Credit Business Associatesm (CBAsm) Exam Study Outline

Recommended Texts:
The following textbooks, all of which are available for purchase through the NACM Bookstore, should be used to prepare for the exam:

  • Principles of Business Credit, by NACM
  • Accounting by Warren, Reeve & Duchac or any college-level financial accounting text
  • Understanding Financial Statements by Lyn Fraser
  • Credit Management: Principles and Practices by Dr. Charles Gahala, CCE (optional, review text)

This guide outlines the chapters covered by the CBA exam. Please be aware that this study outline is intended as a general guide for preparing for the examination. In-depth preparation (study sessions, seminars, self-study courses, etc.) is recommended in conjunction with reviewing the material within this study outline.

CBA Exam Format:

The CBA exam typically consists of approximately 125-150 true/false and multiple choice questions of an equal point value. Exam questions are drawn from the recommended texts covering any or all of the suggested topics. The exam may require the preparation of a balance sheet, an income statement, a statement of cash flows, or common size analysis (vertical or horizontal). Candidates have three hours in which to complete the exam and may not use texts or notes, but may use hand-held calculators during the examination. Candidates must earn a score of 70% to pass this examination. NACM reserves the right to change the format of the exam at any time.

If you are in any way uncertain about the references or topics listed, please contact the National Education Department for clarification prior to the exam.

Principles of Business Credit, 8th Edition

Chapter 1: Credit in the Business World
Chapter 2: Credit in the Company
Chapter 3: Organizing the Credit Department
Chapter 4: The Credit and Sales Partnership
Chapter 5: Legal Forms of Business
Chapter 6: Legal Environment of Credit
Chapter 7: The Uniform Commercial Code
Chapter 8: Credit Policy and Procedures
Chapter 9: Credit Applications

Chapter 10: Terms and Conditions of Sale
Chapter 11: Credit Investigations
Chapter 12: Business Credit Fraud
Chapter 13: Making Credit Decisions
Chapter 14: International Trade
Chapter 15: Financing and Business Insurance
Chapter 16: Negotiable Instrument
Chapter 17: Bankruptcy Code Proceedings
Chapter 18: Bankruptcy Alternatives

Accounting, 27th Edition

If you are using another accounting text, compare these topics against those in a different text.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Accounting and Business
Chapter 2: Analyzing Transactions
Chapter 3: The Adjusting Process
Chapter 4: Completing the Accounting Cycle
Chapter 5: Accounting Systems
Chapter 6: Accounting for Merchandising Businesses
Chapter 7: Inventories
Chapter 8: Sarbanes-Oxley, Internal Controls, and Cash

Chapter 9: Receivables
Chapter 10: Fixed Assets and Intangible Assets
Chapter 11: Current Liabilities and Payroll
Chapter 12: Accounting for Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies
Chapter 13: Corporations: Organization, Stock Transaction, and Dividends
Chapter 16: Statement of Cash Flows

Understanding Financial Statements

Chapter 1: Financial Statements: An Overview
Chapter 2: The Balance Sheet
Chapter 3: Income Statement and Statement of Stockholders' Equity
Chapter 4: Statement of Cash Flows
Chapter 5: The Analysis of Financial Statements

Credit Management: Principles & Practices, 4th Edition

Part I: An Introduction to Business Credit Management
Chapter 1: The Changing Nature of Credit Management
Part II: Credit Policy and the Extension of Credit
Chapter 4: Managing Credit Policy
Chapter 5: Legislation and Regulations Pertinent to Business Credit Decision Making
Chapter 6: Conducting the Credit Investigation
Chapter 7: Business Credit Reporting
Part III: Credit, Collection and Analysis
Chapter 8: A Systematic Approach to Effective Collection Activity
Chapter 9: Financial Statement Analysis Part IV: Secured Credit and Bankruptcy
Chapter 11: Secured Credit Arrangements and Letters of Credit
Chapter 12: Bankruptcy and Reorganization

The Credit and Sales Partnership