| Formation | 1939 (age 87) |
|---|---|
| Vat id | GB 245 9621 85 |
| Registration id | 1162712 RC000877 |
| Purpose | To raise the professional standards operating in credit management and to promote education about credit management. |
| Products | Credit Management (magazine) · UK Credit Management Index · Guides |
| Website | www.cicm.com |
| Former name | Institute of Credit Management |
| Abbreviation | CICM |
The Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM) is a United Kingdom–based professional body for credit management, debt collection, and related financial professions. Founded in 1939 as the Institute of Credit Management, the organisation was granted a Royal Charter in 2014, which came into effect on 1 January 2015, after which it adopted its current name.
Headquartered in Peterborough, the institute represents professionals working across trade credit, consumer credit, collections, enforcement, insolvency, and wider order-to-cash operations. It is recognised as one of the largest professional bodies for credit management in the world and is a founding member of the Federation of European Credit Management Associations (FECMA).
Purpose
The CICM operates as a Royal Chartered professional body and registered charity, with the purpose of advancing standards in credit management and debt collection.
Its activities include:
- Providing professional education, training, and qualifications
- Promoting ethical and professional practice
- Supporting members through continuing professional development (CPD) and networking
- Representing the credit and collections profession to government, regulators, and industry bodies
Membership
Membership is structured across several grades reflecting career stage, qualifications, and experience. These include:
- Essentials membership
- Studying membership
- Affiliate membership
- Associate (ACICM)
- Member (MCICM)
- Fellow (FCICM)
Professional grades are typically awarded based on a combination of qualifications and professional experience, and members may use post nominal designations to indicate their status.
Qualifications and professional standards
The CICM provides professional qualifications in credit management, debt collection, and related areas including money and debt advice. These qualifications are regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and aligned with the UK’s regulated qualifications frameworks.
The institute also maintains a framework of Professional Standards, which define competencies, behaviours, and skills expected of individuals working in credit and collections. These standards underpin CICM qualifications, training, and professional development programmes, and are used as a benchmark for roles across the sector.
Training
The CICM delivers training and learning and development programmes through both virtual and in person formats. These programmes are designed to support individuals and organisations across credit management, collections, debt recovery, and related financial disciplines.
Training provision includes:
- Open training courses and workshops
- Bespoke in-house training programmes
- Virtual and classroom-based learning
- Continuing professional development (CPD) support
- Specialist learning for credit, collections, and debt management professionals
CICMQ
CICMQ (Quality in Credit Management) is an organisational accreditation scheme operated by the institute. It is used to assess and benchmark credit management and debt collection practices against recognised best practice and continuous improvement standards.
Organisations that achieve CICMQ accreditation may receive certification, structured feedback, and access to professional networks and resources associated with the scheme.
Awards
The CICM operates the annual British Credit Awards recognising achievement and best practice within the credit management and debt collection profession. The awards include both individual and organisational categories across the sector.
Services and publications
The CICM provides a range of services to support professionals and organisations, including:
- Professional development resources and technical guidance
- Networking opportunities through regional branches and national events
The institute publishes Credit Management magazine, which covers industry developments, regulatory updates, and professional practice.
It also produces research and guidance on credit management, debt collection, and business cashflow.