"Credit counseling" is a class session taken from a provider approved by the U.S. Trustee. It is a requirement for all individual debtors filing bankruptcy, and must be completed in the 180-days before filing bankruptcy. When filing jointly, each spouse must complete credit counseling. When the counseling session has been completed, the counselor will issue a certificate that must be filed with the court. The failure to file a properly issued "Certificate of Credit Counseling" will result in the dismissal of your bankruptcy case in almost all circumstances.

"Personal financial management" instruction, also called "debtor education," is obtained after your case has been filed. It is required of each individual debtor, including both spouses in a joint case. Each debtor must file a "Certificate About A Financial Management Course" (Official Bankruptcy Form B423).

http://www.uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms/certification-about-financial-management-course

Approved credit counseling agencies and debtor education providers are available from the U. S. Trustee at the following link:

www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/index.htm

Exceptions to the above requirements might be available in certain circumstances. Examples would include but not be limited to: prior military service in a combat area, disability, handicap, certain defined emergency situations, insufficient approved agencies.