FAQ

1. What has changed in the new CICM qualifications?
We have introduced Entry Level (Level 2), Intermediate (Level 3) and Advanced (Level 5) awards (units).
These are new ‘bite-sized’ learning units that allow you tailor your learning and qualification. Simply choose the level, then the topics you would like to study. As you study each award, it will be banked with CICM, allowing you to build up to a Certificate or Diploma qualification.
This structure replaces the credit system of our current qualifications. If you are already building a qualification using the credit system and would like advice on what to do next, please click here.

2. Why have the CICM qualifications changed?
We have made the changes to give everyone a route to CICM qualification that fits the level of their role level and experience. The introduction of awards gives flexibility in terms of time and commitment.

3. What subject areas do CICM qualifications cover?
We are the experts in credit, collections, money and debt advice and enforcement, and we have qualifications for everyone working in these areas. From credit management, consumer collections and risk, through to business law, accounting principles, debt recovery and communication skills, we have something for everyone.
See FAQ 8.
* We recommend that you start with Credit Management and Consumer Collections awards because these two awards are assessed at Entry Level and Intermediate levels. This means that if, for instance, you pass both at Intermediate level, you can go on to sign up for the remaining awards at Intermediate level and gain your Intermediate Diploma.

4. What do the levels mean, and who are they for?
Entry Level: Benchmark for credit controllers, collectors and enforcement agents working in operational roles or new to credit. Entry level.
Pass any two awards (units) from the list to achieve a Certificate in Credit and Collections (Level 2).
Pass any four awards from the list below to achieve a Diploma in Credit and Collections. (Level 2).

Intermediate: Benchmark for credit controllers, collectors and enforcement agents working in senior operational roles. Intermediate level.
Pass four awards at from the list (at least one must be a mandatory award) to achieve CICM Intermediate Diploma in Credit and Collections.
Successful completion of an Advanced Diploma in Credit and Collections (Level 3) leads to Associate Membership ACICM.

Advanced: Benchmark for credit and collections management. Strategic/Managerial level.
Pass four awards from the list to achieve a CICM Advanced Diploma in Credit and Collections Management.
Successful completion of the Advanced Diploma in Credit and Collections Management (Level 5) leads to:

Graduate Membership MCICM(Grad) if you have also successfully completed a CICM Level 3 Diploma or MCICM experience assessment.
Fellowship FCICM if you have successfully completed the FCICM experience assessment.

5.   Can I go straight to Advanced Diploma in Credit and Collection Management?
As this level assumes a very good understanding of and strong experience/background in credit collections and/or enforcement roles and good practice, you will have already achieved Associate membership ACICM through studying or experience Assessment route.

6.   What are the entry criteria for CICM qualifications?
For Entry Level and Intermediate, we have an ‘open’ qualification policy; you do not need any previous qualifications or experience. However, if you are already working in credit or collections related areas, this will certainly benefit your studies. The Advanced qualification assumes a deep understanding of credit management, collections or enforcement, accounting and business.

7.   What are CICM awards?
A CICM ‘award’ is a bite-size unit that covers a discrete topic. You can sign up to study individual award or a selection, working towards a regulated certificate and/or diploma qualification.

8.   What are CICM Certificates and Diplomas?
The terms Certificate and Diploma refer to the size of the CICM qualifications.
Entry Level Certificate = 2 Entry Level awards
Entry Level Diploma = 4 Entry Level awards
Intermediate Diploma = 4 Intermediate awards (at least one mandatory)
Advanced Diploma = 4 Advanced awards

CICM Certificates and Diplomas are regulated by Ofqual (UK Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) and are available for funding if included in an apprenticeship programme.

CICM awards and qualifications

	CICM awards	Certificate	Diploma
Entry Level	Credit Management * Consumer Collections * Credit Control and Collections Business Communication and Personal Skills Commercial Telephone Collections Consumer Telephone Collections Taking Control of Goods	2 Entry Level awards	4 Entry Level awards
Intermediate	Mandatory awards options Credit Management * Consumer Collections * Elective awards Credit Risk Management Accounting Principles Business Environment Business Law Communications and Personal Skills Advanced Collections Debt Recovery Enforcement	Not available	4 Intermediate awards (at least one mandatory)
Advanced	Strategic Planning Compliance Advanced Credit Risk Management Strategic Communications and Leadership Process Improvement Legal Proceedings and Insolvency	Not available	4 Advanced awards

* We recommend that you start with Credit Management and Consumer Collections awards at as these two awards are assessed at Entry Level and Intermediate levels. This means that if, for instance, you pass both at Intermediate level, you can go on to sign up for the remaining awards at Intermediate level and gain your Intermediate Diploma.

9. I have a related qualification already; can I get exemptions? We will recognise other qualifications for exemptions if they have covered more than 75% of the CICM syllabus. You can find out more here.

10. Are the CICM qualifications regulated?

11. I am part way through my qualification (current or in the past): what should I do?
Do not worry. If you are part way through your CICM qualification we will move you to the new format automatically if that is the best path for you. You can stay on the current qualification route if this suits you better (e.g. you only have one unit to pass) and you will have until 2021 to complete the ‘old’ qualification assignments (January 2021) and exams (September 2021).
We are contacting our members with more details about the new qualifications and instructions on what to do if you are part way through your CICM qualification.
You can get in touch any time to talk to the CICM qualification team. They will be able to give you advice on the next steps. E: professionalqualifications@cicm.com, T: +44 (0)1780 722909

12. What is the assessment timetable for 2020?
Assessment timetable 2020

13. What are the pass marks for CICM units?
Pass marks

14. Are there guides for completing assignments?
Yes, you can access assignment guidance here.

15. How do I book an exam online?
Book an online exam

16. How do I take an online exam?
Take an online exam

17. What are your different methods of study?
Different methods of study

18. I have chosen the award I want to take, what methods of study are available?
Study Methods

19. What evening classes and virtual classes do you have available?
Evening classes
Virtual classrooms

20. How do I apply for credit recognition?
Recognition of prior learning

21. How do I register with CICM?
Register

22. What are your study fees for 2020?
Study fees

23. Can I study for a CICM qualification if I live overseas?
Yes, the UK Office of Qualfications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) accredits CICM qualifications and regulates the CICM Awarding Body. Therefore overseas governments and businesses recognise CICM qualifications as being reliable and robust.

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