Pre-Filing Credit Counseling Course

The first bankruptcy course, also called credit counseling, is a requirement under U.S. bankruptcy law that must be completed before you file for bankruptcy. Congress made this course mandatory to ensure that individuals understand their financial situation, review their budget, and learn about possible alternatives to bankruptcy. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a credit counseling certificate, which you must file with the bankruptcy court when submitting your petition. Without this certificate, your case cannot proceed.

This course should be taken prior to filing for bankruptcy. This is the first bankruptcy course that must be taken. This course is also known as the pre-filing bankruptcy credit counseling, bankruptcy credit counseling, pre-bankruptcy credit counseling or credit counseling certification.

If you don’t complete the first bankruptcy course, you cannot legally file for bankruptcy. The court requires a valid credit counseling certificate as part of your initial filing documents. Without it, your case will be rejected or dismissed. That’s why it’s important to take the course early in the process to avoid delays.

Yes. Federal law requires that every individual filing for bankruptcy (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13) must complete the first bankruptcy course before filing. The certificate of completion is valid for 180 days, meaning you need to file your case within that timeframe after completing the course. If your certificate expires, you’ll need to retake the course and get a new one before the court accepts your filing.

Yes, here at DebtorCC.org you can complete the course entirely online, 24/7, from any device — computer, tablet, or smartphone. This flexibility allows you to finish the course at your own pace, whenever it’s most convenient for you.

The first bankruptcy course typically takes about 60 minutes to complete. It’s designed to be straightforward and can be done in one sitting, but you don’t have to finish it all at once. You can log in and out as needed, and your progress will be saved. Once you’ve completed the online course, you'll need to speak to a live counselor by phone or chat. Upon completion, your certificate is generated immediately so you can move forward with your bankruptcy filing without delays.

No. If you log off the pre-filing bankruptcy credit counseling without completing it, the system will remember where you left off once you log back in. You can finish the course at your own pace. The course is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Yes. You and your spouse can register and take the bankruptcy credit counseling course together or separately.

Yes. The bankruptcy credit counseling course provided by DebtorCC.org is approved by the US Trustees.

Yes. Our course is approved in all districts of Alabama and North Carolina by the Bankruptcy Administrator.

You need the following information to register for the first bankruptcy course: date of birth and last 4 digits of your social security number.

The fee for the first bankruptcy course with DebtorCC.org is $19.95 per household. This means that if you and your spouse are filing jointly, you can both complete the course together for one low fee. The price includes access to the full course material and your official certificate.

Yes. The course is available in English and Spanish. This ensures that individuals can fully understand the material in their preferred language.

Your certificate of completion is generated immediately after you finish the course and speak to a live counselor during business hours. Once completed, the certificate can be downloaded or printed right away. You’ll also receive a copy by email for your records. If your attorney is handling your case, we can send the certificate directly to them at no extra charge. For those who prefer a hard copy, we also offer the option to have the certificate mailed via USPS.

Yes. During registration, you’ll have the option to provide your attorney’s information. Once you finish the course, we’ll send the certificate directly to your attorney at no additional cost. This ensures your attorney has what they need to file your case without any delays. You’ll also receive a copy for your own records, so both you and your legal representative are covered.