Frequently Asked Questions

The course is designed for people who want to develop practical commercial credit analysis skills, including:

• University students and graduates preparing for banking or credit roles
• Bankers seeking to strengthen their credit knowledge
• Finance professionals moving into commercial lending
• Residential finance brokers expanding into commercial lending
• Commercial brokers seeking to improve the quality of their submissions
• Risk, operations and lending support professionals
• Career changers seeking practical exposure to commercial credit
• Experienced professionals wanting to refresh or formalise their credit skills

No previous commercial credit experience is required.

You will learn how to assess a commercial lending proposal from initial analysis through to a final credit recommendation.

The course covers:

• Financial statement analysis
• Historical business performance
• Cash flow and repayment capacity
• Working capital and liquidity
• Industry, business and management risk
• Loan products and facility structuring
• Security, guarantees and key lending risks
• Base case and downside financial modelling
• Loan offers and facility agreements
• Credit paper preparation
• Credit recommendations and ongoing risk management

The course focuses on applying these skills to realistic commercial lending scenarios.

The course combines essential credit theory with practical application.

You will work through realistic commercial lending examples, financial analysis activities, Review Questions, modelling exercises and written assessments.

The course concludes with a detailed final commercial lending case study requiring you to prepare:

• A base case financial forecast
• A downside case financial forecast
• Historical and forecast financial analysis
• An assessment of repayment capacity and key risks
• A professional credit paper
• A supported credit recommendation

The objective is to help you understand not only what credit analysts assess, but how commercial credit analysis is performed in practice.

Your enrolment includes:

• Access to all 20 course modules
• Written lessons, templates and worked examples
• Practical commercial lending case studies
• Review Questions throughout the course
• Final Questions & Exercises for each module
• Base case and downside financial modelling exercises
• A detailed final commercial lending case study
• Preparation of a professional credit paper
• Mentor guidance and assessment feedback
• Course access for 12 months from enrolment
• A Certificate of Completion
• Approval by the MFAA for 20 CPD hours for eligible participants

The course is designed to help you develop the ability to:

• Interpret financial statements and assess business performance
• Evaluate cash flow, liquidity and repayment capacity
• Identify and explain financial and non-financial risks
• Build and assess base case and downside financial forecasts
• Structure appropriate commercial lending facilities
• Prepare clear and professional credit submissions
• Form evidence-based credit recommendations
• Communicate credit risks, mitigants and conclusions clearly

These skills are relevant to credit analysis, commercial banking, business lending, commercial broking and related finance roles.

The course progresses from foundational concepts to more advanced practical credit analysis.

Earlier modules introduce commercial lending, accounting and financial statement analysis. Later modules require you to assess more complex information, prepare financial forecasts, identify risks and complete a professional credit paper.

The course is self-paced, allowing you to spend additional time on unfamiliar topics.

There are no formal prerequisites.

The course is suitable for participants with or without previous banking, finance, accounting or credit experience.

Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Excel or compatible spreadsheet software will be helpful.

No. Credit Analyst Academy does not currently offer formal Recognition of Prior Learning or exemptions from individual modules.

Participants must complete the required course content and assessments to receive the Certificate of Completion.

Participants with previous banking, finance or credit experience may progress through familiar topics more quickly while using the course to strengthen or formalise their practical credit skills.

No. Previous finance, banking or accounting experience is not required.

The course introduces the accounting and financial concepts needed for commercial credit analysis before progressing to cash flow analysis, forecasting, facility structuring and credit writing.

Participants with previous experience may use the course to strengthen or formalise their existing skills.

No advanced financial modelling experience is required.

The course explains the modelling process and provides guidance to help you complete the required financial forecasts.

Basic familiarity with Microsoft Excel or compatible spreadsheet software is recommended.

Yes. International students are welcome to enrol.

The course is based on Australian commercial lending practices, terminology and credit processes. However, many of the core principles—including financial analysis, cash flow assessment, risk identification and credit decision-making—are relevant across different markets.

International participants should consider whether the course content aligns with the lending practices and regulatory environment in their country.

The course is delivered online through the Credit Analyst Academy learning platform.

You can access written lessons, worked examples, templates, review questions, practical exercises and assessments online and complete them at your own pace.

No. The course does not require you to attend scheduled classes.

The learning content is delivered online and can be completed at your own pace. Mentor support and one-on-one mentoring calls are available when guidance or clarification is required.

You can begin once your enrolment and payment have been completed and your course access has been activated.

You will receive instructions for accessing the Credit Analyst Academy learning platform after your enrolment is confirmed.

As the course is online and self-paced, you do not need to wait for a scheduled intake or semester commencement date.

