Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
ABOUT THE QUALIFICATION
What is the Global Credit Certificate (GCC)?
The Global Credit Certificate (GCC) is a professional qualification for whose roles relate to credit. It teaches the principles of credit analysis and their practical application, focusing on practical knowledge and real-life scenarios tools. It is awarded by the Global Institute of Credit Professionals.
Who is the GCC for?
The qualification is relevant to both buy and sell-side professionals, particularly those in:
- Corporate and commercial banking
- Risk management
- Credit departments
- Capital markets
- Credit research
- Investment management
Why should a candidate take the GCC?
- The syllabus provides a compact, rigorous grounding in credit, designed specifically for those who work in credit related roles.
- GCC is a practical and modern qualification which focuses on applying credit skills and covers current topics such as ESG and impact of tech on credit.
- With an enhanced skillset, candidates will be equipped to make better credit decisions and communicate more effectively across the institution.
- The program is designed and delivered by top credit practitioners, so participants will gain relevant and contemporary knowledge.
- Successful candidates will be awarded a certificate, will be invited to join the Global Institute of Credit Professionals, and will be allowed to use the MICP designation (‘Member of the Global Institute of Credit Professionals’).
What is covered in the GCC syllabus?
The qualification covers both credit knowledge, and practical application of credit analysis, and examines institutional and behavioral elements affecting credit decision processes. The syllabus explores contemporary issues including ESG, AI and the impact of financial technology on both corporate creditworthiness, and on the tools credit professionals use.
The Level 1 Exam focuses on building credit knowledge and covers qualitative and quantitative credit risk analysis principles.
The Level 2 Exam focuses on analytical application of learning from Level 1 Exam through practical examples and case-studies. It examines topics in behavioral finance and the credit decisioning environment. Level 2 Exam also includes a spotlight on ESG in credit and other contemporary issues affecting institutional credit.
GCC Syllabus
Level 1: Building Credit Knowledge | Level 2: Applying Credit Skills |
---|---|
1. Introduction to the Credit Decision Process | 14. Qualitative Risk Factors |
2. Debt Financing Instruments | 15. Business Profile Analysis |
3. Operating Environment and Sector Risk | 16. Funding and Capital Analysis |
4. Business Profile, Management and Ownership | 17. Comprehensive Financial Analysis: Corporates and Banks |
5. Financial Statements | 18. Cash Flow Forecasting |
6. Corporate Financial Statement Analysis | 19. Critical Thinking and Behavioral Biases |
7. Bank Financial Statement Analysis | 20. Decision Making Principles |
8. Corporate Business Profile | 21. Effective Decision-Making Framework |
9. Bank Profitability and Risk | 22. Trends in New Technologies and their Impact on Credit |
10. Corporate Funding Profile | |
11. Bank Funding, Liquidity and Capital | |
12. ESG in Credit | |
13. Insolvency and Recovery |
What is the experience and qualifications of the trainers/instructors?
All of the GCC trainers have 15+ years of credit experience working for major financial institutions, and have extensive training experience.
Which regions is GCC delivered in?
GCC is delivered in all major regions: EMEA, APAC and Americas.
Can individuals and/or businesses register for the Global Credit Certificate (GCC)?
The GCC is open to both institutional clients and individuals. You can purchase the GCC in our registration page. If you would like to learn more about the available options, you can contact us.
How can I sign up to the course?
You can sign up for the course in our registration page. For larger groups, please email institute@gicp.org.
ABOUT THE STUDY OPTIONS
What are the study options for the Global Credit Certificate (GCC)?
Available study options include live training (in-person and virtual), and a self-study option.
Candidates learn using detailed study notes covering the entire syllabus and via the eLearning resources. Candidates also have access to practice questions, mock exams and case studies. All of the candidate learning resources are available via the online learning portal.
How long is the GCC study time?
We expect the qualification to take between 50-100 hours of study for each of the two levels. The time will vary depending on the candidate’s prior level of experience. Candidates with no previous experience, who are starting fresh, are likely to need around 100 hours of study (including classroom). Active professionals are likely to need around 50 hours (including classroom).
What is the shortest time you can complete the certification in?
The shortest time to complete the qualification is 3-6 months for both levels combined, depending on candidate’s experience.
What preparation should candidates do in advance of commencing the course?
Candidates can access course materials and eLearning via the online learning portal as soon as they have been registered. It is recommended that the candidates complete self-study before coming to the classroom training. Candidates starting the GCC are recommended to follow the study guide.
Are there options to customize the course?
As the GCC is a designated qualification, customization is not possible. There is, however, flexibility in the delivery method (online-only, in-person, and self-study), as well as the remotely invigilated exams.
ABOUT THE EXAMS
What is the GCC exam structure?
There are 2 levels of exams.
Level 1 Exam has 80 multiple choice questions and lasts 3 hours.
Level 2 Exam has 50 multiple choice questions of which 80% are case study based. It lasts 3 hours.
The exams are remotely invigilated so can be taken in a place and at a time of candidate's choice.
What is the pass mark?
The GCC pass mark is not published. However, we recommend that candidates aim to achieve 75-80% in the mock exams for both levels. Achieving the score means that they should be well prepared to pass the actual exams.
When do candidates receive the certificate?
Candidates will receive their certificate after successfully passing Level 1 and Level 2 exams. Successful candidates will also be eligible to use the professional designation ‘MICP’ (Member of the Global Institute of Credit Professionals).
What is MICP?
When candidates pass the Global Credit Certificate, they are eligible to use the professional designation ‘MICP’ (Member of the Global Institute of Credit Professionals) to demonstrate their expertise. The Institute offers exclusive benefits to GCC alumni.