The Society of Defense Financial Management (SDFM) is excited to update the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) and CDFM with Acquisition Specialty (CDFM-A) certification examinations!

SDFM has closed the Job Task Analysis (JTA) Survey which collected detailed job-related information used to update content of the CDFM examinations. Many thanks to the individuals who contributed their time and expertise to this critical step that is helping us ensure a rigorous and high-quality generation of the CDFM and CDFM-A certification exams. Those who completed the JTA survey will be sent an email by 7/14/2023 with a link to their digital certificate worth 1 CPE for this work.

Now HumRRO (the Human Resources Research Organization), SDFM’s partner in exam development, is compiling the JTA survey data to update the Module 1, 2, 3, & 4 exam blueprints. The Exam Blueprint Update Committee members are currently being selected to review and finalize the blueprints. If you would like to participate in this task or any of the upcoming tasks, please sign up by completing a short background questionnaire.

Seeking Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

We are still seeking SMEs in defense financial management to assist us with this important work. The contributions and collaboration of SMEs are essential to capturing a holistic picture of what it means to be a Certified Defense Financial Manager. We want to acknowledge and hear the diverse experiences you have as a defense financial manager.

Volunteer Opportunities Available

  • Job Task Analysis Survey — COMPLETED 7/7/2023
    We are looking for individuals who have expertise in defense financial management (FM). The ideal volunteer is currently identified as having lived experience and demonstrates diverse skillsets as defense financial managers.
  • This opportunity involves completing a 1-hour survey to rate how relevant and important each pre-developed knowledge statement is for a defense financial manager. The knowledge statement ratings will be used in generating the CDFM and CDFM-A exams. Your expertise and insight will help us ensure a rigorous and high-quality examination.
  • Exam Blueprint Update — IN PROCESS
    Once the Job Task Analysis Survey is completed, there will be a 3-hour virtual workshop where SMEs will collaborate with other defense financial management experts to review the CDFM and CDFM-A exam blueprint. This will ensure the questions we develop are representative and inclusive of the Certified Defense Financial Manager role.
  • Drafting Exam Questions
    We are looking for individuals with expertise in defense FM who can develop questions that will be used in the CDFM and CDFM-A exams. The question development effort will be in-person at our Alexandria, VA office. There will be a 4-hour workshop to train SMEs about how to write questions. Each SME will then write 12 questions.
  • Exam Question Review
    After exam questions are developed, we will need SMEs in defense FM to review the questions for accuracy, relevance, and criticality to those in defense FM.
  • Pilot Testing
    Once questions are developed and reviewed, we will pilot test the developed exam to assess the questions are working as intended before administering the CDFM and CDFM-A exams to actual test takers. The pilot test will take 2 hours to complete in a virtual environment.

Importance of SMEs in Exam Development

  • It is critical to have SME collaboration throughout the CDFM certification exam development process.
  • Your time and willingness to participate is a crucial factor in ensuring that the exam adheres to a scientifically rigorous process that is valid, reliable, and legally defensible.

Benefits of Participating

  • Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits will be awarded for participation.
  • Contributing in tangible and meaningful ways to the defense financial management field.
  • Ensuring accurate and representative content on the exam.
  • Allowing your thoughts, experiences, and perspectives to be represented in the exam.

Timeline & Commitment

  • Subject matter expert volunteering begins in February 2023.
  • Some activities are done individually, while others are completed as a group.
  • Time commitments can range anywhere from 1 hour to multi-day sessions depending on the task.

How to Sign Up

If you would like to participate in upcoming tasks in the exam update process, please complete the SME Background Questionnaire. One of our team members will reach out to you to discuss the next steps if you are selected to participate as a SME volunteer.

Please contact certification@sdfm.org if you have any questions.