Apply for the CDFM™ Program & Pay for Exams

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Apply for the CDFM™ Program & Pay for Exams

Take the first step to becoming a CDFM today by submitting your application as a CDFM, CDFM-A or CDFM-H Candidate, which gives you 2 years of testing eligibility ($49 for SDFM Members and $89 for Non-Members). All required exams must be purchased as part of the application process, and CDFM-A candidates must pass all 4 exams before the certification can be awarded. All CDFM Exams are $119 each and non-refundable except in the case of duplicate purchase. Apply by logging into your SDFM account, clicking on “My SDFM” then “Apply for CDFM” or “Apply for “CDFM-A”.

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Pricing, Requirements and Benefits

Pricing Comparison

Credential	Exam Modules	Exam Cost	Application Fee	Add-On Cost	Notes
CDFM Certified Defense Financial Manager	Modules 1–3 80 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour exam	$119/module	$49/$89*	N/A	– Core certification -The gold standard certification for financial management professionals in the Department of Defense. -*Member/Non-member pricing
CDFM-A Certified Defense Financial Manager with Acquisition Specialty	Module 4 80 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour exam	$119/module	$49/$89*	Add-on to CDFM	Specialized certification for defense financial managers working in acquisition and procurement.
CDFM-H Certified Defense Financial Manager with Healthcare Specialty	Specialty Exam 90 multiple-choice questions (80 scored, 10 unscored), 2-hour exam	TBD (est. launch price in 2025)	$49/$89*	Add-on to CDFM	Specialized certification for financial professionals in the Military Health System and beyond.

Requirements & Process

Credential	Eligibility	Required Exams	Process Summary	Maintenance
CDFM	HS + 3 yrs defense FM or AA+ + 2 yrs defense FM or 4 yrs federal FM	Modules 1, 2, and 3	Apply → Prepare → Pass 3 exams → Earn CDFM	80 CPE hours every 2 years (incl. 2 ethics) + fee
CDFM-A	Above requirements + active CDFM	Module 4	Earn CDFM → Pass Module 4 → Earn CDFM-A	Same as CDFM
CDFM-H	Above requirements + active CDFM or CDFM-A	1 specialty exam	Earn CDFM/CDFM-A → Register for pilot → Pass → Earn CDFM-H	Same as CDFM

Benefits Comparison

Credential	Core Knowledge	Specialized Focus	Recognition	Ideal Candidates
CDFM	Broad DoD financial management	N/A	Industry-recognized credential across DoD	DoD/USCG employees in budgeting, accounting, and resource management; auditors and contractors supporting DoD FM.
CDFM-A	DoD FM + Acquisition focus	Planning, budgeting, contracting	Recognized in defense acquisition workforce	CDFM holders in acquisition, contracting, or advising program managers on funding strategy.
CDFM-H	DoD FM + Healthcare focus	Strategic planning, budgeting, MHS ops	Highlights expertise in Military Health System (MHS) finance	CDFM or CDFM-A holders working in DHA, DoD medical treatment facilities, or federal healthcare finance roles.