CDFM - ASMC Indy€¦ · 8/27/2015 · CDFM ®Candidate Handbook V15.08.05 3 > The DoD Financial Management Certification Program lists the CDFM ®as a professional certification

CDFMCertified Defense Financial Manager

Candidate HandbookAMERICAN SOCIETY OF MILITARY COMPTROLLERS

All Rights Reserved.

This Candidate Handbook is published by the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC). All

rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a database or retrieval system,

or distributed in any form or by any means, except as authorized by ASMC personnel, without the prior

written permission of ASMC.

CDFM® Candidate Handbook V15.08.05 1

Certification Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

About ASMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

The Value of CDFM®/CDFM-A® Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

General Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Examination Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Certification Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

The Certification Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Certification Process Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Eligibility Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Pledge of Professionalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Overview of the Testing Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Purchasing a CDFM® Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Scheduling a CDFM® Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Rescheduling a Pearson VUE CDFM® Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

On The Day of the Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

After the Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Re-Examination Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Renewal of Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Enrollment Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Appendix B: Verification of Financial Management Experience Form . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Appendix C: CDFM CPE Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Appendix D: Certification FAQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

2 American Society of Military Comptrollers

Certification OverviewThank you for your interest in the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM®) Program provided by

the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC). This candidate handbook is intended to

support to those who are interested in p ursuing the CDFM® or Certified Defense Financial Manager with

Acquisition Specialty (CDFM-A®) certification. It is not intended to be the sole resource used in

preparation efforts. It is a guide for candidates to become certified and also identifies sources of

information one might use to augment preparation. If you have questions about this guide or any other

part of the certification program, please contact us at:

Phone: (703) 549-0360 / (800) 462-5637

Email: [email protected]

Hours: M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST

CDFM® candidates should read and understand this entire handbook, including all policies,procedures, and examination rules prior to pursuing certification. It is the candidates’ responsibilityto ensure they are fully informed about the current requirements and policies. We encourage you tocheck the Certification section on the ASMC Web site at www.asmconline.orgfor notification of any

changes to ASMC policies, procedures, eligibility requirements, or forms, and to ensure you have the

most recent version of this handbook.

About ASMC

The American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) is a non-profit educational and professional

organization for persons, military and civilian, involved in the overall field of military comptrollership.

Military comptrollership is the profession of financial management in the Department of Defense and

Coast Guard. It includes the fields of accounting and finance, acquisition, administrative support, auditing,

budgeting, comptrollership, cost analysis, financial management, management analysis, manpower

management, program analysis, resource management, statistics, and many supporting activities.

ASMC was established as the Society of Military Accountants and Statisticians in 1948 in San Antonio,

Texas, and was open only to active duty officers. Since then, ASMC has expanded to include all

Department of Defense (DoD) and Coast Guard Financial management personnel. The National

Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, currently serves a growing professional society of approximately

18,000 members.

ASMC's mission is to provide professional development and promote ethical behavior in all aspects of

Military comptrollership. ASMC promotes the education and training of its members and supports the

development and advancement of the profession of military comptrollership, by providing professional

programs to keep members abreast of current issues and encouraging the exchange of information,

techniques, and approaches.

ASMC developed the Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course (EDFMTC) in the year

2000. The EDFMTC is a five-day, intensive review of Department of Defense (DoD) financial

management that is taught all over the world, typically on U.S. military bases. 40-This course is highly

regarded by the DoD and has the new DoD Financial Management Certification Programbeen aligned to.

The Value of CDFM®/CDFM-A® Certification

> Marketable credential to prospective employers and clients


> The DoD Financial Management Certification Program lists the CDFM® as a professional certification

that is “Recommended” at Certification Level 2 and “Strongly Recommended” at Certification Level 3

> Listed on ASMC’s Web site registry of certified financial managers

> Shows growth and advancement within the profession

> Pride at being a part of an organization that supports the profession

> Wall certificate displays your accomplishment

> Listed in the Armed Forces Comptroller (AFC), ASMC’s quarterly journal

> Possible on-the-job recognition

> Enhances your career and reputation

> Distinguishes you from others in the field

> Certification maintenance requirements necessitate your continuing professional development and

ensure that you stay current with industry trends and changes

General PoliciesExamination Security

ASMC firmly believes that each candidate deserves a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate his or

her competency in the examination process. Therefore, the examination security measures are

intended to prevent any unfair advantage of one candidate over another.

All exam materials are the property of ASMC. Removal of any material from the exam room by

unauthorized persons is prohibited. Copyrights for the CDFM® exam are owned by ASMC. Any attempt

to reproduce or memorize all or part of the exam is prohibited. Any unauthorized disclosure,

publication, copying, reproduction, transmission, distribution, or possession of CDFM® exam content or

materials in any form may subject the individual to civil liability and/or criminal prosecution, removal of

certification, and/or restrictions on future access to CDFM® certification examinations. The prohibition

of “unauthorized disclosure” means that you may not discuss the contents of the examination with

anyone except ASMC.

A proctor may dismiss a candidate from the exam site, halt an examination in progress, or report a

candidate to ASMC for any unauthorized behavior, such as any of the following:

> attempting to gain unauthorized admission to an exam site

> attempting to take the examination for someone else

> creating a disturbance

> giving, receiving, or attempting to give or receive help from unauthorized sources

> removing, or attempting to remove, exam materials or notes from the testing room

> having in his or her possession any item prohibited from the exam site as specified above

> exhibiting behavior consistent with memorization or copying of exam items

Restroom breaks are not permitted.


Certification Agreement

ASMC’s policies governing its certifications are encompassed in the certification agreement an

applicant signs as part of the CDFM® enrollment form. He or she is legally attesting to the fact that the

applicant has read and will abide by the policies encompassed in the below Certification Agreement.

Contact Information Policy

Name and contact changes must be done within your ASMC account profile. Keeping your informationcurrent is a condition of your candidacy and certification. Failure to update your contact informationmay result in delays in receiving critical certification related information. Email is the primary mode of

communication between ASMC and candidates and certificants.

The Certification ProcessCertification Process Flowchart


Eligibility Requirements

To take any of the CDFM® examinations, a candidate must:

> Adhere to the ASMC Pledge of Professionalism

> Possess a High School Diploma (or equivalent)

> Enroll in the CDFM Program

To be awarded CDFM® or CDFM-A® certification, a candidate must:

> Complete and pass the required examination modules within a 4-year timeframe

(CDFM®: Modules 1, 2, and 3; CDFM-A®: Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4)

> Submit a VFME form demonstrating the required financial management experience outlined below:

• 3 years defense-related financial management experience (without a college degree); OR

• 2 years defense related financial management experience (with an associate’s degree or higher);

OR

• 4 years government-related financial management experience (with an associate’s degree or

higher)

Pledge of Professionalism

To become and maintain CDFM® certification, you are required to adhere to the following pledge of

professionalism, below.

As a CDFM®, I will:

> Be guided in all activities by loyalty to the highest principles always remembering that public office is

a public trust.

> Refrain from activities which are in conflict with the public interest or are discreditable to the Society,

and avoid activities which create the appearance of such conflict.

> Exercise diligence, objectivity, and integrity in professional activities, ever aware of the responsibility

to eliminate improprieties.

> Refrain from the transmission or usage, for personal gain or advantage, of information obtained in

the professional environment.

> Carefully earn and continuously protect my reputation for good moral character in comptrollership.

> Recognize that professional example will influence associates and efficiency.

> Recommend and initiate methods to enhance productivity and efficiency.

> Continuously strive to increase my professional knowledge and skills to improve service and value to

associates and the Society.

> Extend the same consideration to the rights and interests of others that I seek for myself.

> Respect the professionalism of fellow members and work with them to promote the goals and

programs of Society.


Enrollment

The first step is to enroll in the CDFM® program, which provides you with an initial 2-year period to

meet all of the requirements. The non-refundable, CDFM® candidate initial enrollment fee 405can be

paid in one of two ways:

1. Pay for an enrollment online at https://imis.asmconline.org/net/enroll.aspx

2. Print and complete the enrollment form and email [email protected], fax (703.549.3181),

or mail it to ASMC with payment to 415 N. Alfred Street, Suite 3, Alexandria, VA 22314.

