Prepare to Test
In this sectionPrepare to Test
The CDFM exams are closed-book, proctored exams offered year-round, designed to evaluate candidates seeking professional certification in the field of defense financial management. Each of the 4 examination modules contains 80 multiple-choice items, and candidates are allowed 2 hours to complete each exam.
The exams may be taken in any order, and a candidate must take and pass Module 1 (Resource Management Environment), Module 2 (Budget and Cost Accounting), and Module 3 (Finance and Accounting) within a two-year time frame to earn CDFM certification. Module 4 (Acquisition Business Management) must also be taken and passed to earn the CDFM with Acquisition Specialty designation.
CDFM Exam Blueprints and Reference Lists
Candidates are encouraged to review the 2024 CDFM and CDFM Specialty Exam Blueprints to assess their level of knowledge in each of the domains and identify the areas in which they believe they need additional preparation. The blueprints include the domains and knowledge statements, domain weights, key updates made, and a list of references (study materials).
SDFM recommends using the CDFM exam blueprints and reference list to form a study plan, which may include the official CDFM Practice Test App or courses listed below.
CDFM Practice Test App
SDFM has created a CDFM exam preparation tool to help candidates build confidence and identify areas for improvement.
CDFM Practice Test
“The knowledge, skills, and expertise gained through the certification have enabled me to provide exceptional leadership and support to my team, optimize resource allocation, and drive success.”
Miranda Edwards, CDFM-A
Deputy Director, HQDA/OA22 Resource Services Directorate (RSD), Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army (OAA)
DoD’s Resource Management Universities and Schools
Selected elements of the curriculum at these educational institutions, such as the US Army Finance School at Ft Jackson, the Defense Financial Management and Comptroller School at Maxwell AFB, the Syracuse University Defense Comptrollership Program, the Defense Resource Management Institute, the Defense Acquisition University, and the Naval Postgraduate School, will contribute to preparation for the examinations.
Group Study at Local SDFM Chapters
Contact your local chapter president or program committee chair for details.
Courses
Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Courses (EDFMTC)
SDFM's training partner, Management Concepts, offers virtual and in-person EDFMTC Module 1, 2, and 3 training courses that correspond to the CDFM Module 1, 2, and 3 exam modules and knowledge areas.
Self Guided EDFMT Courses
Management Concepts offers self-guided, online EDFMTC courses that focus on one module area at a time.
Module 4 Acquisition Business Management Course
Management Concepts offers a 2-day training course emphasizing the Defense Department’s approach to acquisition of major systems.
SDFM’s Fiscal Law Courses
SDFM offers 1-, 2-, and 3-day fiscal law courses.
- Note: Training courses are not meant to be a sole source of preparation for the CDFM exams.
- Note: there is fiscal law content on all CDFM Module exams.
- Questions? Contact certification@sdfm.org or (703) 549-0360.