FCRA Basic Certificate Program

The FCRA Basic Certificate Program provides participants with a core understanding of foundational information core to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Staff at every level within an organization will benefit from this program. By supporting staff participation in the certificate programs, organizations are able to demonstrate an investment in both people and products and a commitment to compliance throughout their organization.

Program Content

The program includes five training webinars and an exam. The webinars cover the following topics:

FCRA Basics — The basic FCRA concepts and terminology, such as "consumer report," "consumer reporting agency," "investigative consumer report," "end user," "furnisher," etc. and some of the limitations on data that can be included in consumer reports.
CRAs — The five basic duties of consumer reporting agencies under the FCRA.
The Other Players — The basic rights and duties of end users, furnishers, resellers and consumers under the FCRA.
FCRA Litigation — Consumer litigation and regulatory enforcement actions under FCRA.
State Variants — Principal state law variants of the FCRA and addresses the interplay between the FCRA and state variants.

Certificate Holder Benefits

Upon completing the five training webinars and passing the exam, participants receive a certificate valid for two years and are eligible for the FCRA Advanced Certificate Program during this time. Members of PBSA who hold a current FCRA Basic Certificate are so designated in the online membership directory.

View the Statement of Use for FCRA Basic Certificate logo.

Exam Details

Individuals have two opportunities to pass the exam. Those who do not pass the exam on their second attempt must repurchase the program. A score of 80% must be achieved to pass the exam. The exam must be completed within 12 months of the purchase date.

Renewal

FCRA Basic Certificate is valid for two years and must be current to apply for renewal. There are two options for FCRA Basic renewal – taking the renewal exam or earning credits by attending PBSA educational tracks at conferences and webinars. For FCRA Basic renewal, you must submit your Professional Development Credits (PDCs) or pass the renewal exam by the end of your two-year certificate period.

Renewal via PDCs. Five PDCs are needed to qualify for FCRA Basic renewal. PDCs must be submitted to PBSA by the end of the two-year certificate period. Once the renewal application is complete and has been approved, your next two-year renewal period begins from your existing end date. Designated PBSA educational sessions and webinars (live and recordings) qualify for PDCs. To receive your tracking form, you must register for the FCRA Basic Renewal PDCs course using the link below. For a list of qualifying 2022 sessions and webinars, Click Here.
Renewal via exam. Individuals have two opportunities to pass the renewal exam. Those who do not pass the exam on their second attempt must repurchase the program. A score of 80% must be achieved to pass the exam. The exam must be completed within one month of the purchase date.

Fees

Initial Certificate:
PBSA Member: $90
Non-Member: $165

Renewal:
PBSA Member: $65
Non-Member: $115

Current exchange rate and conversion can be found by clicking on this link. *Note: the currency exchange link will bring you to a site outside of the PBSA domain.

Registration Forms

Additional Notes

The individual who is taking this course and exam must have an PBSA account to log-in and purchase. Non-members will be prompted to register for an account prior to obtaining access to the order form.
Do not purchase this exam for another person in your membership account. If the participant does not have PBSA login credentials, contact your company's PBSA billing contact to add employees to the company profile and register you for the program. Should you have any questions in this regard, contact certification@thepbsa.org.
It is the responsibility of certificate holder to maintain a current email address with PBSA in order to receive renewal notices.
This program is not currently approved for HRCI credits.