Support lasting financial wellness through trauma-informed financial counseling 

Earn the Financial Trauma-Informed Specialist (FTIS)™ designation and demonstrate the ability to recognize, understand, and appropriately respond to trauma-influenced financial behaviors within a credit union environment. This designation integrates financial psychology research, trauma-informed care principles, and behavior-change coaching strategies that support long-term member financial wellness.

Earning the FTIS™ designation sets a professional apart as a trusted resource for member-centered financial counseling, showcasing their ability to approach sensitive financial situations with empathy, emotional awareness, and practical coaching techniques that build trust and promote sustainable financial recovery. 

Top reasons to earn the FTIS designation:

  • Gain specialized skills to better support members experiencing financial stress, shame, avoidance, or crisis
  • Learn how financial trauma impacts decision-making, behaviors, and member relationships
  • Build trauma-informed coaching and communication techniques that foster trust and autonomy
  • Develop practical strategies to guide sustainable financial behavior change 
    Strengthen your ability to navigate complex member situations with empathy and professionalism
  • Differentiate yourself with an advanced designation designed specifically for credit union financial counseling professionals 

Who should certify

Credit union financial counselors, financial coaches, and member wellness professionals who want to deepen their understanding of trauma-informed financial counseling practices.  

This advanced designation is intended for professionals who have already earned the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC)™ designation and want to expand their expertise in trauma-informed financial counseling. 

How to earn

To earn the Financial Trauma-Informed Specialist (FTIS) designation, participants must first earn the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC)™ designation. Participants must then complete the following requirements:

  • Attend all four webinars 
  • Recordings may be viewed after the live eSchool 
  • Complete required reflection activities 
  • Pass a 50-question multiple-choice exam with a minimum score of 80% 

How to recertify

Recertification for the Financial Trauma-Informed Specialist (FTIS)™ designation will be included in the Recertification Knowledge Check for those who obtain the designation every 3 years.