Become an Insolvency Counsellor
Do you have some post-secondary education? Are you well versed in the pros and cons of consumer debt products and services? Do you derive satisfaction from helping others?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a career as an Insolvency Counsellor may appeal to you.
The CAIRP Practical Course on Insolvency Counselling (PCIC) is the first step to becoming a BIA Insolvency Counsellor. BIA Insolvency Counsellors are permitted to provide insolvency counselling to individual bankrupts and consumer debtors on behalf of Licensed Insolvency Trustees, if they meet the requirements outlined in the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy’s Directive 1R8, including use of the term “BIA Insolvency Counsellor."
The PCIC is an online course offered in English and French, that covers the basic knowledge required of a competent Insolvency Counselor and focuses on its practical application. The course requires the completion of two assignments and an online multiple-choice examination.
If you are currently in or considering the CIRP Qualification Program, the PCIC will be a program requirement for you.
Course Structure
The PCIC is an online course for CQP candidates and those who provide BIA counselling to bankrupts and debtors provides the basic knowledge required by a competent Insolvency Counsellor. Course topics, are arranged into four modules:
- Personal Insolvency/Bankruptcy Under the BIA
- Interviewing and Counselling
- Budgeting and Elements of Personal Finance
- Money in Context
Each module contains an introduction and overview, case examples, presentation of key concepts and skills, review sections, and self-tests. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of theoretical knowledge. Candidates work through the material at their own pace in preparation for the final examination. There are links throughout the material to the OSB Counsellor training module, checklists and the OSB online debtor curriculum, which are required knowledge for all BIA counsellors.
Candidates must complete two assessments prior to challenging the final examination. Each assessment consists of a role play of the first and second counselling sessions. Candidates are required to provide reflections on this exercise to their LIT for marking. See Other requirements section below for more information.
Entrance Requirements
To be eligible to enroll in the PCIC, candidates must send proof that they meet either of the following requirements.
A: a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate (having passed the General Education Development (GED) test), plus one of:
- A minimum of three (3) years of relevant practical work experience supporting an LIT or registered BIA insolvency counsellor (CV/Resume showing relevant experience required) or,
- A minimum of thirty (30) credit hours of post-secondary study completed in a diploma or degree program from a recognized post-secondary institution (copy of the Academic Transcript provided by the institution required).
OR
B: Enrolment in the CQP
Other Requirements
All candidates are required to have:
- agreement from a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) to assess their counselling reflection assignments and observe their ability to counsel debtors. Candidates unable to find a LIT should contact CAIRP. Candidates will need to identify the LIT when they apply for the course.
- a computer and an Internet connection to access course materials and complete the online examination
- access to a quiet and isolated environment for taking the online exam (home or office)
It is strongly recommended that all candidates observe a minimum of 10 counselling sessions of a BIA counsellor or LIT, as a way of gaining practical insights that will complement the course material.
Course/Exam Fees
There are two components to the cost of the PCIC. The course fee and the exam fee. They are each charged separately. Refer to program fees for current pricing.
Application Process
Applications are accepted throughout the year, however the exam is only offered twice per year. Please consult Important Program Dates for more information.
Applicants must submit a PCIC Application Form. Once the application has been approved, the candidate will be invoiced for course fees and access to the material will be provided to the candidate.
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