Occupation AtlasCredit Counselors
O*NET · 13-2071.00
Credit Counselors
Advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. May provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explain loan requirements or restrictions. May help develop debt management plans or student financial aid packages. May advise on credit issues, or provide budget, mortgage, bankruptcy, or student financial aid counseling.
Also called Accredited Financial Counselor · Branch Credit Counselor · Budget Counselor · Budget Credit Counselor · Certified Consumer Credit and Housing Counselor · Certified Credit Consultant · Certified Credit Counselor · Certified Financial Coach
24 more
Certified Personal Finance Counselor · Consumer Credit Counselor · Credit Balance Specialist · Credit Card Specialist · Credit Representative · Credit Services Representative · Credit Services Specialist · Credit Specialist · Credit Support Counselor · Credit Support Specialist · Debt Counselor · Debt Management Counselor · Financial Aid Counselor · Financial Coach · Financial Health Counselor · Home Lending Advisor · Housing Counselor · Loan Advisor · Loan Servicer · Mortgage Advisor · Mortgage Counselor · Mortgage Loan Counselor · Student Financial Aid Counselor · Student Loan Counselor
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CSEConventional · Social · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional5.35
- S Social4.89
- E Enterprising4.73
- I Investigative2.65
- A Artistic1.80
- R Realistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (31%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (33%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (33%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- WritingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- PersuasionImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
Show the other 23
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- NegotiationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- InstructingImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.3Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
19 core · 4 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Assess clients' overall financial situations by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information.Importance 4.9
- Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet financial goals.Importance 4.9
- Calculate clients' available monthly income to meet debt obligations.Importance 4.8
- Advise clients or respond to inquiries about financial matters in person or via phone, email, Web site, or Internet chat.Importance 4.7
- Recommend strategies for clients to meet their financial goals, such as borrowing money through loans or loan programs, declaring bankruptcy, making budget adjustments, or enrolling in debt management plans.Importance 4.7
- Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions.Importance 4.7
- Estimate time for debt repayment, given amount of debt, interest rates, and available funds.Importance 4.6
- Interview clients by telephone or in person to gather financial information.Importance 4.6
- Maintain or update records of client account activity, including financial transactions, counseling session notes, correspondence, document images, or client inquiries.Importance 4.6
- Prioritize client debt repayment to avoid dire consequences, such as bankruptcy or foreclosure or to reduce overall costs, such as by paying high-interest or short-term loans first.Importance 4.5
- Recommend educational materials or resources to clients on matters, such as financial planning, budgeting, or credit.Importance 4.5
- Review changes to financial, family, or employment situations to determine whether changes to existing debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets are needed.Importance 4.5
Show the other 11
- Prepare written documents to establish contracts with or communicate financial recommendations to clients.Importance 4.4
- Explain services or policies to clients, such as debt management program rules, advantages and disadvantages of using services, or creditor concession policies.Importance 4.2
- Teach courses or seminars on topics, such as budgeting, management of personal finances, or financial literacy.Importance 4.0
- Refer clients to social service or community resources for needs beyond those of credit or debt counseling.Importance 3.9
- Advise clients on housing matters, such as housing rental, homeownership, mortgage delinquency, or foreclosure prevention.Importance 3.9
- Create action plans to assist clients in obtaining permanent housing via rent or mortgage programs.Importance 3.8
- Explain loan information to clients, such as available loan types, eligibility requirements, or loan restrictions.Importance 3.8
- Negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients to arrange for payment adjustments, interest rate reductions, time extensions, or payment plans.Importance 3.6
- Conduct research to help clients avoid repossessions or foreclosures or remove levies or wage garnishments.Importance 3.5
- Disburse funds from client accounts to creditors.Importance 3.0
- Investigate missing checks, payment histories, held funds, returned checks, or other related issues to resolve client or creditor problems.Importance 3.0
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.6Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- MathematicsImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
- PsychologyImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- DesignImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- GeographyImportance 1.5Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- TransportationImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
Show all 52
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Number FacilityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Far VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
Show all 41
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Processing InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.3Level 2.6
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.3Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
23 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (5)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
Hot (3; 5 more marked hot above)
- Microsoft Access
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- SAP software
Other tools (15)
- Chat software
- Cooperative Processing Resources DMS Professional Suite
- CoreLogic DebtorTrace
- Email software
- Freddie Mac Loan Prospector
- ICCO CreditSoft
- Integrant DebtLogic
- LexisNexis
- LexisNexis Accurint
- Merlin Information Services databases
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Paragon Financial Services Paragon Financial System
- Prime Debt Soft Debt Settlement
- Prime Debt Software Credit Repair
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Customs Brokers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Personnel Resources +0.6, Service Orientation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +1.0, Service Orientation −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Insurance Underwriters
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Learning −0.7, Complex Problem Solving −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +0.9, Complex Problem Solving −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources −0.7, Social Perceptiveness +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Loan Officers
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Evaluation −0.8, Active Learning −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Personal Financial Advisors
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.8, Operations Analysis +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Loan Interviewers and Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation −0.6, Systems Evaluation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.