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Overview

The Certificate in Credit Union Operations was specifically designed by LIA for those working in the Credit Union Movement.

This online course leads to up to four professional Credit Union designations, offering flexibility and choice depending on your role in the Credit Union.

The designations available are Credit Union Adviser (CUA), Credit Union Governance (CUG), Credit Union Compliance (CUC) and APA (Loans). To hold any of these designations with LIA you must complete an online course consisting of up to two modules listed below, offered by LIA’s academic education partner, Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

All our courses are provided online via distance and self-directed learning, meaning you can study from home or work before sitting your exams online. 

Each module is worth 5 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Those who complete QFA Regulation, Credit Union Practices plus one other module above will be awarded the Certificate in Credit Union Operations by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) – a 15 ECTS qualification at level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications. These exams are 2-hour multiple choice exams with 100 questions.

Course Aims

Overall, this course will provide you with specialist knowledge and the ability to:

  • Identify the ethos, structure and operations of credit unions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the general governance, risk and compliance obligations of credit unions.
  • Illustrate the different types of financial products and services provided by credit unions.
  • Demonstrate competence in providing professional advice on the financial products and services which credit unions provide for their members.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the main regulatory requirements relating to the marketing of financial services products and to the sales / advisory process pertaining to such products.

Course content

Modules

Credit Union Practices

  • Structure of Credit Unions
  • Governance
  • Savings
  • Loans
  • Additional Services
  • Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
  • Data Protection
  • Accounts
  • The AGM
  • Member Complaints

Credit Union Governance & Risk

  • Structure of Credit Unions
  • Board of Directors and Committees
  • Board Oversight Committee
  • The Manager
  • Compliance Programme
  • Fitness & Probity
  • Core Services
  • Additional Services
  • Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing
  • Meetings & Resolutions
  • Risk Management & Systems
  • Risk Management & Best Practices
  • Financial Management
  • Accounts
  • Stabilisation & Restructuring

QFA Loans

  • Housing Loans
  • Taxation and Reliefs
  • Comparing Housing Loans
  • Housing Loan Insurance
  • Arranging a Housing Loan
  • Remortgaging
  • Arrears and Debt Management
  • Consumer Credit

QFA Regulation

  • Why Governments Regulate Financial Services
  • Authorisation
  • Marketing
  • Meeting Potential Clients
  • The Sales/Advisory Process
  • Customer Records
  • Handling Complaints
  • Investor Protection
  • Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts
  • Whistleblowing

Key Dates

Upcoming Key Dates

Module Pricing

The registration fee for each module is €350 and includes examination entry, textbook, and a suite of learning resources provided in our student log-in area such as your study guide, pre-recorded webinars and more.

Study Fee

If you are not already paying an annual LIA membership fee, you are required to pay one study fee (€100) in addition to your first module fee. This covers you for 12 months study i.e. you can enrol on any number of modules during that time without being charged the study fee again. Those who hold annual membership with LIA are not required to pay the study fee if enrolling on modules.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Institution Leaving Cert or Equivalent Leaving Cert English Leaving Cert Maths RPL Alternative Qualifications English Language
LIA 5 x O6/H7 or higher Minimum of Grade O6/H7 Minimum of Grade O6/H7 Yes – see below Yes – see below IELTS 5.5

 

or

An equivalent qualification at the same level (e.g. A levels; Highers/Advanced Highers (Scotland), International Baccalaureate; European Baccalaureate etc).

Any QQI level 5/6 FE qualification is acceptable.

All applicants are required to have competency in English endorsed by the Irish Leaving Certificate or other equivalent award.

All learners are required to be proficient in English. Where a candidate’s mother tongue is not English, he or she is required to provide a proof of proficiency in the English language through satisfactory performance on an internationally recognised test (e.g. IELTS 5.5) or other similar English Language qualifications.

Mature applicants who do not have a Leaving Certificate will be assessed for entry based on work experience along with a demonstrated commitment towards the academic requirements for the programme. This may be assessed using a written application from the candidate and/or by interview. Such learners will have relevant employment and will have access to the IT facilities necessary to participate in the programme. RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) applicants will be required to complete a personal statement which addresses how the applicant has met the minimum standard by reference to QQI’s Business Standards at Level 6.

All other applicants, who do not meet these criteria, will be dealt with on their individual merits and on a case-by-case basis. Decisions made under this mechanism will not set a precedent for adjudicating similar applications.

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at the following:

Those working within the Credit Union industry seeking career advancement.

Career changers or those looking to join the Credit Union industry.

Those looking to meet MCC (minimum competency code) to advise and sell Credit Union products.