Most participants complete the course within 3 to 6 months.

Your completion time will depend on your existing experience, weekly study time and the amount of time required to complete the practical exercises and assessments.

As the course is self-paced, you can progress around your work, study and personal commitments.

Yes. The course is designed to be completed in sequence because later modules build on the concepts and skills introduced in earlier modules.

Each module includes Review Questions followed by Final Questions & Exercises, which form the final assessment for that module.

You must successfully complete the Final Questions & Exercises before progressing to the next module.

Yes. Your progress is saved automatically.

You can pause your studies and continue from where you left off during your course access period.

There are no fixed weekly module deadlines.

You can complete the modules and assessments at your own pace, subject to your course access period and any payment obligations.

You can use a mobile phone or tablet to read course materials and complete some review questions.

However, a laptop or desktop computer is strongly recommended for:

• Financial modelling exercises
• Working with Excel files and templates
• Reviewing detailed financial information
• Completing longer written assessments
• Preparing your final credit paper

A larger screen will provide the best learning experience.

You will need:

• A reliable internet connection
• A laptop or desktop computer
• A current web browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari
• Microsoft Excel or compatible spreadsheet software
• Software capable of opening and editing Word documents or equivalent files
• A valid email address

No specialised banking or credit software is required.

You will have access to the course materials for 12 months from your original enrolment date, including after you complete the course within that period.

During your access period, you can revisit lessons, review worked examples and refresh your knowledge when required.

Each module includes Review Questions to reinforce your understanding.

Once your Review Questions Summary has been reviewed and approved, you will receive access to the Final Questions & Exercises, which form the final assessment for that module.

The course concludes with a detailed final commercial lending case study requiring you to complete:

• Historical financial analysis
• A base case financial forecast
• A downside case financial forecast
• An assessment of repayment capacity and key risks
• A professional credit paper
• A supported credit recommendation

The assessments test your ability to apply commercial credit concepts in practice rather than simply recall information.

There is no timed or traditional written exam.

Assessment is completed progressively through the Review Questions, Final Questions & Exercises and the detailed final commercial lending case study.

Yes. Your Final Questions & Exercises, financial models and final credit paper will be reviewed by an experienced mentor.

You will receive practical feedback to help strengthen your financial analysis, modelling, credit judgement and written communication.

Your mentor may provide feedback or request further development where an answer or assessment does not yet demonstrate the required understanding.

You will have an opportunity to review and resubmit the relevant work.

Selected guides, templates and assessment resources can be downloaded for your personal learning and professional reference.

Other course content will remain available through the learning platform during your course access period.

Course materials must not be copied, distributed, shared or used for commercial purposes without permission.

You will receive support throughout the program, including:

• Assistance with course access and navigation
• Access to an experienced credit mentor
• Guidance on course concepts, exercises and assessments
• Feedback on your financial models and final credit paper
• Practical guidance relevant to credit, banking and commercial finance

The aim is to support both your understanding of the course material and your ability to apply it in practice.

Yes. You can contact your mentor through the course whenever you need clarification or guidance.

You may also arrange a one-on-one mentoring call for more personalised support, including assistance with course content, assessments, credit analysis or career development.

We aim to respond to course-related questions within two business days.

More detailed assessment feedback may take longer depending on the nature and complexity of the work submitted.

Contact us at support@creditanalystacademy.com if you experience difficulty accessing the course or using the learning platform.

Please include a brief description of the issue and, where possible, a screenshot of the error so our team can assist you.

After completing the course and all required assessments, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Credit Analyst Academy.

The certificate confirms that you have completed practical training in:

• Commercial credit analysis
• Financial statement analysis
• Cash flow and repayment-capacity assessment
• Financial forecasting and modelling
• Credit risk assessment
• Professional credit paper preparation

The certificate is an industry-focused Certificate of Completion issued by Credit Analyst Academy.

It is not a university qualification, formal banking accreditation or guarantee of employment.

However, the course develops practical commercial credit skills relevant to banks, lenders, commercial finance businesses and broking organisations. The course is also approved by the MFAA for 20 CPD hours.

Individual employers determine their own qualification, experience and recruitment requirements.

Yes.

You may include the Credit Analyst Academy course under education, professional development or certifications on your CV and LinkedIn profile.

You may also refer to the practical work completed during the course, including:

• Financial statement analysis
• Cash flow and repayment-capacity assessment
• Base case and downside financial modelling
• Commercial lending case studies
• Preparation of a professional credit paper

You should describe the course accurately and avoid presenting it as a university qualification or formal banking accreditation.

The course can help you develop and demonstrate practical commercial credit skills relevant to banking, lending and commercial finance.