As soon as your CDFM® enrollment payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email from

ASMC and are immediately eligible to take the CDFM module exams.

Enrollment Period

Each CDFM® Program enrollment is valid for two years. You must be enrolled to take the CDFM®

examination modules. If you are unable to complete the modules within the intial 2-year window, you

can pay a fee to extend your enrollment period.

Enrollment Extensions

If your initial two-year enrollment has passed and you need more time to complete the examination

process, ASMC offers two convenient ways to extend your enrollment for an additional two years.

1. Pay for an enrollment extension online at https://imis.asmconline.org/net/enroll.aspx

2. Print and complete the enrollment form (checking the “Extension of Enrollment” box) and email, fax,

or mail it to ASMC with payment.

Overview of the Testing Process1. First check if a base education center is available.

2. If a base education center isn't available, then check for a Pearson VUE commercial test center.

3. If a test center is available, then purchase an exam on the ASMC website. If a test center is not

available, contact ASMC to set up Special Arrangement Testing.

4. Once you have paid online for a Pearson VUE exam, you will receive email instructions and your

candidate ID within 24-48 hours to proceed with scheduling.

5. Using your candidate ID, you will be able to create a “web account” on the Pearson VUE website,

which will store your user profile.

6. You will receive an email after you have completed your profile, which allows you to continue to

schedule your exam module(s). Make your appointment(s) to sit for the exam module(s).

**ASMC has employed a professional testing company, Pearson VUE to fulfill computer-based test

delivery functions. The Pearson VUE company name will be referenced throughout this document and

as you make your appointment and sit for your examination modules.


Purchasing a CDFM® Examination

Please read the information below carefully to ensure you pay for the appropriate CDFM®

examination modules for your preferred testing method and location.

There are two (2) ways you can take your exam modules:

OPTION A – Computer Based Testing (CBT) at a Pearson VUE testing location

There are Pearson VUE testing sites worldwide both on and off military bases. Available dates and

times vary by testing location. You can search for the nearest testing sites at

https://wsr.pearsonvue.com/testtaker/registration/SelectTestCenterProximity/ASMC/302777

If there is a Pearson VUE testing location that works for you, then purchase an exam on the ASMC

website at http://imis.asmconline.org/net/products.aspx?category=cbt. Note: CDFM exam fees are

non-refundable, except in the case of duplicate purchase.

Once online payment has been processed, you should receive an email in 24-48 hours with a unique

Pearson VUE candidate ID# and directions on how to proceed with scheduling an examination.

Pearson

OPTION B – Special Arrangement Testing on base or other proctored location. In rare instances, it isnot possible or not desirable to take the examination at a Pearson VUE testing center, due to location,

availability, or other circumstances. In such instances, contact ASMC to arrange for paper testing (or

non-Pearson VUE) computer testing with an approved proctor. Note: Special Arrangement Testing is

also available at ASMC Headquarters in Alexandria, VA.p examination with Cyanna

EXAMINATION MODULE FEE SCHEDULE

Module 1: Resource Management Environment (Pearson VUE, Cyanna, and paper) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$99

Module 2: Budget and Cost Analysis (Pearson VUE, Cyanna, and paper) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$99

Module 3: Accounting and Finance (Pearson VUE, Cyanna, and paper) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$99

Module 4: Acquisition Specialty (Pearson VUE, Cyanna, and paper) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$99

**CDFM® Exams are NON-REFUNDABLE**

Scheduling a CDFM® Examination

PEARSON VUE EXAMS

Once online payment has been made for a Pearson VUE exam on the ASMC website, you should

receive an email in 24-48 hours with a unique Pearson VUE candidate ID# and directions on how to log

on to the Pearson VUE system and schedule an examination.

Before selecting a Pearson VUE test center located on a military base, it is your responsibility to ensure

that you have the proper approval to enter that base.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT TESTING

ASMC will provide directions for scheduling Special Arrangement examinations.


ADA SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

ASMC 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. Applicants needing special accommodations

must make a request in writing to include documentation of a formally-diagnosed, ADA-recognized

disability from a qualified professional who has provided evaluation or treatment to the applicant.

Please contact ASMC for detailed information concerning the information that must be included with

the request.

Rescheduling a Pearson VUE CDFM® Examination

RESCHEDULING POLICY

You can reschedule your Pearson VUE exam 6 or more business days prior to your scheduled

appointment at no cost. Rescheduling between 1-3 business days prior to your appointment requires a

$50 rescheduling fee. Rescheduling your exam less that 24 hours prior to your appointment will result

in forfeiting your exam fee.

NO SHOW POLICY

Those who fail to appear for an exam without giving prior notice to ASMC shall forfeit the entire

examination fee, unless they can document extenuating circumstances, such as: death in the family,

serious illness, or military duty. In such circumstances, the candidate should email the ASMC

Certification Department at [email protected] as soon as possible, providing documentation

and a written explanation of the situation.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of hazardous weather or any other unforeseen emergencies occurring on the day of a

scheduled exam, Pearson VUE will determine whether circumstances require the cancellation of the

exam at a particular location(s). Every attempt will be made to administer all exams as scheduled.

Candidates will be given as much advance notice as possible and will not be penalized in the event of a

Pearson VUE cancellation with less than 72 hours notice.

CONTACT INFORMATION POLICY

Name and contact changes must be done within your candidate profile. Keeping your informationcurrent is a condition of your certification. Failure to update your contact information may result indelays in receiving critical certification related information. Email is the primary mode of

communication between ASMC and credential holders and candidates.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

ASMC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and is interested in ensuring 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. Applicants needing special

accommodations must make a request in writing at the time of enrollment. Requests must include

documentation of a formally diagnosed ADA-recognized disability from a qualified professional who


has provided evaluation or treatment to the applicant. Please contact ASM for detailed information

concerning the information that must be included with the request.

On the Day of the ExaminationSubmitting a VFME Form

A Verification of Financial Management Experience (VFME) form must be signed by a supervisor who

can verify your work experience and submitted to ASMC. You do not have to submit this form prior to

taking a CDFM® examination, but it is required prior to the awarding of certification.

Report to the testing site on the day of the exam as instructed in your appointment confirmation letter.

Candidates must bring one valid form of ID. This must be a government-issued photo ID with signature

(for example, a driver’s license or passport). The name on the ID must match exactly the name

submitted on the application, or the candidate will be denied admission. A second form of ID may be

requested at the testing center. A credit card or debit card matching the name on your government-

issued ID is acceptable.

Listen carefully to instructions given by the proctor and read all directions thoroughly. Questions

concerning the content of the exam will not be answered during the exam a comment form is provided

within the testing software. .

The CDFM® examinations are closed book. Therefore, no materials are permitted into the testing room.

There will be a secure area in which to check valuables. The following items are NOT PERMITTED in the

testing room:

> Books or other reference materials

> Papers of any kind, except as provided by the proctor

> Telephones and signaling devices, such as cell phones, tablet computers, etc.

> Alarms or recording/playback devices

> Calculators

> Photographic or image-capturing or -copying devices

> Electronic devices of any kind

> Food or beverages

After the ExaminationScoring

The CDFM® examination is a criterion-referenced test. This means that candidates are scored against a

fixed standard (the passing score). The final passing score for each individual CDFM® examination has

been established by a panel of subject-matter experts who determine the minimally acceptable level of

competence for awarding the certification utilizing acceptable psychometric procedures. The passing

score is applied consistently to all test takers. Candidates are not competing against one another, and


grades are not curved. You must achieve the passing score to pass the examination. There are no

exceptions.

ASMC reserves the right to annul any examination scores if, in ASMC’s judgment, there is any reason to

question the score’s validity. Conduct that warrants score cancellation may include, but is not limited to:

consulting study aids of any type during a testing session; copying from notes or from another

candidate’s answers during a testing session; unauthorized communication with others during a testing

session; copying, photographing, transcribing, or otherwise reproducing or transmitting exam materials;

removing exam materials from the testing site; aiding other examinees or receiving aid from anyone

else; or having improper access to CDFM® content prior to the examination administration. Engaging in

such misconduct may disqualify the individual from future CDFM® tests and possibly from ever being

certified by ASMC.

