training modules are presented in an easy to read and understand manner. Each module is supported by copies of the legislation and acts governing the particular subject of that module. There are many articles included that will help you gain a further understanding of each topic in the training.

The modules build on each other and will educate in all of the areas needed for the Certified Debt Specialist's and Certified Credit Counseling Specialist's complete comprehension of all consumer debt relief options including bankruptcy. The Professional Debt Relief industry is based on the fundamental principal of knowing a client's rights under law, the client's current financial situation and applying that knowledge in a non-confrontational manner, negotiating with Creditors and Collectors as an impartial third party on behalf of the debtor client.

The complete online training courses and all supporting materials are designed for easy printing (if desired) and will print a hard copy manual for offline reference.

- IAPDA Certification is recognized and approved by state legislators -

Our certification training programs comply 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.

A version of the Uniform Debt-Management Services Act (UDMSA) is in effect in a number of states, is under consideration in many other state legislatures and is proposed for enactment in all 50 States. IAPDA certification is approved or awaiting approval in all states with a Uniform Debt Management Services Act (UDMSA).

Including FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule Amendment (became effective October 27, 2010)

1. Certified Debt Specialist training is designed for all debt settlement consultants and customer service staff of the Debt Settlement company and leads to certification as a Certified Debt Specialist and includes: Executive Level Training materials (included at no additional cost) designed for the business owner, manager or a senior staff member and includes valuable business start-up and development training materials, legal compliance information and updates and editable examples of all debt settlement forms and contracts required.

2. Certified Credit Counseling Specialist training is designed for all credit counseling consultants and customer service staff of the Debt Settlement and/or Credit Counseling company and leads to certification as a Certified Credit Counseling Specialist.

Debt professionals with both designations (CDS & CCCS) have complete debt relief knowledge and skills and are able to advise their consumer clients on all debt relief options available including, Credit Counseling, Debt Management Plans, a Debt Settlement Program and Bankruptcy.

