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SDFM Announces Updates to Certification Policies and Fee Structure

CDFM™ and CDFM-A™ Certification

The Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) is a test-based certification for defense financial management professionals in government (e.g., Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, the Intelligence Community), academia, and in the commercial/private sector (e.g., defense contractors and suppliers).

Earning and maintaining the CDFM credential requires meeting education and experience criteria, passing three multiple-choice exams, and recertifying every two years.

Individuals who meet the requirements for the CDFM and also pass an exam which tests defense acquisition competencies earn the CDFM-A: the CDFM with Acquisition Specialty.

The CDFM™ Candidate Handbook

Get the most important information about earning the CDFM and CDFM-A all in one place! Download a free copy of the CDFM Candidate Handbook for guidance on:

  • Eligibility
  • Requirements
  • Exam Preparation
  • Policies

Step 1: Check Eligibility and Possible Funding Sources

Eligibility

Before beginning the certification process, it is important to verify that you are eligible to earn the CDFM. To be awarded CDFM or CDFM-A certification, a candidate must:

  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
    (Although education requirements are reported on the honor system, all CDFM Program enrollees and candidates are subject to audit at any time.)
  • Pledge to adhere to the SDFM Pledge of Professionalism
  • Apply for the CDFM Program
  • Pass CDFM exam modules 1, 2, and 3 within a 2-year time frame
    (Module 4 can be taken at any time, but the CDFM-A cannot be awarded until all CDFM requirements are met.)
  • Submit a Verification of Financial Management Experience (VFME) form demonstrating the required financial management experience outlined below:
    • An associate degree or higher plus 2 years of defense-related or 4 years of Federal Government-related financial management experience, OR
    • A high school diploma or equivalent plus 3 years of defense-related financial management experience

Possible Funding Sources

Although some resources are listed below, SDFM recommends that you consult your training officer, career field manager, professional development staff, or a career counselor at your local educational services office for personalized guidance on all your funding options. (Note: The Department of Defense and the Department of the Army are neither affiliated with nor endorse SDFM.)

The Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) programs help service members and government civilians find information on civilian certifications and licenses related to their job. COOL programs may pay for training, materials, and/or exams that lead to industry-recognized civilian credentials.

Step 2: Prepare for Examination

See the “Prepare to Test” page for detailed information and resources.

Step 3: Apply for the CDFM™ Program & Pay for Exams

Take the first step to becoming a CDFM today by submitting your application as a CDFM or CDFM-A 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”.

SDFM MemberNon-Member
CDFM Application$49 (application) + $119 (Mod 1 exam) + $119 (Mod 2 exam) + $119 (Mod 3 exam) = $406$89 (application) + $119 (Mod 1 exam) + $119 (Mod 2 exam) + $119 (Mod 3 exam) = $446
CDFM-A Application$49 (application) + $119 (Mod 1 exam) + $119 (Mod 2 exam) + $119 (Mod 3 exam) + $119 (Mod 4 exam) = $525$89 (application) + $119 (Mod 1 exam) + $119 (Mod 2 exam) + $119 (Mod 3 exam) + $119 (Mod 4 exam) = $565

* Note that each exam retake costs $119 which may impact total cost to achieve certification.

If you are an active CDFM and want to add the Acquisition Specialty to your credential, log into your SDFM account, click on “My SDFM”, go to “My Certifications” and click the button on the far right. Then go to “My Invoices” to pay for the Module 4 exam.

Step 4: Schedule & Take Exams

Testing Options

1.      Pearson VUE Online Proctored At-Home Testing (OnVUE)

2.      Pearson VUE In-Person Test Center

Approximately 20 minutes after you’ve paid the CDFM or CDFM-A application fee, which includes all the exams required to earn the certification, you should be able to schedule your exams by logging in your SDFM account and clicking on the My Exams section. When scheduling your exam, you will select either At-Home (OnVUE) Testing or Test Center Testing. Before scheduling an online proctored exam, Run a System Test to ensure your computer meets the requirements for OnVUE at-home testing.

If you experience any difficulties with scheduling your exam, contact SDFM at certification@sdfm.org for assistance. 

ADA Accommodations

SDFM complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and wants to ensure that no eligible individual is deprived of the opportunity to take the exam solely by reason of a disability as defined under the ADA (or equivalent), as long as the disability is not one which would render the individual incapable of performing the duties of a certified position.

Candidates must identify their need for special accommodations at least 5 weeks before the desired testing date by making a request in writing to certification@sdfm.org, to include a letter reporting a formally-diagnosed, ADA-recognized disability from a qualified professional who has provided evaluation or treatment to the applicant. See the CDFM Candidate Handbook for details.

Preparing to Take Exams

Review Pearson VUE test center policies and procedures, such as ID requirements, no shows, inclement weather, and candidate emergencies. At the bottom of the page are helpful resources like a Pearson VUE demo test and what to expect at a Pearson VUE test center to help candidates mentally prepare for the testing process. 

Learn about Pearson VUE online proctored (OnVUE) testing policies and procedures, including ID and technical requirements, a system test, preparing your testing space, and the steps to check in and begin your exam. Additional resources like a video about what to expect for your online exam experience and an online testing guide (in the Policies and procedures dropdown) can help candidates familiarize themselves with the process in advance. 

Get a copy of the CDFM Candidate Handbook to review CDFM Program Exam Policies, including the Exam Retake Policy and waiting periods, Life of Passed Examinations, the Certification Process Time Limit, Exceptions to Policy, Refund Policy, as well as information about Exam Results, Scoring, Exam Score Reports, and Appeals.

If you fail an exam, an invoice to purchase a retake exam will be automatically added to your SDFM account in 48 hours. Log into your SDFM account, click on “My SDFM”, and select “My Invoices” to pay for the retake exam. After paying for the exam, you should see the exam available for scheduling in your “My Exams” section within an hour. Note that the retake waiting period is 14 days from an initial attempt and 28 days for additional retakes of the same module. 

Step 5: Submit Experience Form

Candidates must submit a qualifying Verification of Financial Management Experience (VFME) form signed by a supervisor to earn the CDFM. It can be submitted at any time during the certification process.