What is the Required Credit Counseling Course?

Federal law requires you to complete a credit counseling course before filing for bankruptcy. This requirement was established by the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) of 2005 and applies to virtually all individual bankruptcy filers — regardless of whether you're filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

What Is It?

The credit counseling course is an educational session that reviews your overall financial situation and explores potential alternatives to bankruptcy — such as debt management plans or negotiated repayment arrangements. By law, an approved credit counselor must provide a briefing that outlines these alternatives.

The course does not prevent you from filing bankruptcy. It's an informational requirement, not a gatekeeping decision. If you decide bankruptcy is still the right choice after completing the course, you proceed normally.

Who Must Take It?

Anyone filing an individual bankruptcy case (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13) must complete the pre-filing credit counseling course. There are very limited exceptions for debtors with documented incapacity, disability, or active military duty in a combat zone.

When Must You Complete It?

The course must be completed within 180 days before your bankruptcy filing date. If more than 180 days pass between completing the course and filing your petition, you'll need to take the course again.

Where Do You Take It?

The U.S. Trustee Program maintains a list of approved credit counseling providers for each state. Courses are available:

• Online — most common, available 24/7
• By phone — for those without internet access
• In person — limited availability

When choosing a provider, verify they are approved for your specific state and bankruptcy district — approval is district-specific.

How Long Does It Take?

Most courses take 1 to 2 hours. Some offer a self-paced format; others involve a live session with a counselor.

How Much Does It Cost?

Fees typically range from $10 to $50. Providers are required by law to offer reduced fees or fee waivers to filers who cannot afford the course. If cost is a barrier, ask the provider about their hardship policy.

What Do You Receive?

After completing the course, the provider issues a certificate of completion. This certificate must be filed with your bankruptcy petition. It includes:

• Provider name and approval details
• Debtor name and case-specific identifier
• Date of completion

The certificate is valid for 180 days. If you don't file your bankruptcy case within 180 days of receiving it, you must take the course again.

The Second Course: Debtor Education

After filing (but before your discharge is issued), you must complete a second course: a debtor education course, also called a personal financial management course. This is a separate requirement from the pre-filing credit counseling course. It covers topics like budgeting, managing credit, and building savings. Most debtor education courses take 1–2 hours and cost $10–$50.

Easy-Case provides reminders about both course requirements at the appropriate stages of your case. Learn about the full filing process or see the complete timeline.