This designation honors collectors who complete training on professional and ethical collection practices.

ACA’s Professional Collection Specialist (PCS) Designation was designed for collectors who complete training in professional and ethical collection practices. Show your clients that your collectors have what it takes to collect efficiently and effectively, while staying in compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Attention Company Trainers: Are you using the latest version of Essentials?

Make sure you are using the latest version (v.10, ©2019): FDCPA Essentials for the ARM Industry and Essential Collection Skills and Techniques . All previous versions prior to ©2018 must be retired as announced in 2019. If you have an ACA Trainer Specialist on staff, follow the new procedure here. Thank you for being our partners in the field Helping Members Succeed.

Information Regarding Regulation F

On October 30, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued Regulation F to accompany the FDCPA. ACA is analyzing the requirements and will updated all related education materials accordingly. Please follow ACA communications regarding effective dates for implementation of the rules and compliance updates. The rules are not anticipated to be effective until one year after their official publication in the Federal Register. Click here to access Members Only FREE recordings of ACA's CFPB Reg F Huddle Series and learn about the new compliance requirements.

Steps to the PCS Designation: New Candidates

1.  Complete the two required ACA Essentials courses.

• FDCPA Essentials for the ARM Industry and Essential Collection Skills and Techniques.

Each course is available in several deilvery formats: Instant self-paced e-course, live webinar, on-demand video, or an on-site class at your company led by your ACA Trainer Specialist. All formats contain the same content and activities- choose which format fits your schedule and budget!  You may mix and match formats but are required to take each course only once.

2.  Apply for the PCS exam.

• AFTER completing ALL required courses, submit your Professional Collection Specialist (PCS) Exam Application.  All program requirements (required seminars and exam) must be completed within a two-year timeframe to receive your designation.You may save the application form and fill it out digitally.

3.  Pass the exam with an 85 percent or better.

• This is an online multiple-choice, true-false test. It must be completed within two hours and in one sitting. It cannot be paused. You will see your score immediately online.
• ACA will then send you an official notification.Celebrate your new designation by displaying your digital badge!

Renewal Requirements- Action Needed.

The PCS Designation requires a three-year renewal. Your designation does not renew automatically. You must submit the Professional Collection Specials (PCS) Renewal Form and payment. If your designation expires, you may be required to start over with all classes and exam(s).

Choose only ONE option for your renewal cycle:

#1: Attend one of the following training events or seminars:

• ACA Annual Convention
• ACA Spring Forum
• ACA Fall Forum
• FDCPA-related seminar

OR #2: Obtain the ACA Trainer Specialist Designation

OR #3: Retake the PCS Exam.

New Candidates

Required Courses (4):

Courses may be taken in any order; however, for the best experience, we recommend the following schedule:

• Ethical and Professional Collections
• Introduction to Collection Industry Compliance
• Advanced FDCPA Issues
• Writing Effective Policies and Procedures

Visit the ACA Event Calendar to register for live webinars and check out our Designation Express cycle scheduling! Or, complete the courses using our on-demand videos. 

Required Capstone (essay) Assignment:

• After completing all the required courses, submit the Credit and Collection Compliance Profesional (CCCP) Capstone Assignment Application. There is generally one question per each required course in the designation.Our goal is to see everyday application of the information in a short essay format. Capstone exams are graded by ACA Certified Instructors.

Renewal Requirements- Action Needed.

The CCCP requires an annual renewal. Your designation does not renew automatically. You must complete the Credit and Collection Compliance Professional Renewal Form and submit payment. If your designation expires, you may be required to start over with all classes and exam(s).

Option 1: Attend one of the following ACA Events:

• ACA Annual Convention
• ACA Spring Forum
• ACA Fall Forum
• Washington Insights

Option 2:Attend two ACA Compliance-Related Webinars

This can be accomplished with live or on-demand Core courses  and Hot Topics that are outside the list of otherwise required courses for CCCP. Here are some suggestions:

• Data Security II
• Keep Calm and Prevent UDAAP
• Root Cause Analysis
• Vendors and Your CMS
• Vetting Technology Vendors: 10 Essential Steps

Information Regarding Regulation F

On October 30, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued Regulation F to accompany the FDCPA. ACA is analyzing the requirements and will updated all related education materials accordingly. Please follow ACA communications regarding effective dates for implementation of the rules and compliance updates. The rules are not anticipated to be effective until one year after their official publication in the Federal Register. Click here to access Members Only FREE recordings of ACA's CFPB Reg F Huddle Series and learn about the new compliance requirements.

New Candidates

Required Courses (8):

Courses may be taken in any order; however, for the best experience, we recommend the following schedule:

• Ethical and Professional Collections
• Understanding and Responding to the CFPB's Expectations
• Advanced FDCPA Issues
• Duties of Data Furnishers Under the FCRA
• Data Security and Privacy I
• Conducting a Risk Assessment
• Controls and Corrective Actions
• Writing Effective Policies and Procedures 

Visit the ACA Event Calendar to register for live webinars and check out our Designation Express cycle scheduling! Or, complete the courses using our on-demand videos. 

