Credit Management magazine October 2017

EDUCATION
A Touch of Class
As the latest CICM members qualify and a new cohort
starts, Debbie Tuckwood, CICM Head of Education and
Professional, warns against trying to short cut the
learning experience.
WITH CICM qualifications
being the recognised
standard for
credit management,
few would question
employers aiming to
qualify their credit controllers and collectors
as quickly as possible. Most would also
understand an interest in reducing tuition
fees.
Debbie warns though against short cutting
the learning experience. “Do you remember
your teachers? Most people can
and many have made lifelong friends while
studying. Although some learners may be
happy studying by distance learning, they
miss out on the interaction with their peers
and teacher. People generally learn better
from each other.
“Just as CICM membership brings studying
members in contact with a wealth of
expertise, a classroom environment, be
it face-to-face or virtual, gives access to
years of collective experience often from
multiple business environments, while
discussions between learners contextualises
concepts and deepens knowledge and
understanding. Learners are more likely
to become emotionally invested in their
learning and the level and intensity of their
learning soars.”
Recent CICM examination results support
this viewpoint. Learners studying at
college or through a virtual class are three
times more likely to pass CICM qualifications
than learners who have studied by
distance learning. They are also more likely
to gain a good pass grade and progress
their studies to the stage when they enter
an exam or assignment for assessment.
Debbie is not surprised by the results.
“CICM qualification programmes are demanding
so investment in high quality tuition
delivers a large return in terms of skills
growth, confidence and progression. This
is very different to a quick e-learning module
or recorded webinar which you might
access to improve a particular skill, or keep
up-to-date with a new regulation.
“Only a few, highly motivated and
self-sufficient learners seem to cope with
long programmes of study by unsupported
distance learning. So, next time you are
being persuaded to economise on qualification
course fees, don’t forget your own
experience and make a case for studying
regularly in a group.”
Classes start with a range of learning
providers for CICM Level 3 and Level 5 Diploma
programmes in January. Places are
filling up fast for CICM’s popular virtual
classes and therefore early booking is recommended
to avoid disappointment. Find
out more about study options on the CICM
website, or email professionalqualifications@cicm.com
to discuss your individual
requirements.
CICM qualification
programmes are
demanding so
investment in high
quality tuition delivers a
large return in terms of
skills growth, confidence
and progression.
The Recognised Standard / www.cicm.com / November 2017 / PAGE 48