icon

Get Certified

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
  • Enroll in the CDFM Program
  • Pass CDFM exam modules 1, 2, and 3 within a 4-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 qualifying 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. Purchase a Pearson VUE CDFM exam. All CDFM Exams are $119 each and non-refundable except in the case of duplicate purchase.

Step 4: Schedule & Take Exams

Testing Options

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

2.      Pearson VUE In-Person Test Center

After purchase, you should receive an email in 24-48 hours with your Pearson VUE Candidate ID and scheduling directions. When scheduling your exam on the Pearson VUE test scheduling site, you will select either At-Home (OnVUE) Testing or Test Center Testing. Conduct a Pearson VUE System Test to see if your computer meets the requirements for OnVUE at-home testing.

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

Visit SDFM’s landing page on the Pearson VUE test scheduling site to learn what to expect in a Pearson VUE test center and review testing policies, such as the Candidate Rules Agreement, accepted IDs at the testing appointment, No Shows, Inclement Weather, and Candidate Emergencies.

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.

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.