CDFM 101

CDFM 101To ensure your success as a candidate in the CDFM program, it is imperative that you carefully read “CDFM 101,” which outlinesthe key steps associated with earning the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) designation.STEP ONE – JOIN ASMCJoin ASMC for $26 and save on your CDFM enrollment, textbooks and gain free access to online training.STEP TWO – BECOME A CDFM CANDIDATEEnroll as a CDFM candidate for $35 ($70 if not an ASMC member) to receive regular e-mail updates on the CDFM program,purchase CDFM examinations, obtain information on new training and educational opportunities and benefit from two years toearn your CDFM designation.STEP THREE – VERIFY YOUR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCESubmit your completed Verification of Financial Management Experience form, signed by your supervisor, to ASMC. If you don’tyet meet the required years of experience, you can submit this form at a later date. However, the CDFM designation is not issuedwithout this form being submitted to ASMC.STEP FOUR – STUDY FOR CDFM EXAMINATIONSBegin your study preparation for the CDFM examinations – review test content and distribution of test questions by competencyarea, attend the Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course or purchase the EDFMTC textbook, attend the ASMCProfessional Development Institute (PDI), review “How to Become a Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) in Eight Weeks”by Toney Williams, CDFM, read articles in ASMC’s Armed Forces Comptroller journal and test your knowledge with 10-questionexaminations, review over 60 recorded educational sessions from the 2011 ASMC “PDI Online” and take the CDFM sampleexamination.STEP FIVE – DETERMINE PREFERRED TESTING METHODDetermine your preferred method for taking the CDFM examinations: (a) paper test at a military base education center worldwideor at ASMC’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia; (b) Special Arrangement (computerized) test at a military base education centerworldwide or at ASMC’s headquarters; or (c) Commercial (computerized) test at a U.S. Prometric testing center.STEP SIX – CONFIRM AVAILABILITY OF TESTING FACILITYTo test via paper or Special Arrangement (computerized) at one of hundreds of worldwide military base education centers, contactthe facility and ask to speak with the Test Control Officer (TCO). Ask if he/she will administer your CDFM examination(s). If youprefer Special Arrangement (computerized) testing, you must confirm with the TCO that they have the ability to access the ASMC

testing portal (many military installations have firewalls that prevent access). If the TCO is unsure as to their availability to accessthe testing portal, e-mail the name of the TCO and his/her e-mail address to Lisa Deyo at ASMC.If planning to take your Commercial (computerized) CDFM examination at a Prometric testing center, find a nearby testing facility.Click on “All” and select “Net Certification.” Click on “Locate a test center.”STEP SEVEN – PURCHASE CDFM EXAMINATION(S)Purchase your CDFM examination(s) – online via the ASMC website for Special Arrangement (computerized) or Commercial(computerized). For paper examinations, complete the CDFM Paper Examination Purchase Form and mail to ASMC with the $95fee per examination. PLEASE NOTE: Paper examinations must be ordered in advance to allow for shipping of test materials to theTest Control Officer.STEP EIGHT – TAKE (AND SUCCESSFULLY) PASS CDFM EXAMINATIONS WITHIN TWO YEARSYour CDFM enrollment period is valid for two years, so be sure to take (and successfully) pass all three CDFM moduleexaminations within your two-year eligibility period. Failure to do so will require a request for enrollment extension and fee of $75($85 for non-members). CDFM examinations successfully passed are valid for four years.STEP NINE – RECEIVE RECOGNITION FOR EARNING YOUR CDFMWithin 8-10 weeks after successfully passing all three CDFM module examinations and having submitted your completedVerification of Financial Management Experience form, you will receive your official personalized CDFM certificate and lapel pin.CDFMs are also acknowledged in ASMC’s Armed Forces Comptroller journal, on the ASMC website and in the monthly ASMCConnection e-mail newsletter sent to over 20,000 members. At the annual ASMC PDI, CDFMs are invited to an exclusive“invitation only” reception for those holding this prestigious designation.STEP TEN – RETAIN YOUR DESIGNATION THROUGH THE CDFM RENEWAL PROCESSStaying current on the tasks for which defense financial managers are responsible, and continuing your professional developmentand education are important aspects of the CDFM program. Every two years from the date on your CDFM certificate, you arerequired to renew your CDFM designation and earn 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPEs). Each CPE is 50minutes of education approved by ASMC. CDFMs are responsible for keeping a log of their CPEs (date of training, name ofeducational program, instructor, location of training and hours associated with educational program). ASMC members can managetheir CPEs through an online spreadsheet through ASMC’s member portal, as well as update their address, check on their renewaldate, get their member number or renew their ASMC membership.QUESTIONS?Questions pertaining to the Verification of Financial Management Experience form, purchasing CDFM examinations, CDFMrenewal and CPEs, enrolling as a CDFM candidate, purchasing the EDFMTC textbook, enrollment extensions, testing at aPrometric center or at ASMC’s headquarters, CDFM certificates and lapel pins should be directed to Shelly Johnson, (703) 549-0360, ext. 107, johnsons@asmconline.org. Questions related to paper or Special Arrangement (computerized) CDFM testing atone of the worldwide military base education centers should be directed to Lisa Deyo, (703) 549-0360, ext. 109,deyo@asmconline.org. Good luck in your pursuit of the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) designation!