How long is the credit counseling course?

credit counselling, credit counseling, Ontario

Credit counseling course durations in Canada differ widely, with programs like the AFC requiring exams and 1,000 hours of experience, while the PCIC involves four modules. Without fixed timelines, it’s best to contact the organization for precise details.


Credit counseling course duration varies from weeks to months, depending on the program and organization requirements.

Explore credit counseling courses with flexible durations.

Credit Counselling Question

How long is the credit counseling course? I’m thinking about taking a credit counselling course and would like to know how much time I’ll need to dedicate to completing it.

From: Anonymous Question
Location: Clarington, Ontario (ON)
Category: financial planning

Credit Counselling Answer

In Canada, the duration of credit counseling courses varies widely, depending on the program or organization. Generally, these programs can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, blending classroom learning or online sessions with hands-on experience. For example, the Accredited Financial Counsellor (AFC) program doesn’t specify a set length. Instead, you’ll need to complete the coursework, pass exams, and log 1,000 hours of practical experience to finish up.

On the other hand, programs focused on insolvency, like the Personal Insolvency Counsellor Course (PCIC), are broken down into four modules featuring assignments and exams. However, there’s no fixed timeline for completing them either. It’s important to reach out to the specific credit counseling organization you’re interested in for the exact details on their course length and commitments.

From: Insider Scott

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Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) Answer

The credit counseling course typically takes a minimum of 2 hours to complete. This requirement can be found in the Regulations under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, specifically in SOR/2007-256, subsection 4(2).

From: OSB Helper

Here are the top 5 most frequently asked questions related to the duration and requirements of credit counseling courses, tailored to the Canadian context:

1. How long does it take to complete the Accredited Financial Counsellor (AFC) course?
  • The AFC course, along with passing two exams and completing 1,000 hours of financial counselling, is a comprehensive process that can take several months to a few years to complete[5].
2. What are the credit hours required to become an Insolvency Counsellor?
  • A minimum of 30 credit hours of post-secondary study is required, along with completing the PCIC course which includes assignments and an online multiple-choice examination[3].
3. How many hours of financial counselling are required for credit counsellor certification?
  • 1,000 hours of financial counselling are required to receive the counselling certification through the Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada Program[5].
4. What is the structure and duration of the PCIC (Personal Insolvency Counsellor Course)?
  • The PCIC is an online course with four modules, requiring the completion of two assignments and an online multiple-choice examination, but the exact duration can vary depending on the individual’s pace[3].
5. How long does it take to complete the training for a credit counsellor or debt adviser?
  • The training, which includes completing the AFC course, passing exams, and accumulating 1,000 hours of financial counselling experience, can take around 2-5 years to complete[5].

If you have a question about debt see our debt questions or ask your own debt related question.

References

Title, Source
Accredited Financial Counsellor Course, Association for Financial Counselling and Planning Education
Personal Insolvency Counsellor Course, Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals
General Credit Counselling Training, Debt Counselling Organizations
Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. B-3), Government of Canada

Table of article references



Elimiate up to 80% of Your Debt

High cost of gas, high cost of groceries, high lending rates, low salary - being in debt is not your fault! See if you qualify for government debt programs and get out of debt today!

Write off up to 80% of your debts
Reduce debts into one affordable monthly payment
Stop all collections calls
No interest and charges (completely frozen)
Government-legislated debt relief programs