Diagnostic Exam Score Reports

Per the testing policies set by the Certification Commission and other testing experts consulted in the

development of the CDFM® exams, ASMC cannot release information on the exam passing scores or

individual exam scores. However, candidates are able to receive feedback on their exam performance.

A Diagnostic Exam Score Report, providing pass/fail information for each competency area on the

exam is automatically provided on all Pearson VUE exam results. If Special Arrangement Testing was

taken, a Diagnostic Exam Score Report can be requested by emailing the Certification Department at

[email protected] and including your ASMC ID number, the Module you wish to receive a

report on, and the date you took that Module.

Re-Examination PolicyIf you do not pass a CDFM® examination module, the waiting periods outlined below will apply for re-

examination of that module. You must visit the Certification page on www.asmconline.org and go

through the module registration process again to obtain a new authorization. There is no limit on the

number of times you may take an examination module that you have not passed. However, you will be

constrained by the mandatory waiting times shown below and the testing facility’s availability. The fee

to re-take an examination module exam is $99.00.If you are not successful on an examination module,

the following “wait periods” will apply:

FIRST ATTEMPT – If you are not successful on the first attempt, you must wait 14 days before retakinga failed examination module.

SECOND ATTEMPT – After wait period 1 has expired, you must wait 28 days before retaking a failedexamination module.

THIRD ATTEMPT – After wait period 2 has expired, you must contact the ASMC Certification staff to beauthorized for another attempt.

Note: Each enrollment period as a CDFM candidate is valid for two years. If all three modules are notsuccessfully completed within this two-year timeframe, you must extend your enrollment and pay an

Extension of Enrollment fee. However, any modules you have passed will remain valid in your account.


Life of Passed Examinations

The scores for CDFM® modules you pass will remain valid for four (4) years from the date the exam was

passed, unless the certification process time limit expires.

Certification Process Time Limit

If the required exams are not passed within four (4) years from the date the first exam was passed, the

certification testing process must be started over. Passing the 4-year certification process time limit

voids all previously passed exams, even if the exams were taken less than 4 years prior. A VFME form

already recorded in the candidate’s account does not need to be resubmitted.

A candidate who has a concern about administrative procedures at a testing site or who has observed

a breach of security or other improper conduct during a test should submit a report in writing to ASMC

within 5 calendar days after taking the examination.

A candidate who has a question or concern about the reliability, validity, and/or fairness of the test may

submit the question or concern in writing to ASMC no later than 5 calendar days after taking the

examination. ASMC will not consider reports about improper test administration procedures or test

content if they are not submitted within the 5-day deadline.

Candidates who fail the exam may appeal their results in writing within 30 days of receipt of the score

report. ASMC will review the response record and any related facts and the determination will be

communicated to the candidate within 30 days. The determination of ASMC shall be final.

Renewal of CertificationEvery credible program of professional certification has a mechanism to ensure that certified members

remain current. In many cases, this is the Continuing Professional Education Unit (CPE). One fifty-

minute block of learning in a subject related to the financial management field yields one CPE unit. The

CDFM® program sets forth the CPE requirements for maintaining certification as follows:

Once designated as a Certified Defense Financial Manager, whether CDFM® or CDFM-A®, each

certificant must complete 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every twenty-four

months in order to maintain the certification. Eighty hours of CPE every twenty-four months is the

standard across the area of financial management certification.

The anniversary date for certification renewal is two years from the last day of the month the CDFM®

certification is first achieved. For example, if certification was awarded March 17, 2005, then the

renewal is due on March 31 of each following ODD numbered year. If certification is awarded

September 1, 2006 then renewal is due on September 30 of each following EVEN numbered year.

CDFM® certificants who later pass the Module 4 exam, earning the CDFM-A®, continue with their

original certification renewal anniversary date. No additional CPE requirements are incurred for CDFM-

A® certificants. The CPE requirements stated under the CDFM® Program apply to all CDFM® and

CDFM-A® certificate holders, regardless of employment status.

CPE requirements for the CDFM® Program are not intended to add to the total requirement a certificate

holder may have for another approved financial management certification. For example, if you are a


Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the eighty hours of CPE you take for maintaining your CPA will also

count for the CDFM®.

Please see the CDFM® Policy document published on the ASMC website for more detailed informationabout recertification.9. Overview of the CDFM® Examinations

Examination Format

The CDFM® examinations are designed to evaluate candidates seeking professional certification in the

field of defense comptrollership. Each of the four (4) examination modules contains 80 multiple-choice

items, and candidates are allowed 2 hours to complete each exam. The exams may be taken in any

order, and a candidate must take and pass at least Modules 1, 2, and 3 to earn the CDFM® certification.

Module 4 must also be taken and passed in order to earn the CDFM-A®.

Job Task Analysis & Content Validation

A job (task) analysis defines the current knowledge, skills and abilities that must be demonstrated by

defense financial managers for successful and competent practice in this role. In accordance with

applicable testing industry standards, these competencies have been validated utilizing surveying and

focus group methodologies according to frequency and importance. All decisions regarding the

content of the examination are made by appropriate subject matter experts. That is, ASMC upholds

stringent guidelines for the construction and implementation of the examination development and

administration process, which is governed by the Certification Commission comprised of experienced

and highly qualified DoD financial management professionals working in various industry practice

settings.

The design of the examination is set forth in the examination specifications provided below, which

define the competency areas, or domains, and subdomains covered on the examinations, as well as the

approximate percentage of items covering each competency area.

Examination Specifications

To become familiar with the content areas on the examinations, candidates should refer to the

examination specifications provided below. Candidates are encouraged to review the specifications to

assess their level of knowledge in each of the content areas and identify the areas in which they believe

they need additional preparation.

MODULE 1: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT

Government Resource Management Environment (30%)

> Functions of the three branches of the federal government

> Checks and balances between government branches

> Preparation and structure of the federal budget

> Sources and applications of federal funds

> Relationship of the defense budget to gross domestic product

> Relationship of the defense budget to the federal budget


Manpower Management (20%)

> Determination of peacetime requirements

> Determination of mobilization requirements

> Manpower management terminology

> Relevant legal authorities

> Relevant Circulars and Regulations

Personnel Management (15%)

> Evaluation tools and criteria

> Conflict resolution

> Relevant legal authorities


Management Responsibility for Internal Control (15%)

> Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act

> Internal Control Standards

> Relevant laws


Fiscal Law (20%)

> Constitutional authorities

> Congressional budget resolutions

> Congressional authorization and appropriation

> Federal agency authorities

> Availability of appropriations

> Availability of revolving funds

> Reprogramming

> Continuing Resolutions

> Anti-Deficiency Act

MODULE 2: BUDGET AND COST ANALYSIS

Defense Budget Process (60%)

> The Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process

> Products and documents produced by PPBE

> Role of key offices in PPBE

> Prioritization process in PPBE

> Budget execution by type of appropriation

> Budget execution by type of contractual payment


> Interagency, interservice and reimbursable agreements

> Reprogramming

Cost and Economic Analysis (20%)

> Cost analysis policies and procedures

> Economic analysis of policies and procedures

> Limited application of cost and economic analytical techniques

> Differentiation between types of benefits

> Limited application of current installation costing techniques

Business Management Process Improvement (10%)

> Legal basis for Business Management Process Improvement

> Management of improvement process

> Outsourcing

> Privatization


Fiscal Law (10%)







> Reprogramming



MODULE 3: ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

Accounting (35%)

> Basis of accounting for federal funds

> Federal accounting standards

> Defense accounting standards

> Differentiation between proprietary, financial, managerial and cost accounting

> US Standard General Ledger

> Types and components of financial statements

> Roles of key accounting agencies


Finance (35%)

> Safeguarding of assets

> Pay and entitlements

> Travel entitlements

> Contract pay

> Debt management

> Certifying policies and functions

> Disbursing policies and functions

> Currency control

Auditing (15%)

> Purpose and authority for audit

> Comptroller General Auditing Standards

> Department of Defense standards and policies

> Role and authorities of audit policy boards

> Phases of audit

Fiscal Law (15%)







