Some Certified Structured Settlement Consultants Shamelessly Puff Their Credentials

by John Darer CLU ChFC CSSC RSP

Certified Structured Settlement Consultant is a professional designation offered by the National Structured Settlements Trade Association to its members through the Executive program at the University of Notre Dame since 1994.

Despite the honorable intent of National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA) in creating the designation and many of those who have earned it, some designees continue to misrepresent the credentials in a way that could mislead tort victims, judges, attorneys and other stakeholders.

To set the record straight concerning the Certified Structured Settlmeent Consultant (CSSC) professional designation:

1. It DOES NOT involve matriculation at the University of Notre Dame.
2. The prestigious school located in South Bend, Indiana is referred to as University of Notre Dame, NOT Notre Dame University.
   
3. It IS NOT a degree program. It IS NOT an Executive MBA program.
   
4. It DOES involve a 3-4 day course and a proctored exam, The word "course" is what is used by the National Structured Settlement Trade Association in its brochure entitled "Benefits of Membership"
   
5. It DOES represent a fundamental body of knowledge that one must possess to be in the structured settlement industry.
   
6. Being a CSSC and being licensed in all 50 states DOES NOT give you virtually unparalleled expertise. Over 400 people have earned the designation however, and it DOES set you apart from others who are not in the structured settlement field and others in it with less practical experience
   

Here's a selection of some of the Good and the Inaccurate Puffers

Good

• earned the prestigious Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC) designation from the National Structured Settlement Trade Association through the University of Notre Dame.
• Completed the Certified Structured Settlements Consultant's (CSSC) course at Notre Dame University.(although university label is inaccurate)
• successfully completed the certification course and exam for structured settlement professionals at Notre Dame University, earning her Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC) designation.(again good, but university label is inaccurate)
• earned the CSSC, by NSSTA, via the exec. prog. at Univ. of Notre Dame.
• In 199X, the National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA), in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame, conferred upon XXXXXX the designation of Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC), in recognition of his successful completion of course study
• In September 199X, XXXXX attended and completed a course of instruction designed by the National Structured Settlement Trade Association (NSSTA) and the University of Notre Dame. Upon successful completion of the course, XXXX received the industry designation of Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC)
• he has earned the designation of Certified Structured Settlement Consultant, offered by the NSSTA through the University of Notre Dame's executive program
• He also received his designation as a Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC) from the National Structured Settlement Association (NSSTA) at the University of Notre Dame.

Inaccurate

• He received his Certified Structured Settlement Consultant designation from the University of Notre Dame Business School
• He has successfully achieved the designation of Certified Structured Settlement Consultant fulfilling the postgraduate requirements at Notre Dame University
• the first Canadian to earn the professional designation, Certified Structured Settlement Consultant from the University of Notre Dame.
• He earned his designation of Certified Structured Settlement Consultant through the Executive MBA program at the University of Notre Dame
• Obtained his CSSC designation from University of Notre Dame
• Certified Structured Settlement Consultant, University of Notre Dame, 2007
• Five members of our team have received the designation of Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC) from the University of Notre Dame.
• University of Notre Dame (Certified Structured Settlement Consultant - CSSC)
• XXXX was among the second class at Notre Dame to earn the designation of Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC)
• With Certification as a Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC) from the University of Notre Dame  and professional licensing in all 50 states, XXX's accreditation and expertise are virtually unparalleled
• One false advertiser call him/herself board certified structured settlement consultant!

It is worthy to note that two sitting  NSSTA Board Members, who should be setting an example fall into the inaccurate column.

To the inevitable few that whinge about why I didn't just pick up the phone and call them:
4 Days in The Vicinity of Touchdown Jesus Does Not Make You One of The Fighting Irish  October 2007.

Do You See Yourself As A Certified False Advertiser December 5, 2007