It may support your preparation for roles such as:

• Graduate or junior credit analyst
• Credit analyst
• Commercial lending analyst
• Business banking associate
• Assistant relationship manager
• Credit support or lending support officer
• Risk analyst
• Commercial finance broker

The course may also assist residential brokers moving into commercial lending and experienced finance professionals seeking to strengthen their credit capability.

Suitability for a particular role will depend on the employer’s requirements and your broader qualifications, experience and performance.

The course is designed to strengthen your practical readiness for credit-related work.

By completing the course, you should be better equipped to:

• Analyse business financial statements
• Assess cash flow and repayment capacity
• Identify key lending risks
• Prepare base case and downside financial forecasts
• Structure commercial lending facilities
• Prepare a professional credit paper
• Form clear and supported credit recommendation

Completing the course does not guarantee employment, promotion or progression into a particular role. Employment outcomes will also depend on factors including your qualifications, experience, interview performance and individual employer requirements.

We do not provide guaranteed employment or formal job placement.

However, the course includes career-relevant support through:

• Guidance from experienced commercial banking professionals
• Practical exposure to commercial credit analysis
• Feedback on financial models and credit papers
• Guidance on communicating your practical skills to employers
• A Certificate of Completion

This support is intended to help you understand relevant career pathways and present the skills developed through the course more confidently.

The course fees are:

• Current university students: $1,780 including GST
• Bankers, brokers and other professionals: $3,800 including GST

The fee includes access to all course modules, learning resources, practical exercises, financial modelling activities, mentor support, assessment feedback and a Certificate of Completion.

Yes. Flexible payment options are available.

Current university students

• $780 upfront
• Four fortnightly payments of $250

Total: $1,780 including GST

Bankers, brokers and other professionals

• $2,000 upfront
• Four fortnightly payments of $450

Total: $3,800 including GST

The upfront payment is payable at enrolment, with the remaining balance paid through the scheduled fortnightly instalments.

Payment plans divide the total course fee into instalments and do not operate as a pay-as-you-go subscription. All scheduled payments remain payable in accordance with the enrolment and payment terms.

Contact us if you would like assistance selecting the most suitable payment option.

The student course fee is available to eligible current university students.

You may be asked to provide evidence of current enrolment before your enrolment is confirmed. Please contact us if you are unsure whether you qualify for the student fee.

Yes. An employer or organisation can pay the course fee on your behalf.

We can issue an invoice to the relevant organisation where required.

Yes. We offer group enrolment options for organisations seeking to strengthen the commercial credit capability of their employees.

Contact us to discuss group numbers, training requirements and available options.

Depending on your circumstances, the course may qualify as a work-related self-education expense.

Eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances, including the relationship between the course and your current employment or income-producing activities.

Credit Analyst Academy does not provide tax advice. You should seek advice from a qualified tax adviser or refer to current Australian Taxation Office guidance before making a claim.

The course is not currently eligible for government funding or assistance such as HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, VET Student Loans or subsidised training programs.

Payment plans are available, and some participants may be able to claim the course as a work-related training expense depending on their circumstances.

You may request a refund within seven days of enrolment, provided that you have completed less than 20% of the course.

Both conditions must be satisfied, and all refund requests are subject to the Credit Analyst Academy Refund Policy.

Please review the full Refund Policy before enrolling or contact us if you have any questions.

You can enrol through the Credit Analyst Academy website by selecting the appropriate course option and completing the enrolment and payment process.

Once your enrolment has been confirmed, you will receive instructions for accessing the online learning platform.

Contact us if you need assistance selecting the appropriate course fee or payment option.

Commercial lending covers finance provided to businesses and commercial borrowers for business or investment purposes.

It may include facilities used to:

• Fund working capital
• Purchase equipment or other business assets
• Support business growth
• Refinance existing debt
• Acquire a business
• Purchase or develop commercial property

Commercial lending proposals generally require an assessment of the borrower’s financial performance, cash flow, repayment capacity, management capability, industry risks, facility structure and available security.

A commercial loan is finance provided to a business or commercial borrower for a business-related purpose.

Commercial loans may be used to:

• Purchase business assets or equipment
• Acquire or develop commercial property
• Fund working capital
• Support business expansion
• Refinance existing business debt
• Finance a business acquisition

The structure, term, repayment arrangements and security requirements will depend on the borrower, the purpose of the loan and the lender’s credit requirements.

Residential lending generally involves finance provided to individuals to purchase or refinance residential property.