> Reprogramming



MODULE 4: ACQUISITION (Optional – must pass to achieve CDFM-A® certification)

Goals, Strategy and Decision Support (11%)

> DoD Decision Support Systems

> Goals and Strategy

Systems Engineering (15%)

> Overview and Relationship to Defense Acquisition

> Systems Engineering Processes

> Systems Engineering — The Systems Life Cycle Process

> Important Design Considerations


> Systems Engineering Tools, Techniques and Resources

Resource Management (10%)

> Affordability

> Acquisition Systems Cost

> Analysis of Alternatives (AOA)

> Cost Analysis

Life Cycle Sustainment (8%)

> Total Life Cycle Sustainment Overview

> Performance Based Life- Cycle Support

Human Systems Integration (5%)

> Domains of Human Systems Integration

> Human Factors Engineering and Integration

Acquiring Information Technology and National Security Systems (7%)

> Net- Centricity and the Global Information Grid (GIG)

> Important Statutory and Regulatory Requirements

Technology Protection (5%)

> Technology Protection- Planning and Support

> Putting Technology Protection in Place

Test and Evaluation (9%)

> Types and Phases of Test and Evaluation

> T&E Planning and Management Oversight

Decisions, Assessments and Reports (11%)

> Decision Points

> Executive Reviews

> Integrated Product Team (IPTs), Exit Criteria and Independent Assessments

> Periodic Reports

Special Management Activities (19%)

> Joint Programs

> International Cooperation

> Earned Value Management

> Contract Management Reporting

> Acquisition of Services


Suggested References

As a courtesy to individuals interested in taking a certification examination, ASMC has provided a list of

suggested reference sources for examination preparation. ASMC does not endorse any specific person,

product, resource, or service as a means of preparing for or achieving certification. Candidates are

encouraged to plan their own course of study by reviewing the examination specifications, identifying

any areas of weakness, and securing the necessary resources to adequately prepare for the

examination.

ASMC Textbooks

The Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course (EDFMTC) textbook, which is used in

ASMC’s 40-hour intensive EDFMTC, offered worldwide, provides extensive information on all the

competency areas addressed in the Module 1, 2, and 3 CDFM exams. This textbook, as well as the

Module 4 Addendum to the textbook, are available for sale to individuals on the ASMC website at

http://www.asmconline.org/publications/text-books/.

DoD Financial Regulations

In addition to specific, official documented references (these are the source documents for the

examination questions), other supplemental study materials are recommended. As you work through

the different competency areas, you may find the majority of references are already somewhat familiar

to you. Most prevalent are the DoD Financial Regulations, better known as FMRs. Don’t forget to

review Volume 1 of the FMR for definitions. The FMRs are all downloadable for free at

www.dtic.mil/comptroller/fmr.

OMB Circulars

Another common reference is the OMB circular. These are also easy to download by going to

www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html. All of the original legal citations from 10 US Code and

31 US Code are available through the fiscal law section or by going directly to http://uscode.house.gov.

Simply enter the title (i.e., Title 10 or Title 31) and section number, and the search engine will provide

the text.

DoD Publications

All DoD publications, instructions, directives, manuals, etc., are available at www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.

DoD “Greenbook”

The DoD “Greenbook” is available at www.dod.mil/comptroller.

Army Cost Manual

The Army Cost Manual, which covers common cost estimating topics, and is available at

www.ceac.army.mil/ce/default.asp.


Member Non-Member

CDFM® Program Enrollment

Initial Enrollment (2 yrs) $40* $75

(*Membership is 1 year for $26 or 3 years for $75)

Enrollment Extensions (2 yrs) $75 $85

Textbooks

Mods 1-3, shrink wrapped $100 $110

Mods 1-3 with binder $110 $120

Mods 1-4, shrink wrapped $175 $195

Mod 4 only, shrink wrapped $75 $85

CDFM® Certification Maintenance

Retired Status

No Fee $0 $0

Active Status

Renewal Fee (good for 2 yrs) $25 $45

Suspended Status

If renewal is overdue 1-90 days, must submit:


Late Fee $50 $50

Proof of earning 80 CPEs

Inactive Status

If renewal is overdue >90 days or suspended more than once, must

submit:


Reactivation Fee $150 $150

Proof of earning 80 CPEs

Pass one of the three CDFM® Mod exams

Certificates

**ASMC provides one cost-free certificate to each certificant**

Replacement or Additional Certificate Fee $40 $40

CDFM® Pins $5 each (includes S&H)


Appendix AEnrollment Form

CDFM Program Enrollment Form

American Society of Military Comptrollers Certified Defense Financial Manager Program

415 North Alfred Street, Suite 3 • Alexandria, VA 22314 • (800) 462-5637 • (703) 549-0360 • Fax (703) 549-3181

ASMC Member? Yes No Member Number Chapter

This is a: New Enrollment ASMC membership included with this enrollment Extension of Eligibility

Identifying Information

Mr. Ms.

Last Name First Full Middle

Street Address

City State/Province Zip Code/Country

Day Phone Evening Commercial Fax

E-Mail Address Last 4 digits of SSN

Date of Birth (Mo/Day/Yr)

Name as you wish it to appear on your certificate

Professional Information

1. Service Affiliation? Army Navy Air Force Marine Corps

Coast Guard DFAS Other DoD Corporate None

If None, Other, or Corporate, please explain:

2. Employment Status? DoD Civilian Military Other Non-DoD Retired

If “Other,” please explain:

3. Pay Grade/Band or Equivalent:

4. Civilian Job Series, Military Occupational Specialty, or Corporate Title:

5. Years of Experience in Defense-Related Financial Management:

6. Highest Civilian Education Level:

Below High School High School Diploma GED Some College—No Degree

Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate

If a candidate must extend his or her enrollment beyond two years to complete the examinations, an extension of enrollment fee of

$70.00 (for all) will be required.

Financial Information

The enrollment fee of $70.00, or $40.00 for ASMC members, allows an individual to be active in the CDFM database for two (2)

years from the date of receipt. The application fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Applications from ASMC members that do not include the

Member Number and Chapter Affiliation will be returned without action.

If a candidate must extend his or her enrollment beyond two years to complete the examinations, an extension of enrollment fee

of $75.00 (members) or $85.00 (non-members) will be required.

Fees are subject to change. Please check the certification web site for the current fee structure.

If paying by credit card please provide the following:

American Express VISA MasterCard

Card Number

Expiration date (mm/yyyy)

Billing address postal zip code

I certify that I have read, understand and agree to abide by the pledge of professionalism code of the American

Society of Military Comptrollers.

Signature Date

Please make your enrollment check payable to American Society of Military Comptrollers. Send to the address on the

front of this application. Do not send cash.

NOTES

1) If you have already met the financial management experience requirement, please submit the “Verification of Financial

Management Experience Form” with your supervisor’s signature along with this application.

2) The ASMC database requires the last four digits of your social security number for records to be input. ASMC will conform to all

provisions of the Privacy Act.

3) If you have an Americans With Disabilities Act requirement, please see ASMC’s ADA Special Testing Accommodations policy for

directions on requesting testing accommodations (five-weeks notice is necessary to set up an appointment in this category).


Appendix BVerification of Financial Management

Experience Form

The American Society of Military Comptrollers requests verification of financial management experience and duties that I perform(ed).

I would appreciate your completion of the supervisor’s section of this form and returning it to me promptly.

Candidate’s Signature Date

Candidate’s Name

Candidate’s Address

verification of financial management experience

American Society of Military Comptrollers Certified Defense Financial Manager Program415 North Alfred Street, Suite 3 • Alexandria, VA 22314 • (800) 462-5637 • (703) 549-0360 • Fax (703) 549-3181

Supervisor’s Section

Supervisor’s Name Title

Telephone Number

E-mail Address

If more positions are needed to document the 4-, 3- or 2-year experience required, photocopy this page and use additional experi-

ence blocks as needed. DO NOT ATTACH ADDITIONAL SUPPORTING MATERIAL. To determine the length of experience you need,

visit the certification web site.

