ACAInternational.org, the online information center for the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, is an all-inclusive website that is easy for debt collectors to navigate and comprehend. The site offers hundreds of pages under main navigational resources in the areas of Advocacy, Compliance, Education, Insurance, Events, Products and Membership. These channels are essential to debt collectors becoming compliant and effective professionals in the accounts receivable management industry.
The “About” page presents information on the organization’s leadership, member awards, units, education foundation and volunteer opportunities. This page also includes information on the 38 units affiliated with ACA international and the 250 members in 65 countries.
Advocacy
The Advocacy page offers resources for Advocacy as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Telephone Consumer Protection Act 
(TCPA). This page also includes links to the Industry Advancement Program, ACA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) and State and Government Affairs. Each drills down in depth, offering additional links, tool kits and general information. The CFPB resource center offers updated CFPB materials such as reports, bulletins, legal resources, rulemakings and databases. The TCPA resources include rulemakings, compliance materials, rulings and advocacy and compliance materials.
Compliance
To ensure that ACA members are compliant with government regulations, the Compliance page provides extensive resources on the CFPB as well as information on the TCPA. There is also a tools and samples page where tools, tips and templates can be found to comply with industry requirements. The Articles and Guides page includes articles published in ACA’s Collector magazine, covering compliance and all-inclusive guides. 
Education for Debt Collectors
calendar and a seminar list, all taught by certified instructors. Seminars include, but are not limited to:
- Collective Actions
- Data Privacy I and II
- FDCPA Essentials for Collectors
- Successful Writing Strategies
Another outstanding feature is the Designations page where the ACA provides resources to earn one of five designations:
- Credit and Collection Compliance Officer (CCCO)
- Credit and Compliance Professional (CCCP)
- Professional Collection Specialist Designation (PCS)
- Trainer Specialist (TSP)
- Healthcare Collection Management (HCM)
Insurance
The Insurance section offers information on Collectors Insurance Agency, Inc., a subsidiary of ACA International. A 
subsection of this page is called Commercial Insurance, offering resources and information for workers compensation, policies and liabilities. The next option is a licensing page that offers information on how to contact a licensing team to work with debt collectors to find services that will work with their company. The bonds page offers a contact to Collector’s Insurance Agency’s renowned program, who can set up the program for debt collectors. This page also includes a link for loss prevention, resources and forms and employee benefits, all of which are only available to ACA members.
Other Resources
The very top of the home page includes a member login, a products link, an events link and a contact page. The Products page includes training DVDs, online courses, guides and exams available to purchase. The prices vary, but ACA members get each service for a cheaper price.
The “events” page offers monthly, weekly or list views of the upcoming events. Each event has a link that redirects the viewer to a page with more information.
The “Membership” section includes information on member benefits, how to become a member, local ACA partnerships and a member directory. These easy-to-navigate pages include search queries that are user friendly and easily accessible.
The website also includes a networking and community tab called 
“The Hub”. This is where debt collectors can connect with industry professionals to build relationships with their peers. Companies can join specific internet groups, such as: compliance, member’s attorney, and collection.
Another feature is the “Industry Advancement Placement”, which is also only available to ACA members. The tab gives news and updates on the ACA’s efforts for federal, judicial and legislative regulations to make a positive impact for the industry. Members have access to information, tools and resources.
News
ACA International makes it easy to stay on top of news by listing the day’s top headlines on the home page in conjunction with a link to the Newsroom.
Debt collectors can also stay informed with ACA’s publications: ACA Daily, Collector Magazine and Pulse (members only).
ACAInternational.org is a great resource for debt collectors to acquire certifications, read the latest industry news and stay current with collections trends.
Optio Solutions boasts two attorneys and five other staff members who are certified CCCOs, providing clients with full compliance and brand protection. Contact us today to learn how the Optio team can help your organization recover outstanding debt.
