How ABA Created a 5-Step Framework to Better Prepare Candidates for Exam Day

The American Bankers Association (ABA) has long been a powerhouse in the world of banking education, and for good reason. With a history dating back to 1875, the ABA has continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of over 2 million bankers across financial institutions of all sizes.

Offering a staggering selection of over 400 learning opportunities, more than 20 conferences, and 5 industry-leading certifications, it's clear that ABA is dedicated to nurturing banking professionals and ensuring they excel in their careers.

In this blog post, we will delve into the incredible success of ABA and explore how they have developed a comprehensive 5-step framework designed to enhance candidates' preparation for exam day.

ABA's Diverse Certification Courses

At the heart of ABA’s educational programs are their comprehensive certification courses, catering to the professional development needs of learners. Currently, ABA extends its portfolio on BenchPrep’s platform with a selection of five practice courses: CRCM, CTFA, CERP, CFMP, and CAFP.

Over the course of their journey, ABA has successfully certified more than 13,000 learners and saw a surge in engagement in 2022 with nearly 2,000 practice exams attempted, further showing ABA’s continuous growth and impact.

Listening to Learners: The Key to Success

ABA knows that the journey to certification can be daunting, and they've listened closely to their learners' concerns. Learners often felt overwhelmed and lacked direction post-setting their exam date. They needed navigation guidance and support to navigate the program effectively.

Additionally, acknowledging that regulatory content can be dry, ABA recognized the importance of engaging materials. Thus, they introduced a range of features, including flashcards, gamification elements, and regular content updates to keep learners motivated.They've recently updated their top-performing courses to include three practice exams and over 500 flashcards, directly responding to the needs and requests of their learners.

The 5-Step Framework for Success

To help their learners excel, ABA has developed a 5-step framework that offers valuable tips for studying for their CTFA Examination:This comprehensive framework empowers learners to seize control of their certification journey, empowering them to navigate what can often seem like an overwhelming task with ease. By breaking it down into a manageable, step-by-step process, ABA's framework ensures that learners can confidently tackle their certification goals.

Top 5 Things You Need to Know

To ensure learners make the most of ABA's resources, here are the top 5 things they should do:

1. Set clear study goals: Establishing a study schedule is a crucial first step toward success.
2. Utilize LMS platform features: Promote the use of the platform's features within the course to enhance learning.
3. Leverage data: Monitor learner progress and pass rates through comprehensive reporting.
4. Engage experts: Encourage learners to use the "Ask the Expert" feature for guidance.
5. Clarify pass rate expectations: Ensure learners understand that success is not guaranteed, but ABA's resources can significantly improve their chances.

Top 5 Things to Avoid

To avoid pitfalls in the certification journey, steer clear of these common mistakes:

1. Not using all platform features: Failing to utilize your LMS's full potential hinders learner success.
2. Overreliance on text: Enhance learning with interactive content and modules.
3. Inadequate course duration: Allow sufficient time for learners to prepare. Courses should be available for 6-12 months.
4. Lack of collaboration: Forge partnerships with certification teams to create the best learning experience.
5. Not leveraging collaboration opportunities: Tap into the valuable support and expertise available from your LMS’s client support and design teams.

By following these top 5 tips, learners were able to maximize their learning experience with ABA and increase their chances of success on the certification exam. ABA's commitment to providing comprehensive resources and their dedication to continuous improvement ensures that learners have the support they need to excel in their banking careers.

What's Next in ABA's Journey

ABA's commitment to excellence doesn't stop here. They understand that managing certification programs is an ongoing process. In 2023 and beyond, ABA has ambitious goals, including fine-tuning their content strategy, continuing to market, and analyzing their course messaging. 

Their journey toward excellence is a testament to their dedication to the success of banking professionals and the banking industry as a whole. With ABA's 5-step framework and commitment to constant improvement, they're setting the gold standard in banking education. 

If you’re ready to see similar success in your certification training program, request a demo today and learn how BenchPrep can take your program to the next level.