Level 2
Credit Controller & Collector Apprenticeship
The Level 2 Collections Apprenticeship is an ideal starting point for anyone looking to build a rewarding career in credit control and collections. As the only national trade association in the UK for organisations active in the debt collection and debt purchase industry, we bring unrivalled knowledge and experience of credit management and collections. Designed with apprentices at its heart, the programme develops confident, professional collections officers who balance commercial outcomes with fairness, compliance and customer care. Apprentices build practical, job-ready skills while earning and applying their learning directly in the workplace.
Apprenticeship Outcomes
Outcome for Employers
Employers benefit from more confident, capable collections staff who apply consistent credit control processes, communicate professionally with customers and manage accounts in line with regulatory and organisational requirements. Apprentices support improved cash collection while protecting customer relationships, identifying risk and vulnerability and escalating non-standard cases appropriately.
Outcome for Learners
Learners develop the skills, confidence and professional behaviours needed to succeed in entry-level collections roles and build a long-term career in credit management, with clear progression opportunities into more senior credit and collections roles.
As the only national trade association in the UK for organisations active in the debt collection and debt purchase industry with a history dating back to 1906 and an industry-leading Code of Practice designed to uphold the highest standards, we have unrivalled knowledge and experience of the credit management and debt collection function. At any one time, our members hold up to £60bn for collection, returning nearly £4bn in collections to the UK economy per annum.
Credit control and debt collection roles are at the centre of operations across all sectors of UK and international commerce. Those working in these roles are responsible for managing and protecting cash flow, and recovering unpaid money owed while achieving fair outcomes for all. They are required to have detailed knowledge of law, regulations, and the business environment, as well excellent interpersonal and technical skills so that they can proactively interact with potentially ‘high risk’ consumers and commercial customers.
The Apprenticeship Levy funded Level 2 Credit Controller and Collector Apprenticeship Standard is a cost-effective way for public and private sector organisations to up-skill or re-skill new or existing employees from a standing start on a successful career pathway in this business-critical area.
‘The programme develops the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to carry out the range of activities credit controllers and collectors are responsible for, including:
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Monitoring and managing customer accounts and payments.
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Following organisational policies and ensuring that quality targets are met.
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Processing credit applications.
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Agreeing credit terms and/or payment arrangements.
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Invoicing. Allocating and reconciling cash.
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Proactively contacting customers who have reached credit limits or terms in order to minimise bad debts while retaining positive relationships for the long term.
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Resolving straight-forward disputes to recover outstanding balances.
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Debt support, advice, and signposting.
Module 1 - Introduction to Credit Control/Collections
Module 2 - Legal, Regulation and Compliance. Industry and Organisation Products & Services
Module 3 - Credit Management. Collections Products and Services
Module 4 -Compliance and Risk. Complaints, Vulnerable Customers
Module 5 - Debt Solutions, Customer Types, Financial Difficulties, Vulnerable Customers
Module 6 - Customer Service, Change, Negotiation and Influencing, Behaviours
Module 7 Preparing for End Point Assessment
Typical roles include Credit Controller, Collections Administrator, Accounts Receivable Assistant, Collections Agent, Recoveries Assistant and Customer Account Officer.
For more information visit the Skills England website here.
An award-winning learning and development specialist and an Approved Apprenticeship Training Provider, CSA Learning supports firms and employers to train, improve and assess their workforces in our specialist areas including credit, debt collection, compliance, counter-fraud, trading standards and governance.
CSA provides employers with training to reskill existing staff, as well as a means of introducing new employees to your company and sector. Our tutors are all specialists in their fields, with learner feedback consistently highlighting the exceptional standard of workshop delivery.
| Key Information |
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Length of Course12 months plus 3 month EPA |
Number of Modules7 modules |
QualificationCICM Level 2 Certificate in Credit & Collections |
Funding£5000 (No cost if levy Funded) We will work with you to maximise Apprenticeship Levy funds and access any other support or incentives that are available to fund the programme. |
CSA blended learning deliveryTutor-led, interactive workshops delivered via Microsoft Teams. Face to face delivery available for groups of 8+. |
Apprenticeship Testimonial
"My tutor's help with preparing me for the end point assessment (EPA) was valuable as I was guided to the specific areas in the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that would relate to both papers and select relevant scenarios to add additional context to my answers.
"The encouragement and belief in me was invaluable, especially when I lacked this in myself. A huge thanks again to my tutors for all the support and guidance."
Michele Clifton (Portsmouth City Council)
Our track record
of our apprenticeship employers state that their staff come out of our apprenticeships more skilled than when they went in.
of our apprenticeship employers believe that our ability to provide the right training at the right time is a key strength.
of our apprentices highlight our ability to prepare them for success in their future careers.
Access additional funding when hiring an apprentice
Receive a hiring payment of up to £2000
From 1 October 2026, eligible non-levy paying employers may be able to receive a hiring payment of up to £2,000 when recruiting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24.
The payment forms part of the Government's plans to increase the number of young people starting apprenticeships and can help reduce the cost of recruitment while supporting future workforce development.
Commonly asked questions
If you still have any questions please reach out to us and we will be happy to help.
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What apprenticeship funding is available to businesses?
Apprenticeship funding in England is available to all employers, regardless of size. The amount an employer contributes depends on whether they pay the Apprenticeship Levy, the age of the apprentice, and whether levy transfer funding is used.
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What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
The Apprenticeship Levy applies to employers with an annual pay bill of over £3 million. These employers must contribute 0.5% of their payroll into a digital apprenticeship account, which can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and end point assessment.
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How can levy paying employers use their funds?
Levy paying employers can:
1. Use levy funds to pay for apprenticeship training and end point assessment by funding apprentices of any age or level
2. Transfer up to 50% of unused levy funds to other employers (such as SMEs) – see transferring levy FAQ
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What happens if all of the funds in the digital account have been spent?
If all of the levy funds in the digital account have been spent the employer contributes to 25% of the remaining training costs, and the government contributes 75%, up to the funding band (see question on funding bands).
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Are any apprenticeships fully funded for employers?
Yes. Apprenticeship training is 100% government funded where the apprentice is aged 16–21, or, aged 22–24 and has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or has been in local authority care.
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What are the apprenticeship funding bands?
Each apprenticeship standard has a funding band, which sets the maximum amount the government will contribute towards training and assessment. Funding bands range from £1,500 to £27,000. Employers agree the final price with the training provider and any cost above the funding band must be paid by the employer.
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What is levy transfer funding?
Levy transfer funding allows large employers to transfer unused levy funds to other organisations.
The transfer can cover up to 100% of training and assessment costs (within the funding band).
This is particularly beneficial for SMEs and is widely used to support apprenticeships across supply chains and sectors
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Are there any employer incentive payments?
Yes. For some apprenticeship standards, including foundation apprenticeships, employers may be eligible for incentive payments of up to £2,000. Eligibility depends on the apprenticeship standard and the age of the apprentice.