Supervisor’s Signature Date

Position Held by Candidate

Dates of Employment (mo/yr)

Brief Description of Duties

Position Held by Candidate

Dates of Employment (mo/yr)

Brief Description of Duties


Appendix CCDFM CPE Policy

CDFM CPE POLICY

Page 1 of 12 American Society of Military Comptrollers Rev. 04.30.15

THE CPE REQUIREMENT

Background

Every credible program of professional certification has a mechanism to ensure that

certified members remain current. In most cases, this is the Continuing Professional Education

Unit (CPE). One fifty-minute block of learning in a subject directly related to the technical field

certified yields one CPE unit.

The CPE requirements stated under the CDFM Program apply to all CDFM certificate

holders, whether employed full or part-time by a public or private organization, or self-employed.

Eighty hours of CPE every twenty-four months is the standard across the area of financial management certification.

CPE requirements for the CDFM Program are not intended to add to the total requirement

a certificate holder may have for another approved financial management certification. For

example, if you are a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the eighty hours of CPE you take for

the CPA will also count fully for the CDFM. Likewise, if you are in the Acquisition Corps or

maintain any of the financial management certifications listed at Appendix A, the CPE are

considered to overlap. It is not ASMC’s intent to penalize or discourage holders of multiple

financial management professional certifications by doubling or tripling the CPE an individual

must earn.

Compliance

Operating under the umbrella of the ASMC “Pledge of Professionalism,” complying

with the CPE requirements of the CDFM is the responsibility of the individual certificate

holder. Carrying out this responsibility requires exercising sound professional judgment.

Individual CDFMs are responsible for (1) seeking opportunities for appropriate CPE, (2)

successfully completing CPE programs and activities, (3) maintaining documentation of the

CPE hours completed and (4) monitoring their own progress toward meeting the CPE

requirements.

The CPE requirements are based on the premise that all CDFMs should maintain and

enhance their professional proficiency in Defense financial management. As stated in the ASMC

Pledge of Professionalism, we should “…continuously strive to increase… professional

knowledge and skills…” CDFMs will have wide latitude in selecting suitable CPE.

CDFM CPE POLICY


Record Keeping

Individuals are responsible for documenting their own CPE. CPE units should be recorded

and maintained in a log that is readily accessible to the certification holder. When the CDFM

certificate is renewed, certificate holders will be asked to self-certify that they have completed the

eighty hours. A three-month grace period to earn the eighty hours is allowed if the requirement has

not been met and evidence of mitigating circumstances has been forwarded to the Director for

Certification at ASMC National Headquarters. The evidence of mitigating circumstances shall

also include sufficient documentation to demonstrate the CPEs earned up to the onset of the

mitigating circumstance and a plan for the completion of the 80-hour requirement. Following this

grace period, the Certification Commission may suspend the certificate of anyone failing to meet

the CPE requirement.

Renewal

The CPE requirements stated under the CDFM program apply to all CDFM certificate holders. The Certification Commission has set forth 80 hours as the minimum number of hours of

CPE that CDFMs, whether employed full-time or part-time by a public or private organization, or

self-employed, must complete every two years to maintain their CDFM certification.

Retirement Exemption: A CDFM certificate holder who has retired from, and is no

longer working in the Defense financial management community, need not meet the CDFM

CPE requirement to renew his or her certificate. This CPE requirement exemption applies to

the full two-year period in which the certificate holder retires. The retired CDFM will not be

required to pay a renewal fee to maintain his or her certificate. Retired certificate holders

need not request this exemption, but simply indicate their retirement status on the renewal

application by entering the date of their retirement.

Exceptions: The Certification Commission may grant exceptions from the CPE

requirements if a reason such as foreign residency, ill health, maternity leave or military

service prevents a CDFM certificate holder from fulfilling the full CPE requirement. The

certificate holder should document the reasons for requesting an exception and submit it to

the ASMC Certification Department for a determination by the Certification Commission.

The Director for Certification will notify the CDFM of the Commission's decision and retain

that documentation for an appropriate period of time. The individual requesting an exception

must demonstrate that an effort was made to satisfy the CPE requirement prior to the situation

that makes the exception necessary. For example, if an exception situation arises in the 23rd

month of the CDFM’s two-year (24 month) renewal period, the individual must demonstrate

that he or she had completed a sufficient number of CPE hours that would have allowed the

80-hour requirement to be completed within the allowed timeframe. However, if an exception

situation arises in the first few months of the CDFM’s two-year renewal period, the renewal

period will be considered to begin at the time the exception situation comes to a conclusion.

A CDFM is expected to obtain CPE hours throughout the two-year period and not “bunch”

the hours in the final few months.

Determining Compliance with CPE Requirements

CDFM CPE POLICY


To maintain CDFM certification, the Program requires that certificate holders apply for

certificate renewal and complete at least 80 hours of CPE in Defense financial management topics

or related technical subjects every two years. ASMC will audit ten percent of CDFM renewals,

selected at random, to verify the CPE documentation. Those CDFMs selected for audit will be

required to provide their CPE documentation package to the Associate Director for Certification. A

review panel will be established and will be made up of not-less-than five volunteer CDFMs. An

ASMC Headquarters staff member will facilitate the review panel. Feedback will be provided to the

individual only if the review finds that the documentation is not sufficient to support the number of

CPE hours claimed.

Establishing Renewal Date

Renewal is a personal responsibility; a certificate holder may or may not receive a

renewal notice from the American Society of Military Comptrollers at the end of each renewal

cycle. If needed the certificate holder will have an additional three-month period of grace in

which to earn the required number of CPE hours and remit the certification renewal fee.

However, the CPEs earned during this grace period cannot be counted toward the total required

for the next renewal period. In addition to the grace period to earn the needed CPEs, an

additional 30-day period is allowed for the certificate holder to complete and submit the

documentation package. Furthermore, when this renewal grace period, and additional 30-day

documentation preparation period, has elapsed, the CDFM certificate may be suspended if the

required CPEs are not documented. Should the additional time be required for earning the

required CPE the CDFM should promptly submit the renewal on the original schedule. No

additional notice to ASMC is required unless the individual has not met the requirement and

needs more time. The CDFM staff will work with the individual to ensure that he or she can

remain in the Program.

CPE Carryover

Carrying over “extra” CPE from one twenty-four month time period to the next is not

permitted. The 80-hour requirement is the minimum number of hours of CPE that CDFMs should

complete every two years. Extra CPE are not transferable to a subsequent period.

Deficiency Makeup

CDFMs that have not completed the required number of CPE hours for any two-year

period will have the three months immediately following the two-year period to make up the

deficiency. Any CPE hours completed toward a deficiency in one period should be documented

in the CPE records and may not be counted toward the requirements for the next two-year period.

The CDFM certificate shall be suspended if a certificate holder fails to meet the certification

program's CPE requirements by the end of the additional three months grace period.

Monitoring Compliance

As part of a quality assurance program ASMC may, on a random audit basis, request

CPE documentation for verification. Individuals should maintain records for a minimum of two

years after recertification to substantiate their statement of completed CPE.

CDFM CPE POLICY


APPENDIX A

LIST OF APPROVED

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATIONS FOR CPE COVERAGE

Certified Public Accountant Certified

Fraud Examiner Certified

Management Accountant Certified

Cost Estimator/Analyst

Certified Government Financial Manager

Certified Internal Auditor

DoD Acquisition Corps Certification -- And others as appropriate. Please notify the CDFM staff to have your program

verified and added to this listing.

CDFM CPE POLICY


APPENDIX B

CRITERIA FOR CPE CREDIT

CRITERIA FOR CPE CREDIT FOR TECHNICAL SUBJECTS

The CDFM Program does not establish detailed criteria for CPE educational events.

However, it does require that the CPE educational event contributes to the CDFM's professional

proficiency and that CDFMs maintain documentation of the CPE completed. To determine if

programs contribute to professional proficiency and to facilitate documentation, the following

criteria for CPE educational events may be considered, as appropriate.

1. An agenda or outline is prepared in advance and retained by the program sponsor that

indicates the name(s) of the instructor(s); the subject(s)/topic(s) covered; the date(s) and

length of the program; and, when appropriate, the program's learning objectives and any

prerequisites.

