To work as a credit counselor, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Most credit counselors have a bachelor's degree. Common areas of study are family and consumer sciences, family resource management, and consumer economics.

Work experience

Volunteering at a non-profit credit counseling office provides good experience.

On-the-job training

Employers provide new counselors with training in customer relations, and other areas. Training generally lasts between two and six months.