News | CFTEA | Center for Financial Training & Education Alliance

CFTEA’s Guided Learning courses let you choose when you work, while still giving you structure so you do not drift off into the land of “I will do it tomorrow.” You get a suggested syllabus, clear milestones, and an assisting instructor who is there when questions pop up.

Have You Explored The Most Flexible Learning Option – Guided Learning?

February 5, 2026

Some days you have time to learn at 6 am. Some days it is 9 pm. Some days it is “whenever the house finally gets quiet.” That is why Guided Learning might be your new best friend. CFTEA’s Guided Learning courses let you choose when you work, while still giving you structure so you do not drift off into the land of “I will do it tomorrow.” You get a suggested syllabus, clear milestones, and an assisting instructor who is

Promotional graphic with two professionals standing together and text about CFTEA degree opportunities, highlighting the ability to transfer up to 90 credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Banking Major at St. Joseph’s College and reduced tuition per credit hour.

College debt is real. Let’s do something about it.

February 3, 2026

If you have been thinking about finishing a bachelor’s degree, but the price tag makes you want to lie down on the floor for a minute, take a look at this option. Through CFTEA’s partnership with Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, you can apply CFTEA credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and you can choose to add a Banking Major if that fits your goals. Up to 90 of the 120 credits may be accepted, which means

IRA Fundamentals 20% Off During February 2026

February 2, 2026

In 2026, CFTEA turns 100, and we are celebrating all year. Every month brings something new to support your learning, confidence, and recognition. Take an extra 20% off the already bundled price of the IRA Fundamentals for enrollments received in February 2026. Plus, this course applies toward CFTEA’s Call Center / Customer Care Diploma and Certified Modern Branch Professional – Level 1. With prices climbing everywhere, CFTEA is helping your training dollars stretch further. And since a celebration should actually

Student Viewpoint: ABA Legal Foundations in Banking

January 30, 2026

Find out what all the buzz is about and take the course from the comfort of home (and with snacks)! Do you know someone that needs to complete this course? Better understand the key legal requirements when working in banking explained in an easy~to~understand way by CFTEA Board President, Nancy Hines. Follow the link to a video overview from Nancy and more details. https://cftea.org/product/legal~foundations~in~banking~webcourse/ This course is required for the following CFTEA awards so mark this one off with an

Why Consider Additional Training Through CFTEA When You Already Have a Job?

January 29, 2026

Because having a job is great, but standing out is even better. Banking changes. Policies change. Systems change. Staying ready isn’t optional anymore. What It Does for You Training with CFTEA keeps your skills sharp, builds confidence, and helps you qualify for the next step before it even shows up. Gallup found that in 2024, fewer than half of US employees took training to build new skills for their current job. That means choosing to learn already puts you ahead

A white graphic that reads, Our IRA Fundamentals course has been fully updated for 2026. On the left is a red and blue badge that says New Update with a bell icon. On the right is a simple line drawing of a piggy bank with a dollar sign and a small plant growing from the top. A gold bar along the bottom displays cftea.org.

IRA Fundamentals Updated for 2026!

January 28, 2026

CFTEA’s IRA Fundamentals course has been updated for 2026, and yes, that means the rules, limits, and details people actually ask about. When you register, you also get access to any future updates at no charge, because the IRS likes to keep us on our toes. If you work in a retail branch, IRAs may not be an everyday conversation, but early in the year they definitely have their moment. Contributions arrive, forms appear, and customers want clear answers. While

A promotional graphic titled Managing Emotionally Charged Situations with Confidence. On the left, text reads Calming Upset Customers, Virtual Classroom with Jessica, with a red Sale badge nearby. A dark figure with raised arms faces a speech bubble showing symbols for swearing. On the right is a smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a black blazer over a burgundy top. A gold bar along the bottom displays cftea.org.

Join CFTEA’s Calming Upset Customers Course

January 27, 2026

Calming Upset Customers with Jessica Bollotta Starting Wednesday, March 31, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm (Special Reduced Price) Amazing evaluations!! Turn tense moments into opportunities for connection. In this interactive virtual classroom, you’ll gain practical techniques to confidently handle difficult customer interactions with professionalism and empathy. Learn how to defuse frustration, actively listen, and resolve concerns while staying calm under pressure. Perfect for anyone in a customer-facing role looking to boost confidence and service skills. Join gifted instructor, Jessica

A graphic that reads CFTEA, 100 Years of Investing in You, with a gold key and 100 Years badge. The left side shows a black and white photo of women doing banking business in an early 1900s bank. The right side shows a modern woman smiling while working at a computer in a bank office. A gold bar along the bottom displays cftea.org.

Why CFTEA Matters Right Now

January 23, 2026

In 1926, CFTEA did not start because times were easy. It started because times were hard. Banks were under pressure. Depositors were nervous. Laws were changing. Confidence was shaky. Even though people remember the roaring twenties as flashy and loud, the truth is it was already setting the stage for the Great Depression. Community bankers saw what was coming and said, “We need to train the next generation better than we were trained.” So they did something bold. They built

A smiling woman with curly hair in a white hoodie shakes hands with a man in a suit across a desk. They are seated in a bright office or bank setting with shelves in the background. The image is framed with a gold border.

Outside Calling School Is Open!

January 22, 2026

Outside Calling School Choose From Multiple Sessions Ready to open more doors and close more deals? Whether you’re new to outside calling or looking to sharpen your approach, Outside Calling School gives you the tools to confidently connect with clients, overcome objections, and build lasting business relationships. Master the art of the call—because opportunity doesn’t knock, you do. Sessions cover: ✅ Pre-Call Planning ✅ The Virtual or In-Person Encounter ✅ Post Call Follow Up https://cftea.org/product/outside-calling-school/

A beach scene with a striped towel, seashells, starfish, swim goggles, and two pairs of flip flops at the top. The word Retirement is written in the sand. At the top of the image is the text Admin Assistant certificate and diploma have retired. A gold bar along the bottom displays cftea.org.

Retiring: Admin Assistant Certificate and Diploma

January 21, 2026

After a long and productive run, the CFTEA Administrative Assistant Certificate and Diploma officially retired on December 31, 2025. If you are already partway through either award, no need to worry. You have an 18 month grace period to complete the remaining requirements and still receive recognition. If you were planning to start but did not enroll, this is a good moment to explore what comes next. We are aligning future offerings with today’s roles, skills, and career paths. https://cftea.org/courses/