2. Individuals qualified or experienced in the topic/subject matter develop the program.

3. The program is presented by an instructor or discussion leader who is qualified or

experienced with respect to the program content.

4. Program materials are technically accurate, current, and sufficient to meet the program's

learning objectives.

5. The program is reviewed, when appropriate, by other qualified or experienced individuals.

The nature and extent of any review may vary depending on characteristics of the program.

6. Participants are required to register for the program.

7. Attendance records are maintained by the sponsoring organization.

8. Evaluations of the program are obtained from instructors and participants, when

appropriate.

9. The program sponsor provides evidence of satisfactory completion (a certificate or

transcript).

PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES THAT QUALIFY

Group programs such as:

1. Formal training programs (e.g., the Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training

presented by an ASMC licensed training provider).

2. Internal training programs (briefings, lectures, courses, seminars and workshops).

3. Financial management organization staff/chapter meetings when a structured educational

program is presented (that portion of the meeting where a structured educational program

CDFM CPE POLICY


is used to brief staff on an accounting principle, auditing standard or budget function and

demonstrate its applicability to their work). Informal discussions of current events in the

financial management profession do not qualify for CPE hours.

4. University and college courses (credit and non-credit). Audited courses qualify if the

course is related to financial management and is audited in full.

5. Education and development programs presented at conferences, conventions, meetings,

seminars and workshops of professional organizations. For example, the American

Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) annual Professional Development Institute

(PDI) and education programs presented by ASMC local chapters.

6. Training programs presented by other financial management organizations, educational

organizations, foundations and associations.

7. Preparation and delivery of briefings and work-related documents outside the scope of

routine business.

Individual study programs such as:

1. Correspondence courses, self-study guides and workbooks.

2. Courses given through audiocassette tapes, videotapes and computers (e.g., ASMC’s

Internet based courses).

Other professional activities:

Activity such as serving as a speaker, instructor, or discussion leader at group programs

(ASMC PDI) that qualify for CPE hours, publishing articles and books or developing CPE courses

on topics and subjects that qualify for CPE hours and that contribute directly to the author's

professional proficiency (e.g., writing an article published in The Armed Forces Comptroller) will

all count toward your CPE requirement. Documentation of this type of activity, however, may be a

challenge.

Topics and Subjects That Qualify:

CPE programs include a wide variety of topics and subjects that may contribute to

maintaining or enhancing the professional proficiency of some CDFMs, but not others. Therefore,

the CDFM is ultimately responsible for determining whether a topic or subject qualifies as

acceptable CPE for him or her.

CPE that would satisfy the CDFM program's requirement should be in Defense/government

financial management topics or related technical subjects applicable to Defense/government

financial management areas. Examples of such topics are at Appendix C of this document.

Determining what topics and subjects are appropriate for individual CDFMs to satisfy the CPE

requirement is a matter of professional judgment to be exercised by the CDFM. Among the

considerations in exercising that judgment are the CDFM's experience, the Defense financial

management area(s) in which they work and the responsibilities they assume in performing

comptrollership and Defense financial management functions.

CDFM CPE POLICY


PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES TOPICS & SUBJECTS THAT

DO NOT QUALIFY FOR CPE CREDIT:

a. On-the-job training.

b. Basic or elementary courses in topics and subjects in which the CDFM already has the

necessary knowledge and skills and that served as the initial basis for qualification as a

CDFM.

c. Programs that are not designed to maintain or enhance CDFMs' professional proficiency,

but are designed for the general public, such as resume writing, improving parent-child

relations, personal investments and money management and retirement planning.

d. Sales oriented programs that demonstrate office equipment.

e. Programs restricted to the financial management organization's administrative operations,

such as how to prepare time and attendance reports or internal administrative reporting

responsibilities.

f. Business sessions at professional organization conferences, conventions and meetings.

g. Participation as a member of a committee of a professional organization.

h. Preparation and presentation time for repeated presentations within the two-year period.

The key here is that you get the credit for preparation only once for preparing to teach

the same lesson multiple times.

i. Conducting external quality control reviews.

j. Teaching university or college courses full-time, i.e., if the CDFM is a full-time

instructor, the routine performance of his or her professional duties will not suffice as the

sole source of continuing professional education.

CDFM CPE POLICY


ADMINISTERING CPE REQUIREMENTS:

A CPE hour may be granted for each 50 minutes of participation in programs and activities

that qualify. Fractional hours may also be granted if appropriate. At conferences and conventions

where individual presentations are less than and/or more than 50 minutes, the sum of the

presentations should be considered as one total program. For example, two 90-minute, two 50-

minute and three 40-minute presentations equal 400 minutes or eight CPE hours.

Sponsors of CPE programs should monitor their programs to accurately assign the appropriate

number of hours. CDFM participants should receive CPE hours only for the actual time they attend

the program. Preparation time for students participating in a CPE program is not counted.

University & College Courses: Each semester hour credit equals 15 CPE hours and each

quarter hour credit equals 10 CPE hours.

Instructing University & College Courses: Instructors for university or college credit

courses shall receive CPE hours based on the number of credit hours the university/college gives a

student for successfully completing the course (one three-semester hour credit course x 15 CPE

hours per semester hour = 45 CPE hours). An instructor shall not receive CPE hours for teaching a

course more than once within the two-year period, unless the course was changed significantly. The

maximum number of CPE hours that may be granted to an individual as an instructor under this

paragraph should not exceed 40 hours for any two-year period.

Individual Study Programs: CDFM participants in correspondence or individual study

programs shall be granted CPE hours when they satisfactorily complete the program. If programs are

pretested by the vendor or sponsor CPE hours should be granted in an amount equal to the average

completion time. For example, a CDFM who takes 800 minutes to complete an individual study

program that has been pretested as having a 400-minute average completion time may only be

granted 8 CPE hours (800 minutes x ½ = 400 minutes divided by 50 minutes = 8 CPE hours).

Speaking or Instructing: Speakers, instructors (university/college noncredit courses) and

discussion leaders at programs that qualify for CPE should receive CPE hours for preparation and

presentation time to the extent the topic or subject matter contributes directly to their professional

proficiency. One hour of CPE should be granted for each 50 minutes of presentation time, and up to

two additional hours of CPE may be granted for advance preparation for each 50- minute segment of

the presentation.

For example, a discussion leader could receive up to 21 hours of CPE for a presentation of

350 minutes (seven hours for presentation and 14 hours for preparation). An individual should not

receive CPE hours for either preparation or presentation time for repeated presentations they make

within the two-year period, unless the topic or subject matter involved was changed significantly.

The maximum number of CPE hours that may be granted to an individual as a speaker, instructor, or

discussion leader under this paragraph shall not exceed 40 hours for any two-year period.

CDFM CPE POLICY


Authorship: Articles, books, or CPE courses written by CDFMs on topics and subjects

related to their expertise and/or work that contribute directly to professional proficiency shall

qualify for CPE hours in the year they are published. One hour of CPE shall be granted for each

hour devoted to writing articles, books, or course materials that are published. However, CPE

hours for published writings shall not exceed 40 hours for any two-year period.

Maintaining CPE Documentation: The CDFM is responsible for maintaining

documentation of the CPE hours completed. He or she is encouraged to use a personal log in

which to maintain the documentation. The CDFM's records should include the following

information for each CPE program or activity attended or completed:

a. The sponsoring organization (e.g., ASMC National Office or local chapter, or other

organization),

b. The location at which the program was given (e.g., Hotel California, Topeka, KS),

c. The title of the program and a brief description of its contents (e.g., 5th Annual

Professional Development Institute; current issues affecting Defense financial

management operations),

d. The dates attended for group programs or dates completed for individual study programs

(e.g., November 13 and 14, 2002),

e. The number of CPE hours earned (e.g., 16), and

f. Evidence of attendance or completion. This might include the following:

1. Record of the grade received for a university or college credit course.

2. An outline and evidence of attendance or of having been the instructor or

discussion leader from the program sponsor.

3. Evidence of completion from the program sponsor (e.g., ASMC PDI CPE

Certificate).

4. A copy of the published book, article, or training course.

Record Retention: All CPE records should be maintained for a minimum of two years

after CDFM recertification.

