News | CFTEA | Center for Financial Training & Education Alliance

Meet New CFTEA Council Member: Lauren Harrington

June 3, 2025

CFTEA Council Member Spotlight: Meet Lauren Harrington! Retail Training Specialist | Machias Savings Bank Lauren Harrington is no stranger to the power of continued learning. Starting her career with no prior banking experience, Lauren credits CFTEA with helping her build the skills and confidence to reach both short- and long-term career goals. “I highly recommend CFTEA to anyone looking to grow in their current role or explore a new career path. Their courses offer a great way to see if

Announcing the CFTEA Bookkeeper Certificate

June 2, 2025

Just Launched: The CFTEA Bookkeeper Certificate! Looking for a flexible side hustle or ready to boost your career? Bookkeeping might be exactly what you’re looking for! With steady demand across all industries, it offers great earning potential and the freedom to work on your own terms—whether part-time, full-time, or freelance. CFTEA’s new Bookkeeper Certificate is your all-in-one pathway to success. Designed for real-world impact, this program builds the technical skills and professional habits you need to thrive. From Excel to

Every Achievement Counts – And Tammy Makes Sure of It!

May 31, 2025

As we approach the May 31st deadline at midnight for completing CFTEA award requirements, there’s one thing you can be sure of: no one gets left behind. Behind the scenes, Tammy personally checks every student record—hundreds of them—to make sure each certificate, diploma, and certification is earned, accurate, and fully recognized. It’s not automated. It’s not rushed. It’s personal. Because at CFTEA, recognition isn’t just a formality—it’s a celebration of your hard work, your progress, and your career journey. Thinking

How Can CFTEA Help You?

May 23, 2025

This brief video provides details into how CFTEA supports organizations, employees, and the community.

Taking the Stress Out of Certification Exams with CFTEA replay

May 22, 2025

In the past, students and organizations had to pay for each attempt at a CFTEA certification exam. But we listened—and created CFTEA replay to make professional growth more affordable and to help reduce test anxiety. With CFTEA replay, if you don’t pass your certification exam on the first try, you get an additional attempt at no extra cost. No hidden fees. No added stress. Just support to help you succeed! CFTEA replay is automatically included when pursuing these certifications: Certified

Leading with Purpose: Danielle Violette’s CFTEA Board Story

May 21, 2025

My first experience with CFTEA was when I had just graduated college. I had received my first job as a CSS (Assistant Branch Manager) position at a financial institution. I was filled with excitement and hope for this new position. I quickly learned that even though I learned lots during my studies, I knew little about banking and the professional jargon. That is when I discovered CFTEA! They had a Bank Teller Certification program (Certified Modern Banking Representative) that would

Now Available: The Updated CFTEA Community Catalog

May 20, 2025

Looking beyond banking? Our newly updated Community Catalog offers a wide range of professional development courses designed to support businesses, employees, and nonprofit organizations with training that matters. From customer service and professionalism to leadership, supervision, and communication, these courses help strengthen your team, boost retention, and build the kind of workplace culture where employees thrive. ✨ Plus, many of these certificate programs qualify for ACE CREDIT, meaning they can be applied toward college degrees—offering even more value at a

How Close Are You to Earning a CFTEA Award?

May 16, 2025

You might be closer than you think! Whether it’s a certificate, diploma, or certification—your next CFTEA achievement could be just a course or two away. Start by exploring the CFTEA Awards Catalog. Print it out worksheets, mark what you’ve completed, and set your sights on your next educational career goal. Not sure where you stand? Ask Tammy in the CFTEA office for an informal transcript which can be used for comparison against the CFTEA Awards Catalog Worksheets. What’s next? If

The Countdown is On!

May 15, 2025

The countdown is on! If you’re working toward a CFTEA certificate, diploma, or certification, the deadline for recognition is May 31—and it’s coming fast! June is all about celebrating your success. Right here, we’ll be recognizing the hard work of employees from across our community who stayed focused and reached their professional goals. Not quite finished? There’s still time to check in with the CFTEA office and confirm your progress. And once you’ve crossed that finish line… what’s the next

CFTEA Board Reflection: Marcia Benner

May 15, 2025

We’re excited to feature Marica Benner, EVP, Chief Administrative Officer at First National Bank and a valued member of the CFTEA Board of Directors for many years. With a passion for empowering others through learning, Marica has been involved as a CFTEA instructor since 2005. In her reflection, Marica shares how her journey with CFTEA has deepened her leadership perspective and strengthened her commitment to workforce development. Her insights reflect the power of connection, continuous growth, and the impact of