Apply for the CDFM™ Program & Pay for Exams
In this sectionApply 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”.
Please note: A SDFM account is required to apply.
1. If you’re not already logged into your SDFM account, please sign in.
2. Click My SDFM (top left corner).
3. Click on Apply for CDFM.
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. |