The Certified Credit Executive (CCE) is certification for credit manager and financial professionals. It is the highest professional designation that can be achieved through the trade association the National Association of Credit Management (NACM), a nonprofit organization based in Columbia, MD (USA). The CCE designation essentially is an endorsement that its achievers are capable of managing the credit function “at an executive level.” Candidates must demonstrate knowledge in accounting, finance, domestic and international credit concepts, management and business and credit law through course work and a certification exam.
Those seeking to take the exam must register with the NACM-National Education Department and provide a resume, educational record and provide a “career roadmap” document through the association. No less than 125 points is needed to qualify for the designation. A CCE designation can be earned by first obtaining the Certified Business Fellow (CBF) designation, also offered through NACM, and completing additional education and experience.
As noted at the CCE web portal hosted on NACM's home page
CCE: Plan A
Plan A requires the applicant to have earned a four-year college degree from an accredited institution, in addition to 10 years of experience in credit or financial management and 125 Career Roadmap points. After submitting a CCE application form and completed Career Roadmap, candidates will be advised in writing of their eligibility to take the CCE exam.
CCE: Plan B
Plan B is for candidates who may not have been in credit for 10 years. This plan is designed for candidates who show the determination to pursue continuing education and higher career goals at a faster pace. Candidates must have successfully earned NACM’s other two designations, the Credit Business AssociateSM (CBASM) and the Credit Business FellowSM (CBFSM), and submit a Career Roadmap showing 125 documented points.
CCE: Plan C
Plan C is for candidates 57 years of age or older, who may not have earned a degree from a four-year college or university, and have at least 15 years of experience in credit or financial management. After submitting a CCE application form and a completed Career Roadmap documenting 125 Roadmap points, candidates will be notified in writing of their eligibility to take the CCE exam.
Second Year GSCFM® Students
Upon successfully completing the second year of the Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management® program, students may take the CCE designation exam. The standard application requirements are waived, though these students must take and pass the CCE exam to earn the designation.
CCP (FCI) Holders
Anyone holding the Certified Credit Professional (CCP), (formerly FCI) certification, Canada’s credit designation, who would like to become a CCE should register and apply for the CCE designation. Roadmap points and work experience qualifications will be waived for all CCPs in light of the intensive course regime and testing process required of them in Canada. Candidates need not complete the Career Roadmap but must submit a copy of the certificate attesting to CCP designation, official college transcripts and a current resume. CCPs who register and apply for the CCE examination must also take and pass the same exam as all domestic candidates.
CCEs must apply for recertification every three years until age 60, or until age 55 and officially retiring from the credit and financial management field. During each three-year period, a total of six recertification points must be earned. Three of the six points must be continuing education points and three points must be participation points.