CDFM 25th Anniversary

Join us this year to celebrate 25 years of the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) certification program—the gold standard in defense financial management. With over 14,000 certifications awarded, the CDFM affirms expertise, professionalism, and portability between government and private sectors.

David Babcock

If you’re on the fence about pursuing the CDFM or CDFM-A, go for it.

" Achieving my CDFM-A was the icing on the cake, equipping me to tackle the complex world of acquisitions like a pro—which came in handy during my time at HQ Air Force Material Command (AFMC)! Suddenly, I wasn’t just crunching numbers; I was steering mission-critical decisions."

Since its inception, the CDFM certification has set the standard for excellence in defense financial management, recognizing professionals who demonstrate expertise, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to managing public resources effectively. We honor the legacy of this program, celebrate the achievements of our community, and look ahead to an exciting future.

Through a year-long series of events, initiatives, and outreach, we aim to engage stakeholders, highlight the program’s impact, and inspire the next generation of defense financial managers. The highlight of this celebration will be the Professional Development Institute (PDI) in New Orleans, where we will celebrate this milestone and its significance for the future of the CDFM program.

Thank you for joining us as we launch this remarkable journey to commemorate 25 years of success. Together, let’s continue to build on this legacy of excellence!

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Key Moments and Achievements: 25 Years of the CDFM

1998

• ASMC (now SDFM) submits a proposal to OUSD(C) to develop a defense-specific adjunct to the CGFM.

1999

• Co-Sponsorship Agreement: DoD and ASMC agree to develop the Defense Financial Management Certification (DFMC), leveraging DoD SMEs.
• ASMC collaborates with Syracuse University’s Army Comptrollership Program (now DCP) to conduct beta testing of the certification program with ACP students. Teaching sessions and exams are conducted, with over 80% passing on the first attempt and all passing by the second attempt.
• December: Beta testing of the prototype exam concludes successfully.

2000

• January: On-site EDFM training program is launched.
• February: Certification program name is changed from DFMC to CDFM by the Certification Commission.
• Summer: First cohort certified – 166 individuals earn the CDFM, with over 130 passing one or more modules.

2005

• June: Beta test for Module 4 (Acquisition) conducted at the Salt Lake City PDI.

2013

• August: EDFMTC mapped to the DoD FM Certification Competencies.

2014

• March: First refresher course (Module 2) offered, with paper test administration at the end of day 2.
• November: ASMC offers its first live online CDFM Module Refresher Courses.

2020

• June: ASMC launches online remote proctored examinations through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE platform.

2021

• January: OUSD(C) releases an exception to policy allowing the FM workforce to earn and maintain the CDFM as an alternative to any of the three DFMCP levels.
• March: ASMC launches its first-ever online practice test platform to help candidates build testing confidence.

2022

• March: CDFM program approved by all DoD Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) programs.
• May: CDFM and CDFM-A digital badges launched.
• July: Official CDFM Practice Test Mobile App introduced (also available via web).

2023

• July: Defense Health Agency (DHA) announced the collaboration with ASMC on the Certified Defense Financial Manager with Healthcare Specialty (CDFM-H) to build a dedicated group of defense financial managers across DHA facilities.

2024

• May: Contract awarded to ASMC to develop a Defense Financial Management-Healthcare Certification Examination (CDFM-H).