NCCO Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Becoming an NCCO   |   Taking or Retaking the Exams   |   Maintaining Your NCCO

How do I earn the NCCO designation? 
Individuals need to successfully pass four exams to become a NAFCU Certified Compliance Officer (NCCO).

Does my credit union or organization need to be a member of NAFCU for me to pursue the NCCO designation? 
No, the NCCO program is open to everyone. Any credit union professional who desires to improve their overall comprehension and skills in the compliance arena may pursue the NCCO designation.  Currently, there are CEOs, compliance officers, internal auditors, attorneys, lending officers, risk managers, vendors and numerous other individuals who have successfully passed the exams to become NCCOs.    

Where can I take the NCCO exams? 
There are two options. Individuals can take the four exams at NAFCU’s Regulatory Compliance School held each March near Washington, D.C. or order the NCCO exam package and take the exams at their credit union using an exam proctor (the self-study option).  

Do I need to purchase NAFCU’s Credit Union Compliance GPS in order to take the exams? 
NAFCU's electronic Credit Union Compliance GPS isn’t mandatory to purchase, but it is highly recommended.The GPS serves as the primary guide for studying for the NCCO exams as it contains study tips in each chapter and exam questions come from content included in the GPS.

How long do I have to take the exams if I choose the self-study option? 
You have one year from the date you purchase the exam package to take and pass all four exams. However, the sooner you take the exams the better as the exams are regularly updated to reflect changes to regulations.     

How long do I have to retake exams that I did not pass at Regulatory Compliance School?  
You will have until December 31st of the year in which you attended Regulatory Compliance School to retake and pass any exams. For example, if you attended School in March 2013, you would have until December 31, 2013 to retake and pass the exams. This includes any exams that you did not take while at Regulatory Compliance School.

If I do not pass an exam, how do I obtain a new exam to retake?  
To retake an exam, please go to this web page. The exam(s) will download as a PDF document. Be sure to pass this PDF along to your proctor who will monitor your exam. Upon completion of this retake exam, please follow the instructions for returning the exam and the required exam fee payment to NAFCU.

I became an NCCO this year. When can I start accruing Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)?  
Your accumulation period begins on the first of January of the year after you passed the exams. For example, if you passed your exams in 2013 your accumulation period would be January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2015.

How many CEUs do I need to earn to recertify? 
You must earn 24 CEUs during your accumulation period.Each time you recertify, your NCCO designation is valid for another two year period during which you would need to obtain 24 CEUs in order to maintain your NCCO status.    

How can I renew my NCCO designation?  
NCCOs can obtain CEUs by attending NAFCU’s Regulatory Compliance Seminar (every October) or NAFCU’s Regulatory Compliance School (every March).Both of these conferences grant 24 CEUs of in-person training. CEUs are also available for NAFCU compliance webcasts (1.5 CEUs each) or for compliance sessions at other NAFCU conferences.      

I’ve attended a NAFCU webcast that qualifies for NCCO credit and want to receive CEUs toward renewing my NCCO designation. How do I get credit?  
Please fill out the NCCO affidavit form, which is always linked on the “Handouts” page on the webcast viewing screen and available here. Please keep in mind that we receive numerous affidavits and requests and that CEUs may not immediately be reflected in your records. Webcasts that are eligible for NCCO CEU credit will always feature this logo:

Can I earn CEUs for attending a non-NAFCU conference, event or webcast?  
Yes, but the program needs to be approved by NAFCU prior to the CEUs being accepted. Learn more.  

I’m a NCCO and I’ve changed credit unions. What's the best way to provide my updated information to NAFCU?  
Please send an email to NAFCU’s Member Service Center at msc@nafcu.org to let us know of any changes to your credit union. Your NCCO status will not be impacted by your change in employer. If you have specific NCCO-related questions, please send an email to ncco@nafcu.org.  

I have a question that is not addressed above. Who should I contact?  
If you have a NCCO-related question, please send an email to ncco@nafcu.org and we’ll do our best to assist you.