MADISON, Wis. -- CUNA has awarded Certified Credit Union Executive designations to some 46 individuals from 11 different states, bringing the total nationwide to 2,429.

Instituted in 1975, CCUE is designed for managers and those aspiring to credit union leadership. The program teaches advanced credit union management and operations techniques.

In addition, five other individuals have earned the Certified Financial Services Professional designation. This program began in 1999 as a designation targeted specifically at educating credit union professionals specializing in financial services.

The Certified Executive Program has also awarded specialty certifications to 26 credit union professionals. These certifications require in-depth courses in a specialty area, including: compliance, lending, financial management, marketing, and human resources.

The CEP is the overall name for the self-study program allowing for the above designations. Recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education, the classes and materials are tailored specifically to those working within the credit union system. All new designations were awarded in November.

A complete list of designees can be found on www.cuna.org.