Required Capstone (essay) Assignment:

• After completing all the required courses, submit the Credit and Collection Compliance Officer (CCCO) Capstone Assignment Application.There is generally one question per each required course in the designation.Our goal is to see everyday application of the information in a short essay format. Capstone exams are graded by ACA Certified Instructors.

Renewal Requirements- Action Needed.

The CCCO requires an annual renewal. Your designation does not renew automatically. You must submit the Credit and Collection Compliance Officer Renewal Form and payment. If your designation expires, you may be required to start over with all classes and exam(s).

Option 1: Attend one of the following ACA Events:

• ACA Annual Convention
• ACA Spring Forum
• ACA Fall Forum
• Washington Insights

Option 2: Attend four ACA Compliance-Related Webinars.

This can be accomplished with live or on-demand Core courses  and Hot Topics that are outside the list of otherwise required courses for CCCO. Here are some suggestions:

• Data Security II
• Keep Calm and Prevent UDAAP
• Root Cause Analysis
• Vendors and Your CMS
• Vetting Technology Vendors: 10 Essential Steps

Information Regarding Regulation F

On October 30, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued Regulation F to accompany the FDCPA. ACA is analyzing the requirements and will updated all related education materials accordingly. Please follow ACA communications regarding effective dates for implementation of the rules and compliance updates. The rules are not anticipated to be effective until one year after their official publication in the Federal Register. Click here to access Members Only FREE recordings of ACA's CFPB Reg F Huddle Series and learn about the new compliance requirements.

New Candidates

If you are an attorney with a foundation in the various consumer financial protection laws (the “CFPLs”), this program will provide you with a unique opportunity to look at how those laws come together functionally and will explore strategies for building compliance programs around the CFPLs including meaningful training programs.

Required Webinars and Activities

1. Keep Calm and Prevent UDAAP
2. Vendors and your Compliance Management System
3. Vetting Technology Vendors: 10 Essential Steps
4. Credit & Collections Compliance Attorney Workshop (full-day, in-person session offerred at ACA Spring and/or Fall Forums.) Please note: This in-person requirement is currently being rebuilt into recorded webinars.

Required Capstone Assignment

Apply for and successfully pass the CCCA Capstone Essay Assignment which reflects a comprehensive review of all the required courses and activities. To purchase your assignment, complete and return the Credit and Collection Compliance Attorney (CCCA) Capstone Assignment Application with a fee of $150.00.

Renewal Requirements: Action Needed.

The CCCA Designation has a 2-year renewal term.  Complete the renewal requirements (earn the required Professional Development Units) inside the two-year term of your active designation and submit a $50.00 renewal fee with the Credit and Collection Compliance Attorney Renewal Form.

Option 1

Attend one of the following ACA Events:

• ACA Annual Convention
• ACA Spring Forum
• ACA Fall Forum
• Washington Insights

Option 2

• Attend four ACA Compliance-Related Webinars

Information Regarding Regulation F

On October 30, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued Regulation F to accompany the FDCPA. ACA is analyzing the requirements and will updated all related education materials accordingly. Please follow ACA communications regarding effective dates for implementation of the rules and compliance updates. The rules are not anticipated to be effective until one year after their official publication in the Federal Register. Click here to access Members Only FREE recordings of ACA's CFPB Reg F Huddle Series and learn about the new compliance requirements.

New Candidates

Required Courses (3):

Visit the ACA Event Calendar to register for live webinars and check out our Designation Express cycle scheduling! Or, complete the courses using our on-demand videos. 

Courses may be taken in any order; however, for the best experience, we recommend the following schedule:

• Ethical and Professional Collections
• Data Security and Privacy I
• Healthcare Collection Management: Advanced topics for the HCM designation.

Required Capstone Assignment:

• Apply for and successfully pass the HCM Capstone Assignment. To purchase your assignment, complete and return the  Healthcare Collection Management (HCM) Capstone Application.

NEW designee candidates will be assessed using a comprehensive practical exam rather than a multiple-choice test. There is generally one question per each required course in the designation. Our goal is to see everyday application of the information. Capstone exams are graded by a set of senior Certified Instructors.

Renewal Requirements- Action Needed.

The HCM Designation requires a three-year renewal. Your designation does not renew automatically. Even if you have met the renewal requirements through courses or attendance at on-site events listed below, you must complete the Healthcare Collection Management (HCM) Renewal Form and submit payment. Thanks!

Option 1: Attend one of the following ACA Events:

• ACA Spring Forum
• ACA Fall Forum

Option 2: Attend four ACA Healthcare-Related programs.

• Look in the ACA Hot Topic library for related courses.
• Consider on-site programs at Unit Meetings or ACA Convention.

