Level 3
Senior Credit Controller & Debt Collection Specialist
Undertaking the Level 3 Senior Credit Controller & Debt Collection Specialist apprenticeship is an excellent progression route for individuals ready to take on greater responsibility within credit and collections functions. Developed by the UK’s only national trade association representing the debt collection and debt purchase industry, this programme reflects deep sector expertise and current best practice. Apprentices build advanced skills in managing complex accounts, supporting vulnerable customers and balancing commercial outcomes with regulatory and ethical requirements. Learning is applied directly in the workplace, strengthening confidence, professional credibility and compliance knowledge while supporting progression into senior operational or specialist collections roles.
Apprenticeship Outcomes
Outcome for Employers
Employers develop capable senior collections professionals who can manage complex cases, apply sound judgement and operate confidently within regulatory and ethical frameworks. Apprentices strengthen consistency across decision making, negotiation and account prioritisation, improving outcomes on higher risk or non-standard cases. Learning is applied directly to live caseloads, supporting improved compliance, fair customer treatment and commercial performance, while also enabling senior staff to support junior colleagues and contribute positively to overall team effectiveness.
Outcome for Learners
Learners develop advanced credit control and debt collection capability, building confidence in handling complex accounts, escalations and vulnerable customer situations. The apprenticeship strengthens professional judgement, negotiation skills and regulatory understanding, supporting credible progression into senior operational or specialist roles. Learners gain recognition through a nationally recognised apprenticeship and the opportunity to complete the Chartered Institute of Credit Management Level 3 Diploma in Credit and Collections, enhancing long-term career prospects within the credit and collections sector.
The Apprenticeship Levy funded Level 3 Advanced Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist Apprenticeship Standard (which incorporates the mandatory CICM Level 3 Diploma in Credit & Collections) 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 credit control and debt collection roles to a high standard. As well as the core modules, learners must choose one of the following three specialist options:
Credit risk - advising on credit policy and making decisions on credit limits and, in some cases, complex and non-routine credit arrangements.
Advanced Collections - managing complex customer relations to resolve payment issues or identify potential customer vulnerability through the use of recognised relevant assessment frameworks (e.g. TEXAS Model, Common Financial Statement, understanding of insolvency legislation). Examples might include significant corporate business or customers in complex financial difficulties or vulnerable circumstances.
Enforcement and recovery - applying in-depth understanding of statutory and/or non-statutory enforcement solutions in the recovery of debt.
Module 1 - Consumer Collections. Introduction to Credit Control Debt Collection & Introduction to Regulation and Legislation.
Module 2 - Consumer Collections. Legislation & Regulation, Call handling, Debt Types & Consumer Groups, Stakeholder Management.
Module 3 - Consumer Collections. Credit Management and the Economy, Products & Services, Preparing for debt collection.
Module 4 - Advanced Collections , Negotiations and influencing, Vulnerable customers and solutions, Technology and debt recovery.
Module 5 - Advanced collections , Business ethics, Research and personal skills and behaviours
Module 6 - Specialist Options & Personal Skills. EPA preparation
This apprenticeship is ideal for experienced credit controllers, debt collection specialists, recoveries staff, enforcement-related roles and individuals stepping into more senior ownership of collections activity. It is suited to employers seeking to strengthen capability in managing complex accounts, disputes, vulnerabilities and escalations, while improving decision making, consistency and performance across collections teams operating in regulated environments.
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 CourseTypically 18 months plus 3 months end point assessment |
Number of Modules8 |
QualificationChartered Institute of Credit Management Level 3 Diploma in Credit and Collections |
Funding£13,000 (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 Teams, with face-to-face delivery available for groups of 8+ |
View our case studies and testimonials
Explore real stories from our customers, from school leaver apprentices to long term staff developing their knowledge.
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.