Pre-discharge Debtor Education
Clearpoint’s online pre-discharge debtor education course allows you to earn the certificate that is required by US Bankruptcy Code before completing your bankruptcy. This counseling is quite different from the pre-filing counseling you likely already completed, and includes a pre-test, course curriculum, short quizzes, and a post-test. The goal of the program is to give you the money management skills needed to re-establish your credit and overall financial well-being after bankruptcy. In this course you will learn skills such as:
- Setting goals
- Budgeting
- Adjusting expenses and income
- Managing a checking account
- Rebuilding and using credit to your benefit
- Protecting against identity theft
That might look like a lot of information, but don’t worry! The counseling is self-paced, so you can complete it according to your own schedule.
How It Works
Here’s a look at how the counseling process works and what you should expect.
1. Take the pre-test
You will start with a pre-test to assess your current level of knowledge. No pressure—you can’t “fail” this test, and it’s just meant to give you a baseline as you prepare to learn.
2. Study the curriculum
You’ll then study the following eight chapters, and take short quizzes to evaluate how much you have learned in each section:
- The Key to Getting Ahead
- Developing a Budget to Get What You Want
- Financial Tools to Help You
- Credit Can Enhance Your Life
- Your Credit Score—A Number to Know
- What You Need to Know About Contracts
- Consumer Laws to Protect You
- What to Do When Things Go Wrong
As you can see, the course covers topics from budgeting, to building credit, to legal subjects like contracts and consumer protection laws, all of which will help you prepare for managing your finances effectively after bankruptcy. Some courses will also give you helpful resources you can use later, such as a goal card and budget template (both based in Microsoft Excel) and a creditor inventory.
This might seem like a lot of information to cover, but remember that you can take the course at your own pace. You may do a little at a time and return to complete the counseling later. Also, you should know that you don’t have to read all the material. Each section also provides audio, so you can listen to the course material if you prefer.
Also, throughout the course, an NFCC certified credit counselor is just one click away: simply click “Chat” when you are have questions or need assistance. We are available to support you: Monday-Thursday, 8am-8pm (CST), Friday, 9am-6pm (CST), excluding major holidays.
3. Take the post-test
Once you’ve completed every section, you will take a final, “open book” post-test that covers all the material.
4. Receive your certificate
Once you’re done, we will begin processing your certificate, which can take up to 24 business hours. You will receive your certificate in one of three ways:
- Via email (if you provide us with an email address)
- Via US Mail if you do not provide us with your email address (please allow 3 business days)
- Via email to your attorney (if you provide your attorney’s four digit firm code or enter your attorney’s email address on the registration page)
Ready to Start Pre-Discharge Debtor Education?
Earn your certificate in our self-paced online program.
Start Now*Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions is now a division of Money Management International, Inc. (MMI). You will now be transferred to MMI’s online site to begin your session. Pre-Discharge is Course 2: After Filing
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions (and answers!) about our pre-discharge debtor education:
How long does the counseling take to complete?
The EOUST requires that consumers spend at least 120 minutes studying this material, so you should plan to take a minimum of two hours.
How much does this cost?
This cost for this service is typically $50 per household. Some clients receive free counseling after qualifying for a fee waiver. Read more about fee waivers here.
What type of payment is accepted?
You will be given the option to pay by bank account draft, debit card, or Western Union Quick Collect.
Can I complete this with my spouse/partner?
If you are seeking education for yourself and your spouse or partner, you each must take the course individually with separate site logins.Whoever logs in first will be asked to submit the Social Security number of their spouse, which ensures that your household only pays once for the service.
What information do I need to provide?
When registering, you will need your Social Security number, your bankruptcy case number, and your attorney firm code (if applicable).
Is this course offered in Spanish?
Yes, this course is available in English and Spanish.
Read our full bankruptcy FAQ for answers to many other questions.
Additional Resources
Here are some other articles you may find helpful while researching bankruptcy counseling or the bankruptcy process in general.
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Shopping for Bankruptcy Counseling and Education
If you’re still shopping around and considering various counseling agencies, here are a few things to keep in mind, and qualities that you will want to look for in an agency.
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What’s BAPCA and How Does it Affect My Bankruptcy
BAPCA is important bankruptcy reform law that took effect in 2005 and still has major implications for bankruptcy today. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with BAPCA.
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Still have questions? No worries, just check out our full FAQ, which goes into more detail about bankruptcy counseling.
Ready to Start Pre-Discharge Debtor Education?
Earn your certificate in our self-paced online program.
Start Now*Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions is now a division of Money Management International, Inc. (MMI). You will now be transferred to MMI’s online site to begin your session. Pre-Discharge is Course 2: After Filing
Clearpoint is approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services.