Partnership for Financial Education Certifications

Established in 2012, the mission of the Partnership for Financial Education is to advance the professional education of those who work with consumers in the field of Debt Adjusting.

The Certified Personal Debt Management Counselor certification program was developed to give individuals performing Debt Management Services for consumers in financial distress the tools they need to help them on the road to financial well-being.

The Certified Debt Settlement Specialist was developed to give individuals performing Debt Settlement Services for consumers in financial distress the tools they need to help them on the road to financial well-being.

Stay Compliant:

There are laws that govern the industry you work in. The Uniform Debt Management Services Act (UDMSA) requires certification for those who provide education and assistance to individuals in connection with debt management services.

The Executive Office of the U.S Department of Justice also requires that counselors providing the mandated pre-bankruptcy filing credit counseling be certified. The creditors that many of you work with on behalf of your clients also require that you be certified. In states such as DE, KY, MN, NV, RI, TN, TX, UT, and VA, it is a legal requirement for consumer-facing employees to attain certification as a State Attorney general approved resource.

Meanwhile, in IA, PA, MT, MA, NH, and IL, certification is highly recommended. Uphold compliance, foster consumer trust and loyalty, and bolster employee expertise through education, training, certification, and ongoing learning.

Enrollment

To be eligible for the PFE certification programs, the registrant must have a high school degree or the equivalent and have a minimum of six months’ work experience in any of the following: Debt Relief Industry, Financial Services Industry, or other relevant work experience.

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Exam

The certification exam is a 100 question multiple choice, proctored, closed book exam. Exams must be taken within a year from the date of enrollment. The passing grade is 70%.

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