Suspension: A CDFM certificate may be suspended if within three months of renewal

date the renewal fee has not been paid, or the certificate holder has indicated he or she has not

earned the required CPE and has not furnished an adequate explanation.

CDFM CPE POLICY


Recourse Following Suspension of CDFM Certificate: If a CDFM is suspended, the

certificate holder has 30 days in which to file an appeal with the Certification Commission. The

Commission shall decide each case on its individual merits. If the Commission votes to revoke

the certificate, then the certificate holder will be so notified. The decision of the Certification

Commission will be final.

Reinstating a Revoked CDFM Certificate: Once a certificate has been revoked and a

period of one year has elapsed, the former certificate holder may apply to retake the CDFM

examinations. From that point, he or she will be treated as if he or she was applying for the

CDFM Program for the first time.

CDFM CPE POLICY


APPENDIX C

TOPICS SUGGESTED FOR CDFM CPE CREDIT

· Accounting Principles & Standards · Fiscal Law

· Accounting Systems · Financial Reporting

· Analytical Procedures · Forecasts and Projections

· Assessment of Internal Controls · Fraud Detection & Prevention

· Assessment of Management Controls · Industrial Engineering

· Asset Management Systems · Information Resources Management

· Audit Methodologies · Information Technology

· Audit of Contract Compliance/Costs · Interviewing Techniques

· Audit Risk & Materiality · Operations Research

· Audit/Evaluation Standards · Oral & Written Communications

· Budgeting · Pension Accounting

· Business Law · Performance Measurement & Reporting

· Business Process Reengineering · Principles of Management & Supervision

· Compliance with Laws & Regulations · Productivity

· Comptrollership · Program Planning & Evaluation

· Computer Science · Proposal Evaluation & Award

· Computer Security · Public Administration

· Contracting and Procurement · Public Finance

· Cost Analysis · Public Policy and Structure

· Data Analysis · Quality Control

· Economics · Report Writing

· Electronic Data Processing · Statistical Methods

· Evaluation Design · Social Sciences

· Financial Auditing · Strategic Planning

· Financial Management/Systems · Taxation

· Financial Planning or Analysis · Working Capital Funds

CDFM CPE POLICY


APPENDIX D

CEU/CLU/CPE CONVERSION

CEU Defined

The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) defines a

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) as “10 contact hours (60-minute hours) of participation in an

organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction and

qualified instruction. Instructional hours do not include time involved in coffee breaks, meals,

social activities or business and committee meetings. CEUs are not measures of academic credit.

CLU Defined

One CEU (see definition above) equals 10 Continuous Learning Units (CLU). Or, one CLU

equals 60 contact minutes of instruction (not including time involved in breaks, meals, social

activities or business and committee meetings).

CPE Defined

One CPE equals 50 “contact” minutes of instruction.

Conversion Examples

A. One CEU (or 10 contact hours of instruction) will convert to CPE using the following

formula.

10 contact hrs x 60 minutes = 600 contact minutes

600 contact minutes : 50 contact minutes = 12

Therefore, one CEU equals 12 CPEs.

B. One CLU (or 60 contact minutes of instruction) will convert to CPE using the following

formula.

60 contact minutes : 50 contact minutes = 1.2

Therefore, one CLU equals 1.2 CPE


Appendix DCertification FAQ


CDFM Program FAQCDFM/CDFM-A Eligibility

What are the requirements for earning CDFM certification?

In order to earn Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) certification, a candidate must be enrolled

in the CDFM Program; pass CDFM Modules 1, 2, and 3; have at least a high school diploma (or

equivalent); and submit a qualifying Verification of Financial Management Experience (VFME) form.

What are the experience requirements for earning CDFM certification?

Candidates with an Associate Degree or higher need 2 years of defense-related financial management

or 4 years of government-related financial management. Candidates with a High School Diploma or

equivalent need 3 years of defense-related financial management. See "CDFM-A Certification" section

for more information.

Where can I get a Verification of Financial Management Experience (VFME) form?

The VFME form can be downloaded from www.asmconline.org by clicking on the "CDFM Information"

quick link on the left side of the screen in the Certification section.

What are the requirements for earning CDFM-A certification?

The requirements for earning the CDFM with Acquisition Specialty (CDFM-A) certification are to earn

the CDFM certification and pass the CDFM Module 4 exam.

I don’t work in the DoD, but I’m a contractor supporting DoD. Do I qualify?

Anyone who meets the experience, education, and testing requirements can earn the CDFM

certification, regardless of employment status.

CDFM Program Enrollment

Am I required to be enrolled in the CDFM Program in order to test?

Yes. In order to sit for an exam, active enrollment in the CDFM Program is required.

Do I have to be an ASMC Member in order to take the tests?

You are not required to be an ASMC member in order to test; however, there are benefits to being a

member, such as reduced CDFM textbook and enrollment fees (CDFM enrollment is required in order to

test). More information on the benefits of being an ASMC member can be found on our website at

www.asmconline.org.

What is the cost to enroll in the CDFM Program?

First-time enrollment is $40 for members; $75 for non-members. Enrollment extensions are $75 for

members; $85 for non-members.


How long is the enrollment?

Each CDFM enrollment--whether it is first-time enrollment or an extension--gives you 2 years of

eligibility to test.

What if I need more than 2 years to complete the certification process?

If you need more than 2 years to complete the certification process, you will need to extend your

enrollment an additional 2 years.

What is the cost to extend my CDFM enrollment?

A 2-year CDFM enrollment extension costs $75 for members; $85 for non-members.

How do I enroll in the CDFM Program?

Visit www.asmconline.org. Click on the “Enroll in CDFM” quick link on the left side of the screen in the

Certification section. You can pay the enrollment fee online or print and complete an enrollment form

to be emailed or mailed to ASMC with payment. Alternatively, you can log on to your ASMC account

and click on "CDFM Enrollment" on the left side of the screen.

How can I find out when my enrollment expires?

You can locate your CDFM enrollment expiration date by logging in to the ASMC Member Portal and

clicking on “Update Profile.” You will find it in the “Enrollment Exp.” field.

Where can I find my Candidate ID?

Only those who are or have been enrolled in the CDFM Program are assigned a Candidate ID. You can

get your Candidate ID by clicking on “Get your Candidate ID” on the left hand side of the ASMC home

page and following the prompts. Note that Pearson VUE requires a 9-digit Candidate ID, so leading

zeros should be added to your Candidate ID on the Pearson VUE website.

CDFM-A Certification

What do I need to do to add the Acquisition Specialty to my CDFM certification?

In order to add the Acquisition Specialty to your active CDFM certification and earn the CDFM-A

designation, all that is required is to pass the Module 4 exam. First email [email protected]

to request (cost-free) Acquisition Specialty enrollment. Once your request has been processed, you can

proceed with purchasing the Module 4 exam.

I have been a CDFM for over a year and was just awarded the CDFM-A. Will this change mycertification renewal date?

Earning the Acquisition Specialty for your CDFM does not change your certification renewal date. Your

renewal deadline will always be every other year on the last day of the month you initially earned your

CDFM certification. For example, if you earned your CDFM on 4/3/12, your certification renewal will be

due April 30 of every EVEN year. If you later earn the CDFM-A, this will not change your renewal date.


Are there additional renewal requirements for CDFM-A's?

The renewal requirements are the same for CDFM's and CDFM-A's: pay the renewal fee and complete at

least 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE), with at least 20 CPEs per year and 2 CPEs in

an ethics-related topic, before your certification cycle expires.

CDFM Exams

What is the cost of the exams?

Each CDFM exam is $99 regardless of the platform (computer-based, paper, etc.).

How can I purchase an exam?

Exams can be purchased from our ASMC website at www.asmconline.org. Click on the “Exams” quick

link on the left side of the screen in the Certification section then click "Purchase an exam on the ASMC

website." If you would like Special Arrangement testing, please contact ASMC for information and

instructions.

How do I find a Pearson VUE testing center?

You can view available Pearson VUE testing centers by visiting www.asmconline.org. On the left side of

the screen, click on the "Exams" quick link and then click on the link to the Pearson VUE test site search

tool you want to use (There are two search tools: on base and off base).

