How to become a Debt Counsellor?

Registration as a Debt Counsellor- Article supplied by the National Credit Regulator

The Act makes provision for the registration of debt counsellors which have complied with all the provisions of the Act and satisfied the training requirements of the NCR.

Debt counsellors will conduct independent enquiries into consumers’ financial circumstances and make recommendations to the courts concerning debt restructuring and suspension of reckless credit agreements.

Requirements for Registering as a Debt Counsellor as per Section 44 and Regulation 10 of the National Credit Amendment Act, 19 of 2014:

Applicant must be 18 years or older
Must have a grade 12 certificate or equivalent level 4 qualification issued by the South African Qualifications Authority in terms of regulation 10 (a) (i).
Must successfully complete a debt counselling course approved by the National Credit Regulator
The following training service providers are approved by the National Credit Regulator to offer DC course:

 

Institution name	Email Address	Contact Number
University of pretoria enterprise	charlotte.vansittert@up.ac.za	012 434 2500/5235
Business Skills Institute	info@bsi-institute.co.za	Tel: +27 21 111 0580 / Cell number : 082 441 0941
Rudo consulting	thabo@rudocon.co.za	012 663 3251/082 871 5586 , 076 156 8366

Must have a minimum of two years full time working experience in any of the following fields; </li>

Consumer Protection;
Complaints Resolution;
Consumer Advisory Services;
Legal or Paralegal Services;
Accounting or financial services;
Education or training of individuals;
Counselling of individuals;
General Business Environment.

Must not be subject to an administration order as contemplated in section 74 of the Magistrate‘s court Act 32 of 1944
Must not be subject to debt re-arrangement as contemplated in section 86 and 87 of the National Credit Act.
Must not be engaged in, employed by or acting as an agent for a person that is engaged in –

Debt collection;
The operation of a credit bureau;
Credit provision.

The person must demonstrate ability to manage his / her own finances at the time of applying for registration as well as providing counselling or transfer of skills

Documents and information required for the application for registration as a Debt Counsellor in terms of Section 44 of the National Credit Amendment Act, 19 of 2014:
Please note that your application will not be processed and/or considered without the following:
Completed and signed application form (Form 4).
A certified copy of your identity or passport document. If non south African Citizen, please provide a certified copy of valid work permit
A certified copy of your Matric Certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (“SAQA”). If it is a foreign qualification, please provide an evaluation certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (“SAQA”).
A certified copy of your debt counselling certificate issued by an NCR (National Credit Regulator) accredited training service provider.
Proof of registration with the South African Revenue Services (SARS).
A copy of your Curriculum Vitae (“CV”) detailing your academic qualifications, full names of previous and current employers, dates of employment, responsibilities and experience obtained during each period of employment.
A Criminal Clearance Certificate issued by the South African Police Services (SAPS) or other Service Provider listed in the annexure attached hereto marked A. The clearance certificate must not be older than six (6) months. (Please create a link)

Proof of payment of the registration fees:

Non-refundable application fee of R550;
Initial registration fee R500;
Branch fee of R250 per location or premises at or from which the applicant conducts registered activities.
A letter from the bank confirming your banking details or a copy of a cancelled blank cheque or a stamped bank statement.

Your application will not be considered if you have not completed the debt counselling course provided by an NCR (National Credit Regulator) accredited training service provider

For further information regarding the application process, please contact the Registrations Department at telephone number 011 554 2700 or email registrations@ncr.org.za