CGFM Courses for Individuals
CGFM Courses for Groups
CGFM Study Guides – Print Version
CGFM Study Guides – Online
CGFM Intensive Review Course
Candidates often ask “What is the best way to study?” There is no one-size-fits-all solution. We recommend the following approach:
- Review the examination's content outlines that list the main and subtopics covered in each examination. This should be the focal point of your preparation. It is the core document used as the basis for each examination and a guideline for writing examination questions. Remember to look at the list of acronyms used on the examinations.
- Customize your preparation process. The examinations are rigorous. Don’t underestimate the need to study and be prepared. There are a number of options available, including instructor-led courses and self-study guides. Review each option to determine what works best for your level of knowledge, learning style, budget and time constraints.
Preparation Options
Instructor-led training courses:
Self-study:
- If you are looking for a cost-effective way to study at your own pace, AGA offers three CGFM study guides that provide comprehensive overviews of the topics covered in each CGFM Examination. The study guides are also used as course materials in the GFM courses. Note: If you have already purchased any of the study guides with CPEs, you can access the CPE examinations. More information on study guide updates
- While the AGA study guides provide an excellent foundation in preparation for the exams, candidates may need to go beyond the study guides and review additional materials. In addition to the reference materials listed at the end of each study guide, see the list of study references—these publications were used as references by examination question writers.
Other options:
Additional Tips for CGFM Candidates:
Review the CGFM Examinations sample questions. These questions are designed to provide you with a sampling of the format and types of questions you can expect on the examinations. The study guide quizzes and end-of-course review questions, found in the CGFM study guides, are not designed to serve as sample CGFM Examination questions, but as a self-assessment tool to help in your study preparation.
Use the score report as your guide. If you don’t pass a CGFM Examination, you’ll receive a report that shows your performance by content area (content areas are found on the examinations content outlines). Use that information to help you focus your study preparation.
Request list of mentors from AGA. Recent CGFMs have signed up to be mentors for CGFM candidates to offer preparation strategies and share their experience of studying for the examinations. Contact the Office of Professional Certification at agacgfm@agacgfm.org for more information.
Ready to schedule your exams? Go to Exam Scheduling and Procedures.
- Tips from CGFMs