“Having an ongoing measurement of the exam process helps us as leagues better advocate with regulators because we understand what's happening on the ground at credit unions and we can identify trends, both good and bad. It is not a 'gotcha' tool against regulators. It's also helping us identify what is going very well in exams and could be broadened out,” Gentile said.

The survey is designed to capture primarily non-anecdotal feedback on credit unions' exam experiences. Results from all leagues located in the NCUA's Region II will be mined on an individual league/association level for state-by-state results, as well as compiled into a broader Region II report that will be shared with the NCUA, state regulators and CUNA.

Other findings from the third-quarter survey reveal that nearly 65% of responding credit unions say they received a Document of Resolution in their last exam. Despite the increased use of DORs, nearly 80% ranked their examiner excellent or good in professionalism and helpfulness.

Twenty-eight percent said their on-site exams lasted 13 days or longer, while 45.2% reported exams from four to nine days. Nearly half – 48.1% – said their examiner rescheduled the exam date and time to accommodate the examiner's schedule.

The survey is currently available on CUNA's website for credit unions in other regions to complete; the deadline is Dec. 15, but CUNA said in a release it may extend the date if credit unions are unable to participate due to the holiday rush.