Commercial lending involves finance provided for business or commercial purposes and usually requires a more detailed assessment of:

• Business and industry performance
• Historical and forecast cash flow
• Repayment capacity
• Management capability
• Facility structure
• Security and guarantees
• Financial and non-financial risks

Commercial lending proposals are often more complex and may require a tailored facility structure and detailed credit submission.

Common commercial lending facilities include:

• Business term loans
• Commercial property loans
• Overdrafts
• Revolving lines of credit
• Equipment and asset finance
• Trade finance
• Invoice finance
• Construction and development finance
• Bank guarantees
• Business acquisition finance

The appropriate facility will depend on the borrower’s funding purpose, cash flow cycle, repayment capacity and available security.

The terms “commercial loan” and “business loan” are often used interchangeably. However, “business loan” is a broad term covering finance used for business purposes, while “commercial loan” may refer to larger or more complex facilities involving detailed financial analysis, tailored loan structures or commercial property.

The terminology and classification may vary between lenders.

In commercial lending, credit analysis is the structured assessment of whether a borrower can repay the proposed debt and whether the overall level of risk is acceptable to the lender.

The assessment considers both financial and non-financial information, including historical performance, cash flow, repayment capacity, management capability, industry conditions, facility structure and available security.

The purpose is to form a clear and supported recommendation on whether the proposed lending should be approved, declined or approved subject to appropriate conditions.

A commercial credit assessment may consider:

• Historical financial statements
• Cash flow and repayment capacity
• Current and forecast financial performance
• Working capital and liquidity
• Existing and proposed debt
• Business and industry risks
• Management capability and experience
• Customer and supplier concentration
• Loan purpose and facility structure
• Security, guarantees and other risk mitigants

The information reviewed will depend on the borrower, the proposed transaction and the lender’s credit requirements.

The 5 Cs of credit are a commonly used framework for assessing a borrower and a proposed lending request:

• Character: the borrower’s integrity, experience and willingness to meet its obligations
• Capacity: the borrower’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow to repay the debt
• Capital: the borrower’s financial position and the amount of its own funds committed
• Collateral: the assets or security available to support the lending
• Conditions: the loan purpose and the business, industry and economic conditions that may affect performance

The framework helps a credit analyst bring together the borrower’s repayment capacity, financial commitment, track record, available security and operating environment before forming a credit recommendation.

A credit analyst assesses repayment capacity by reviewing the business’s historical and forecast cash flow, profitability, debt obligations and liquidity.

The analyst may consider:

• The consistency and sustainability of earnings
• Cash flow available for debt servicing
• Interest and principal repayment obligations
• Working capital requirements
• Existing and proposed debt levels
• Financial ratios and covenant performance
• Performance under base case and downside scenarios
• The availability of cash reserves or other sources of support

The assessment should determine whether the borrower can meet its obligations under both expected and more challenging trading conditions.

A credit analyst assesses whether a borrower has the capacity to meet its financial commitments and repay a proposed loan or credit facility.

Credit analysts help lenders make informed credit decisions by assessing repayment capacity, identifying key risks and forming supported credit recommendations.

A credit analyst may review:

• Financial statements and financial ratios
• Historical business performance
• Cash flow and debt-servicing capacity
• Financial forecasts and assumptions
• Industry and economic conditions
• Management capability
• Loan structure, security and key risks
• Existing and proposed debt

The objective is to determine whether the proposed lending is appropriate and, where relevant, recommend suitable facilities, conditions, covenants and risk mitigants.

Credit analysts may work in:

• Banks
• Non-bank lenders
• Commercial finance businesses
• Credit funds
• Equipment finance providers
• Property finance businesses
• Corporate banking teams
• Commercial broking organisations

Strong credit analysts generally have:

• Analytical and numerical skills
• An understanding of financial statements
• An interest in businesses and industries
• The ability to identify financial and non-financial risks
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Sound judgement and attention to detail
• The ability to form and support credit recommendations

A finance, accounting or banking background can be helpful but is not essential for beginning to develop these skills.

There is no single pathway into credit analysis.

People may enter the profession through:

• Graduate banking or finance programs
• Credit support or lending support roles
• Business or commercial banking roles
• Accounting, finance or risk positions
• Commercial finance or broking roles
• Relevant professional training and practical credit experience

A finance, accounting, economics or business qualification may be helpful, but employers may also consider relevant experience, analytical ability, financial knowledge and written communication skills.

Credit analysis can provide a pathway into roles such as:

• Senior credit analyst
• Credit manager
• Commercial or business banker
• Relationship manager
• Credit risk manager
• Portfolio manager
• Commercial finance broker
• Corporate or institutional banking professional
• Property finance or specialised lending analyst

Career progression will depend on experience, performance, technical capability and the structure of the employer.