Certified Debt Specialist CDS - Table of Contents (Version 10-10)
Module 1- A Detailed History of Credit
	Debt Arbitration and Settlement Training Contents
	Introduction to Credit.
	What is the Credit Bureau ?
	Types of Credit Reports.
	Contents of Credit Reports.
	Where Credit Reports are used.
	The nine point credit rating scale.
	Credit Bureau policies regarding bankruptcy.
	The benefits of Credit Reports.
	Myths of Credit.
	Point Scoring system of Credit granting (FICO).
	Vantage Scoring system
	The Credit Reporting Act (Canada)
	The Fair Credit Reporting Act (U.S.)
	A detailed description and explanation of all terms used on a Credit Report.
	*Debtor Client Counseling - Additional client education materials
	Counseling the client on increasing their FICO Score
Module 2 - Budgeting & Financial Advice to clients - Credit Granting and Lending Procedures
	Debt Arbitration and Settlement Training Contents
	Credit underwriting guidelines.
	Income
	Debt
	Credit
	Savings
	Income to Debt Service Ratios
	The 4 C’s of lending
	Establishing Credit History
	How to Build a Credit History and Establish Credit.
	Re-establishing Credit.
	A detailed education on FICO and Vantage credit scores
	Explanation of Credit Bureau Pay Habits Ratings
	A detailed education on other debt re-payment strategies - the alternatives to a Debt Settlement Program
	*Debtor Client Counseling - Additional client education materials
	Counseling the client on making a Financial Plan
	Client Budget & Review
	Client Saving and Investment counseling
Module 3 - A Detailed Education regarding "Debt Collection"
	Debt Arbitration and Settlement Training Contents
	Defining the Collection Process.
	Questions and Answers regarding Debt Collection
	What can a client do about Bill Collectors ?
	Fast Facts – Debt Collectors.
	Collection / Collector Training information.
	Priorities of the Collector
	Typical Initial Collector Telephone Call
	Collection tactics
	Debt Collection Practices Acts
	*Debtor Client Counseling - Additional client education materials
	Counseling the client on dealing with Creditors and Collectors
Module 4- A Complete and Detailed Credit Report and Credit Repair Education
	Debt Arbitration and Settlement Training Contents
	Credit Repair (Correction)
	What is Credit Repair
	Inaccurate Credit Reports
	Credit Reporting Acts
	Steps Required to Restore Good Credit
	Obtaining Credit Report
	Reviewing Credit Report
	Ranking Questionable Items on Report
	Requesting Corrections
	Sample Letters 1 - 5
	*Debtor Client Counseling - Additional client education materials
	Counseling the client on Credit Reports
Module 5- Proven Debt Negotiation Techniques and Professional Secrets
	Debt Arbitration and Settlement Training Contents
	General understanding of negotiation process.
	Debt validation and procedures
	Statute of Limitations - State by State
	Lawsuits and filing an answer with the courts
	Settlement of judgments
	Negotiation techniques.
	The 4 secrets of Debt Negotiation.
	What to accomplish in each contact with the Creditor / Collector, building consensus and reaching the best possible settlement for the client.
	Treatment of the Business Debt Arbitration case.
	Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) U.K. Debt Relief option explained.
Module 6- Ethical Conduct - A thorough discussion and education of Ethical Business Practices for Debt Settlement Professionals.
	6 Steps for Ethical Leadership
	Ethical Best Practices
	Putting Ethics Before Business
	Complete review and study of the IAPDA Code of Ethics
Module 7- Debtor Client Debt & Credit Counseling Module - Additional client education materials
	Financial Analysis of client's current financial situation - Suggested forms included
	Developing your client's monthly debt settlement plan.
	Debtor Client counseling and education on financial basics regarding debt and credit.
Module 8 - A Thorough Discussion & Study of Consumer Debt & Credit legislation - Full text of all Acts are included
	U.S. Consumer Laws
	Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005
	Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
	Fair Credit Reporting Act
	Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act
	Equal Credit Opportunity Act
	Fair Credit Billing Act
	Truth in Lending Act
	Service Members Civil Relief Act
	Credit Repair Organizations Act
	Telephone Consumer Protection Act
	Canadian Consumer Laws
	Credit Reporting Act
	Overview of Bankruptcy
	Bankruptcy FAQ's
	Harmonized List of Prohibited Collection Practices
	IAPDA Canadian Consumer Law Handbook with complete contact information to Federal & Provincial bureaus and governing offices
	Canadian Office of Consumer Affairs - Link to updated consumer information
	UK Consumer Laws
	Consumer Credit Act 2006
	Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
	The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000
	The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling)(Amendment) Regulations 2005
	Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
	The Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts (Amendment) and Water Act 2003 (Transitional Provision) Regulations 2006
	Guide to Bankruptcy U.K.
Module 9 - Member Resources Area - Industry & Legistlative information, News & Articles (updated regularly)
	FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule Amendment U.S. (effective October 27, 2010)
Course Summary - A thorough review and summary of the course materials.
Typical Case Studies - A study of a actual cases from start to completion.
*Online Certification Exam - IAPDA CDS Certification Examination - Multiple choice online.
Executive Level Training Materials (included at no additional cost)
Module 10 - Marketing & Expanding your business
	Getting Started
	Source of Clients:
	Advertising, including sample ads.
	Automobile Dealers
	Public Court Records
	Credit Grantors
	Direct Mail campaigns
	Purchasing Pre-Qualified Leads
	Referrals
	Cases to take on
	Example Fee Structures
	Example Scripts for Client Calls - to enhance full understanding of the course materials.
	Suggested materials for communication with clients and creditors/collectors designed to launch you directly into negotiations with the creditors/collectors for the settlement of your actual client case accounts.
	Goal Setting -  We provide a very detailed Goal Setting program for our members use, if they so desire. The program is designed to significantly increase individual business success.
Commonly used contracts, forms and letters - Provided in both printable and editable formats.
Important Acts & Rules affecting Debt Settlement Service Providers
	Uniform Debt Management Services Act (UDMSA)
	The FTC Act (Section 5)
	FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule Amendment (effective October 27, 2010)
	FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule Amendment - Sales Compliance Overview
	Legal compliance and industry updates, articles & news
IAPDA Certified Credit Counseling Specialist designation : With our roots firmly in the debt settlement industry for over a decade we see that the entire debt relief industry has now evolved into to an industry which is much more consumer and solutions focused. We have also evolved by offering a complete debt relief education to our members and a second certification, with this additional training and certification IAPDA dual certified members are now able to professionally advise their consumer clients on all debt relief options available to them for solving overwhelming debt problems. Our members with both Certified Debt Specialist (CDS) and Certified Credit Counseling Specialist (CCCS) designations (dual certifications) now have the professional knowledge and skills to advise clients and potential clients regarding all debt relief options available including: Debt Settlement, Credit Counseling, Debt Management Plans and Bankruptcy.
IAPDA Certified Credit Counseling Specialist (CCCS) training consists of two (2) additional training modules (in addition to CDS training modules) and a further CCCS Certification exam based on these two modules.
Certified Credit Counseling Specialist CCCS - Table of Contents (Version 03-11)
**Prerequisite - Current Certified Debt Specialist (CDS) certification.
Module 1- Educating Your Client in Personal Finance
	Understanding Personal Financial Knowledge
	Identifying Debt Warnings
	Budgeting, Money & Cash Flow Management
	Using Credit and Credit Cards
	Borrowing Money (loans)
	Risk Management and Insurance Issues
	Life Insurance Considerations
	Understanding Investing in Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds
	An Education in Retirement Planning
	An Education in Estate Planning
Module 2- Educating Your Client through Credit Counseling and the Debt Management Process
	The Communication Process and Counseling
	Understand and Using Listening Skills
	Understand and Using Counseling Skills
	Understanding Problem Solving
	Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
	Understanding Credit Cards
	Credit Reports
	Consumer Rights - Guide to Consumer Laws
	Debt Recovery Steps
	Existing Strategies for Reducing Client Debt
	Bankruptcy (mortgages, student loans, alimony, child support & reposessions)
	Debt Management Plans
	Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) U.K. Debt Relief option explained.
*Online Certification Exam - IAPDA CCCS Certification Examination - Multiple choice online.
Begin a career providing debt settlement and consumer credit counseling services to clients desperate for help with overwhelming unsecured debt like high interest credit cards. Make a real difference in the lives of North American families strangled by debt. Work independently or apply for employment with leading debt relief firms after your certification as a Certified Debt Specialist and a Certified Credit Counseling Specialist. IAPDA certification training will provide you with the knowledge to advise your clients on debt settlement, credit counseling, debt management plans and bankruptcy.