Level 3 Advanced Credit Control Specialist Collections

Level 3 Advanced Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist Apprenticeship

Please note that no new cohorts for this standard will begin until Q2 2024 - but if you wish to learn more you can still contact us via sales@csa-uk.com or our online contact form

Duration: 20 months (17 months learning delivery, plus 3 months for End Point Assessment).

Qualification: Level 3 Apprenticeship (A Level equivalent, suitable for those with Level 2/five GCSEs)

Funding: We will work with you to maximise Apprenticeship Levy funds (which are available to both Levy paying and non-Levy paying organisations) and access any other support or incentives that are available to fund the programme.

CSA blended learning delivery: Flexible combination of group workshops, e-learning, structured workplace learning, tutorials, and mini projects – can be fully integrated with wider internal training and organisational needs.

Level 3 Advanced Credit Controller and Debt Collection Apprenticeship brochure

As the only national trade association in the UK for organisations active in the debt collection and debt purchase industry with a history dating back to 1906 and an industry-leading Code of Practice designed to uphold the highest standards, we have unrivalled knowledge and experience of the credit management and debt collection function. At any one time, our members hold up to £60bn for collection, returning nearly £4bn in collections to the UK economy per annum. Find out more about us and the full range of apprenticeship standards we offer here.

Credit control and debt collection roles are at the centre of operations across all sectors of UK and international commerce. Those working in these roles are responsible for managing and protecting cash flow, and recovering unpaid money owed while achieving fair outcomes for all. They are required to have detailed knowledge of law, regulations, and the business environment, as well excellent interpersonal and technical skills so that they can proactively interact with potentially ‘high risk’ consumers and commercial customers.

The Apprenticeship Levy funded Level 3 Advanced Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist Apprenticeship Standard (which incorporates the mandatory CICM Level 3 Diploma in Credit & Collections) is a cost effective way for public and private sector organisations to up-skill or re-skill new or existing employees from a standing start on a successful career pathway in this business-critical area.

The programme develops the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to carry out credit control and debt collection roles to a high standard. As well as the core modules, learners must choose one of the following three specialist options:

Credit risk – advising on credit policy and making decisions on credit limits and, in some cases, complex and non-routine credit arrangements.
Advanced Collections – managing complex customer relations to resolve payment issues or identify potential customer vulnerability through the use of recognised relevant assessment frameworks (e.g. TEXAS Model, Common Financial Statement, understanding of insolvency legislation). Examples might include significant corporate business or customers in complex financial difficulties or vulnerable circumstances.
Enforcement and recovery – applying in-depth understanding of statutory and/or non-statutory enforcement solutions in the recovery of debt.

There is also the option to choose either a Credit Control or a Collections route for the CICM Level 3 Diploma element of the programme.

Our expert team of account managers and tutors guide learners and their line managers/mentors through the apprenticeship from enrolment through to the independent End Point Assessment. Following initial learning assessments, we tailor the programme to individual learner’s needs.

Our experience in delivering the Level 3 Advanced Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist Apprenticeship Standard ranges from Local Authorities to law firms and debt collection agencies.

Nick Cherry, CSA Board Director and Chief Operating Officer at CSA member company Phillips & Cohen Associates, says:

“In the current environment where some industries are facing unemployment and others have major skills shortages, there has never been a better opportunity to re-skill and up-skill people in specialist areas of financial services, providing an accessible long term career pathway from entry level upwards. Working with our trusted industry association on the delivery of this relevant, practical apprenticeship standard is enabling us to cost effectively upskill existing and new employees to the highest standards for the long term.”

“As an industry and as a business, we have always believed in the importance of investing in our people. The better skilled our people are, the better the customer outcomes will be, and this is fundamental to our business. Learning & Development is evolving rapidly, especially since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, and working with the CSA in this space ensures we stay ahead of the curve.”