The Certified Consumer Debt Specialist™ was developed to provide specialists working in the Debt Settlement Industry with the tools they need to effectively negotiate on behalf of their clients while improving their understanding of personal finance management.

This comprehensive program allows debt specialists working in the Debt Settlement industry to educate their clients about establishing personal budgets, evaluating debt loads, setting financial goals, and developing a plan of action to avoid becoming repeat debtors.

Certification ensures that individuals have been trained and tested in counseling skills, negotiation skills, and the fundamentals of financial management. Upon completion of the program, the CCDS™ will have the essential tools needed to further his/her professional advancement while assisting their clients in managing their financial futures.

Course Outline

Part I of the training manual details communication, counseling techniques and negotiation skills. Communication techniques include listening skills, obstacles to effective communications, improving communication skills and counseling formats. Cognitive issues and problem solving skills are also addressed.

Part II of the training manual presents the fundamentals of financial management: money management, credit, debt management, investing and retirement and insurance.

Part III of the training manual discusses consumer protection legislation.

Part IV is the Resource Guide, which includes worksheets, a glossary, forms, website information, the Code of Ethics, and a practice exam.

CCDS Enrollment Form