Steps to the TSP Designation:

1. ACA membership required.
2. You must be an ACA Professional Collection Specialist (PCS). Don't have your PCS yet? Visit the PCS requirements page to view all requirements. 
3. Complete the ACA Trainer Specialist Workshop. This short-course is approximately 4.5 clock hours of instruction on adult learning and development, then training techniques on delivering the ACA Essentials courses led by ACA Certified Instructors.  This workshop is offered in live webinar format and occasionally at an on-site ACA event. Visit the ACA Event Calendar for our next date. On-demand recordings are not available.
4. Apply for and successfully pass the Trainer Specialist Capstone Assignment. This is a short-essay practical assessment of the TSP Workshop and your training experiences with the content in the ACA Essentials courses, such as FDCPA fundamentals and phone skills training. Ready for the Capstone Assignment? To purchase your assignment, complete and return the Trainer Specialist Program (TSP) Capstone Assignment Application.
5. All course and exam requirements must be completed within a two-year timeframe to receive your initial TSP designation.

Renew your TSP designation every 3 years by completing the following:

• Conduct the ACA Essentials courses in your office 3 times in the three year period. 
• Conducted internally developed or externally developed proprietary training in their office 3 number of times in the three year period and can provide documentation of such.
• Renewal fee of $69- no assignment is required. Download the Renewal Form

New Candidates

Pre-requisite:

• PCS Designation

Required Courses (6):

Courses may be taken in any order; however, for the best experience, we recommend the following schedule:

• Exceptional Leadership
• Introduction to Collection Industry Compliance
• Building High Performing Teams
• Effective Performance Management
• Managing the Collection Floor
• Successful Hiring Strategies

Visit the ACA Event Calendar to register for live webinars and check out our Designation Express cycle scheduling! Or, complete the courses using our on-demand videos. 

Required Capstone Assignment:

• Apply for and successfully pass the PCM Capstone Assignment. To purchase your assignment, complete and return the Professional Collection Manager (PCM) Capstone Assignment Application.

NEW designee candidates will be assessed using a comprehensive practical exam rather than a multiple-choice test. There is generally one question per each required course in the designation. Our goal is to see everyday application of the information. Capstone exams are graded by a set of senior Certified Instructors.

Renewal Requirements- Action Needed.

The PCM Designation requires a three-year renewal. Please submit the Renewal Application and fee as you report the following renewal requirements:

• Maintain an active PCS Designation. AND
  • Attend an ACA meeting/event such as Spring Forum, Washington Insights, Convention, Fall Forum, or a local Unit event OR,
  • Complete and report to ACA 4.5 Professional Development Units (PDUs) from the ACA Hot Topic library or the Core Curriculum library in the three-year duration of your designation. Your attendance credits may be applied to renew other designations as applicable.

You may access your Education and Events Transcript on the MyACA web page >> Resources & Profile >> Profile >> Events and Education Transcript. Don't forget to download and share your ACA Digital Badge.

Information Regarding Regulation F

On October 30, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued Regulation F to accompany the FDCPA. ACA is analyzing the requirements and will updated all related education materials accordingly. Please follow ACA communications regarding effective dates for implementation of the rules and compliance updates. The rules are not anticipated to be effective until one year after their official publication in the Federal Register. Click here to access Members Only FREE recordings of ACA's CFPB Reg F Huddle Series and learn about the new compliance requirements.

New Candidates

Pre-requisite:

• PCS Designation

Required Courses (5):

Courses may be taken in any order; however, for the best experience, we recommend the following schedule:

• Exceptional Leadership
• Building High Performing Teams
• Successful Hiring Strategies
• Introduction to Collection Industry Compliance
• Effective Performance Management

Visit the ACA Event Calendar to register for live webinars and check out our Designation Express cycle scheduling! Or, complete the courses using our on-demand videos. 

Required Capstone Assignment:

• Apply for and successfully pass the CIP Capstone Assignment. To purchase your assignment, complete and return the Collection Industry Professional (CIP) Capstone Assignment Application.

NEW designee candidates will be assessed using a comprehensive practical exam rather than a multiple-choice test. There is generally one question per each required course in the designation. Our goal is to see everyday application of the information. Capstone exams are graded by a set of senior Certified Instructors.

Renewal Requirements- Action Needed.

The CIP Designation requires a three-year renewal. Please submit the Renewal Application and fee as you report the following renewal requirements:

• Maintain an active PCS Designation. AND
  • Attend an ACA meeting/event such as Spring Forum, Washington Insights, Convention, Fall Forum, or a local Unit event OR,
  • Complete and report to ACA 4.5 Professional Development Units (PDUs) from the ACA Hot Topic library or the Core Curriculum library in the three-year duration of your designation. Your attendance credits may be applied to renew other designations as applicable.

You may access your Education and Events Transcript on the MyACA web page >> Resources & Profile >> Profile >> Events and Education Transcript. Don't forget to download and share your ACA Digital Badge.

Information Regarding Regulation F

On October 30, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued Regulation F to accompany the FDCPA. ACA is analyzing the requirements and will updated all related education materials accordingly. Please follow ACA communications regarding effective dates for implementation of the rules and compliance updates. The rules are not anticipated to be effective until one year after their official publication in the Federal Register. Click here to access Members Only FREE recordings of ACA's CFPB Reg F Huddle Series and learn about the new compliance requirements.