What Is the Credit Consultants Association (CCA)?

What Is the Purpose of the Credit Consultants Association?

CCA was founded in 2008 to promote consumer protection, professional accountability, and lawful credit education by establishing clear expectations for how credit professionals operate and serve the public.

The association supports both credit professionals and consumers by encouraging transparency, compliance with federal consumer protection laws, and ongoing professional development.

What Does the Credit Consultants Association Do?

• Provides professional education and certification.
• Defines ethical standards for credit consultants.
• Promotes compliance with consumer protection laws.
• Encourages responsible credit education practices.
• Maintains a public directory consumers can use to verify credentials.

Who Is the Credit Consultants Association For?

CCA serves people and businesses connected to the credit services profession, as well as consumers seeking qualified professionals.

• Credit consultants and credit educators.
• Credit service business owners.
• Individuals entering the credit profession.
• Consumers seeking qualified credit professionals.

Professional Standards and Consumer Protection

CCA promotes professional conduct by encouraging ethical standards, transparency, responsible credit education, and compliance with consumer protection laws. These principles are intended to help create greater accountability within the credit services industry.

The association's mission and ethical expectations are available through its Mission Statement and Code of Ethics.

Education and Professional Certification

Education and certification are central parts of CCA's role. The association provides structured professional education and certification for individuals working in the credit services industry while encouraging ongoing professional development.

CCA's credentialing program includes the Board Certified Credit Consultant (BCCC) and Certified Credit Score Consultant (CCSC) designations. Each credential requires completion of the associated coursework and a passing exam score, and remains current through periodic recertification.

Individuals interested in the certification process can review the Become Certified information.

Is the Credit Consultants Association a Government Agency?

No. The Credit Consultants Association is an independent nonprofit association. It is not a government agency and is not affiliated with any credit bureau, lender, or regulatory authority.

Why the Credit Consultants Association Exists

CCA exists to help separate ethical, educated credit professionals from misleading or non-compliant practices by providing structure, standards, and accountability within the credit services industry.

Resources for Consumers

Consumers can use CCA resources to locate credit professionals and to learn about the standards expected of individuals associated with the organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CCA a 501(c)(3) charity?

No. CCA is a nonprofit corporation organized under Tennessee law in 2008. It does not hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and membership dues, course fees, and certification fees are not deductible as charitable contributions.

Is CCA certification the same as a state license?

No. CCA certification is a voluntary professional credential issued by an independent association. It is not a government license and does not replace any registration, bonding, or licensing requirement a state may impose on credit services businesses. Professionals remain responsible for meeting the requirements of every state in which they operate.

How can a consumer verify that someone is CCA certified?

Consumers can search the CCA directory to confirm whether an individual holds a current credential. Certificates issued by CCA also carry a QR code and certificate number that link back to the association's verification record.

What happens after a complaint is filed with CCA?

Complaints submitted through the complaint form are reviewed against the association's Code of Ethics. CCA's authority is limited to the credentials and membership it issues — it cannot award damages, order refunds, or take regulatory action. Consumers may also contact the CFPB, the FTC, or their state attorney general.

Is CCA affiliated with the government?

No. CCA is an independent nonprofit association and is not affiliated with a government agency, credit bureau, lender, or regulatory authority.