Certified Community Lender Program

CRITERIA, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is a Certified Community Lender?

A Certified Community Lender (CCL) is a new designation designed to professionalize the position of a community bank lender. Similar to a Certified Public Accountant, the designation establishes a standard of knowledge for community bank lenders. It allows you to demonstrate to your employer that you have achieved that knowledge.

Who Developed the Designation of a Certified Community Lender?

At the suggestion of numerous community bankers, the Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI), working in conjunction with other community bank associations throughout the country and Dave Kemp, Bankers Management Inc., College Park, Georgia, developed the concept.

What Does It Take to Become a Certified Community Lender?

Have a minimum of three years’ lending experience at the time of examination;
Each candidate must demonstrate the requisite number of educational hours covering job skills and curriculum as follows:
1. A candidate with 15 or more years of experience must demonstrate 24 hours of education
2. A candidate with 8 to 15 years of experience must demonstrate 48 hours of education
3. A candidate with less than 8 years of experience must demonstrate 72 hours of education
Through 2005 only, you may document education hours up to five years prior; and
Pass a six-hour exam (three hours multiple choice and three hours casework) to be offered on Friday, January 14, 2005, at the IIB office in West Des Moines.

What Does It Cost to Become a Certified Community Lender?

The fee of $200 for CBI members and $300 for CBI nonmembers includes examination, grading, continental breakfast, and lunch on the day of the examination, as well as a handsome wall plaque upon successful completion of the program. The fee must be paid before any applicant can sit for the CCL examination.

What Do I Receive Upon Becoming a Certified Community Lender?

The right to use the designation CCL by placing the letters after your name;
A tremendous sense of confidence and achievement;
A handsome wooden plaque with certificate for display; and
Letters and news releases sent to individuals and media of your choice.

What If I Do Not Pass the Examination the First Time?

You will be informed of the areas in which you encountered difficulties and given an opportunity to retake the examination in January 2005 at no additional charge. If you do not pass the examination on the second try, you may continue the course of study, submit new credentials, and take the examination the next year. There is no limit to the number of times you may sit for the examination.

How Do I Calculate Education Hours?

Most one-day lending seminars provide six (6) hours of credit. Participants in the Midwest School of Community Bankers earn 15 hours of credit. To receive credit for seminars and programs sponsored by other organizations, you must submit a letter from that entity verifying your attendance and an outline of the curriculum.

What Must I Do To Retain the Designation as a Certified Community Lender?

To maintain the CCL designation, you must take 24 hours of continuing education through CBI every two years. There may be a small fee for recertification.

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What Job Skills Will Be Subject to Testing?

Consumer lending
- Knows how to conduct a loan review
- Can identify the elements of the credit application
- Knows how to investigate the credit
  - Credit reports
  - Collateral requirements
  - Credit scoring
- Knows how to assess individual creditworthiness
  - Personal financial statements
  - Individual tax returns
  - Personal cash flow statements
  - Closely held businesses
Understands residential real estate lending
Knows how to assess business financial statements
- Financial statements review
- Corporate income tax returns
- Credit and ratio analysis
- Asset conversion cycle analysis
- Cash flow statement
- Loan structuring
- Loan documentation
Knows how to assess an agricultural credit (optional)
- Loan analysis
- Credit evaluation
- Risk management
- Loan documentation and legal issues
Understands compliance regulations
- General lending regulations
- Fair lending regulations
- Consumer lending regulations
- Commercial lending regulations
Knows how to perfect a loan under Article 9
Understands loan review
Understands the collection process
Can identify and manage problem loans
Understands portfolio management

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Community Bankers of Iowa
1603 22nd Street, Suite 102
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
Telephone: 515-453-1495 Fax: 515-453-1498
Website: www.cbiaonline.org
E-mail: cbia@cbiaonline.org

Brought to you by the Community Bankers of Iowa Leaders of Tomorrow and the Education Committee.

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