Once I've purchased a Pearson VUE exam, when can I schedule it?

After purchasing a Pearson VUE exam, you should receive exam scheduling instructions within 24-48

hours of the purchase. If you do not receive emailed exam scheduling instructions by 48 hours after

exam purchase, please contact ASMC for assistance.

How can I change my testing reservations?

If you are scheduled for a Pearson VUE exam, you may log into your Pearson VUE account and

reschedule. Please keep in mind that Pearson VUE charges a rescheduling fee to candidates

rescheduling an exam 3 business days or less before the testing appointment.

If I do not pass an exam, do I need to pay for a retake?

Each exam costs $99 to the candidate, to include retake exams.

Are exams administered at ASMC Headquarters?

ASMC administers CDFM exams at the Headquarters office in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Please write

[email protected] or call (703) 549-0360 to request information and available testing dates.

How can I take a Special Arrangement exam (computer-based or paper)?

In order to set up a Special Arrangement computer-based exam or paper exam, contact the ASMC

Certification Department at [email protected] for guidance.


I have passed all 3 exams. Do I need to do anything else?

Once you have passed your exams and submitted your Verification of Financial Management

Experience (VFME) Form, nothing more is needed. A congratulatory designation letter will be mailed

to the address in your ASMC account within 2-3 weeks and your wall certificate will follow within 8-10

weeks.

ASMC Training

What kind of ASMC training is available?

ASMC offers the Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course (EDFMTC), the Module 4

Acquisition Business Management Course, and 3 fiscal law courses (Certifying Officials; Purpose; and

Purpose, Time and Amount).

Where can I find information on the Enhanced Defense Financial Management TrainingCourse (EDFMTC)?

Information about the EDFMTC can be found by visiting www.asmconline.org. Hold your cursor over

the "Education/Training" tab, hover your cursor over "Classroom Training", and click on "Enhanced

Defense Financial Management Training Course."

How can I take a Module 4 course?

Information about taking the Module 4 course can be found by visiting www.asmconline.org. Hold your

cursor over the "Education/Training" tab, hover your cursor over "Classroom Training", and click on

"Acquisition Business Management."

Am I required to attend ASMC training in order to sit for the CDFM exams?

Attending ASMC training is not required to sit for the CDFM exams; however, feedback from CDFM

candidates shows that many find the courses to be very helpful in preparing to take the exams.

ASMC Textbooks

How can I purchase ASMC textbooks?

Information about purchasing ASMC textbooks can be found by visiting www.asmconline.org. Hover

your cursor over the “Certification (CDFM)” tab and click on “Textbooks.” You can order your textbook

online or print and complete a textbook order form to be emailed or mailed to ASMC with payment.

What are the current textbook prices?

The EDFMTC (Modules 1-3) textbook with binder is $110 for members; $120 for non-members. The

EDFMTC (Modules 1-3) textbook without binder is $100 for members; $110 for non-members. The

Module 4 Addendum (only available without binder) is $75 for members; $85 for non-members.

What is the most recent versions of the textbooks?

The most recent version of the EDFMTC (Modules 1-3) textbook is the 2013 edition, v2013a. The most

recent version of the Module 4 Addendum textbook was published March 2011.


Am I required to purchase the textbooks in order to sit for the CDFM exams?

ASMC does not require purchase of the textbooks to sit for the CDFM exams; however, feedback from

CDFM candidates shows that many find the information in the textbooks to be very helpful in preparing

to take the exams.

CDFM Reimbursement

How can I get reimbursed for CDFM-related purchases?

Information about seeking reimbursement for CDFM-related purchases can be found on the ASMC

website. Visit www.asmconline.org, hold your cursor over "Certification" and in the dropdown menu,

click on "Reimbursement."

How can I get a receipt for CDFM-related purchases?

To request an electronic receipt for CDFM-related purchases, send an email to

[email protected] and provide your ASMC number and the items for which you would like a

receipt.

CDFM Wall Certificates

After I've earned my CDFM, when will I receive my wall certificate?

If you are a CDFM candidate and all the requirements have been met, a wall certificate will be issued

within 8-10 weeks of certification being awarded. If you are a CDFM-A candidate, you will receive a

CDFM designation letter 2-3 weeks after certification is awarded, but ASMC will hold your wall

certificate until after you pass the Module 4 exam.

Does ASMC have any certificate frame recommendations?

A beautiful, professional-looking certificate frame with the ASMC logo, name, and coin can be

purchased from Framing Success. Your certificate slips easily into the back of the frame. For more

information and to view the distinguished styles, visit the ASMC website. Hold your cursor over the

"Certification (CDFM)" tab, hover your cursor over "The CDFM Program," and click on "Custom Frame

Your Certificate."

I've just undergone an official name change. How can I get a certificate with my new name?

You can order a replacement certificate by visiting www.asmconline.org. Under the “Certification” tab,

click on “The CDFM Program.” On the right-hand side of the page, click on “Order a Replacement

Certificate.”

How much does it cost to order a new wall certificate?

A "replacement" wall certificate costs $40.

CDFM Renewal

How can I confirm my certification renewal date?

You can locate your certification renewal date by logging in to the ASMC Member Portal and clicking


on “Update Profile.” You will find it in the “CDFM Expires” field.

What are the requirements to maintain my CDFM active?

You must renew your certification with ASMC every two years by paying the CDFM Renewal Fee ($25

for members; $45 for non-members) and completing 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education

(CPE), with at least 20 CPEs per year and 2 CPEs in an ethics-related topic, in every two-year period

following the issuance of your certification.

How can I renew my CDFM?

You can renew your CDFM by logging in to the ASMC Member Portal and clicking on "Renew

Membership or CDFM". Or you may submit a CDFM Renewal form by going to the ASMC website. On

the left side of the screen, under “Certification,” click on “Renewals.” Print and complete the renewal

form and email or mail to ASMC with payment.

What will happen if I don't pay my certification renewal on time?

If you do not renew your certification by your certification renewal due date, your certification goes into

Suspended status. After 90 days in Suspended status, your certification goes Inactive.

I can tell that I'm not going to have enough time to finish my CPEs by my renewal date. Isthere some way to buy a little more time to complete them?

A 90-day renewal extension is available for those who need additional time, but it must be requested

BEFORE the certification renewal due date. You can request this extension by marking the CDFM

Extension option on a completed CDFM Renwal form and emailing the form to

[email protected]. The CDFM Renewal form can be found by visiting www.asmconline.org.

Click on the “Renewals” quick link on the left side of the screen in the Certification section.

My certification is in Suspended status. How can I reactivate it?

Your suspended certification can be reactivated by paying the missed renewal fee plus a $50 late

renewal fee and sending proof of earning 80 CPEssince the start date of the lapsed certification cycle

to [email protected].

My certification went Inactive. How can I reactivate it?

Your Inactive certification can be reinstated once you retake and pass any one of the Module 1-3 CDFM

exams, pay any missed renewal fees plus a $150 reactivation fee, and submit proof of earning 80 CPEs

since the start date of the lapsed certification cycle. Note that if events beyond your control, such as a

deployment or a medical situation, interfered with the your ability to renew your certification, some

reactivation requirements may be waived. If this is the case, please email [email protected]

and provide documentation of the situation.

CDFM Renewal CPEs

What can I use for CPEs?

Any course or training related to defense financial management or that assists you in your role as a

defense financial manager can be used for CPEs in renewing your CDFM. Any credits earned toward


the DoD FM Certification Program during your CDFM certification cycle qualify for CDFM renewal. For

more details, please see the CPE Policy document on the ASMC website. Visit www.asmconline.org,

hold your cursor over the "Certification (CDFM)" tab, hover your cursor over "CDFM Program," then

click on "Policies."

Do I need to submit CPEs at renewal?

It is not necessary to submit CPEs when renewing; however, 10% of renewals are audited, so we

recommend that you keep an electronic copy of your CPEs on hand. ASMC will contact you and

request your CPE records if you are chosen for audit.

CDFM - ASMC Indy€¦ · 8/27/2015 · CDFM ®Candidate Handbook V15.08.05 3 > The DoD Financial Management Certification Program lists the CDFM ®as a professional certification

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