Collection Workers

High School

Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates for collection jobs, but formal education beyond high school is typically not required. High school courses that might prove helpful in this career include those that will help you communicate clearly and properly, such as English and speech. Fluency in at least one foreign language — such as Spanish or Mandarin — will come in handy if you are assigned to collect debts from a person who is not fluent in English. Because collection workers have to talk with people about a very delicate subject, psychology classes might also be beneficial. Finally, computer classes are good choices, since this career, like most others, often requires at least some familiarity with keyboarding, basic computer operation, and Internet research strategies.

Postsecondary Training

Most collection workers learn collection procedures and telephone techniques on the job in a one- to three-month training period spent under the guidance of a supervisor or an experienced collector. The federal and state legal restrictions on collection activities, such as when and how calls can be made, are also covered.

Certification or Licensing

The National Association of Credit Management provides the following specialty certificates: commercial collections specialist, commercial construction credit specialist, and commercial bankruptcy credit specialist. Visit https://nacm.org/certification.html for more information.

Other Education or Training

ACA International conducts a variety of seminars on collection techniques, state and federal compliance laws that pertain to collection workers, and other topics. Recent seminars included Essential Collection Skills and Techniques, Healthcare Collection Management, and Data Security and Privacy I and II. Contact ACA International for more information.