Overview of the CGFM Process
Step 1
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Applying for the CGFM Program:
Submit a CGFM Program application form with the $85
application fee and required degree documentation.
See: Where do I start? for more information... |
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Step 2
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Eligibility Letter: Once your application,
payment and degree documentation are received and processed by the Office of
Professional Certification, AGA will mail you an eligibility letter with
instructions on how to purchase your CGFM examinations. The letter is usually
sent out within 2-3 weeks of receipt of your CGFM application and proof
of bachelor's degree.
Your eligibility for taking the CGFM examinations will expire in three years
from the date of processing your CGFM application. |
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Step 3
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Work Verification: Submit a Work Verification
Form as soon as you have at least two years of professional-level experience in
the government financial management field (you do not have to submit this form
before taking the examinations, but it must be
submitted before the designation can
be granted).
See: Professional
Experience Requirement for more
information... |
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Step 4
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Studying for Examinations: Prepare for the
examinations by attending a classroom course,
purchasing a study guide or studying on your own.
See: What Do Exams Cover? and
How Do I Prepare? for more information... |
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Step 5
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Exam Purchase: Following the instructions on
your eligibility letter, purchase CGFM examination(s) on the AGA website. Upon
payment, print the Test Authorization Letter.
Examination fees: $109 for each of the three examinations.
See: How Do I Purchase Exams? for more
information... |
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Step 6
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Taking the Exam: Follow the instructions on the
Test Authorization Letter to make a testing appointment at a Prometric Center
near you.
See: Exam Procedures for more
information... |
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Step 7
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Score Reporting: After you complete
a CGFM examination at a testing center, you will
immediately receive a pass/fail score on your computer.
AGA does not provide numerical scores for CGFM
Examinations.
If you did not pass your exam, there is a 30-day waiting
period before you can repurchase and retake the examination; if you failed this
exam more than once, the waiting period is 90 days.
See Exam procedures
for more information. |
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Step 8
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Award
Letter:
Once you pass all three CGFM examinations, and your Work
Verification Form has been submitted and accepted by the Office of
Professional Certification, AGA will send you an official award letter
announcing your new CGFM designation. The letter is usually sent
out within 2-3 weeks.
Note: the
candidates may not use the “CGFM” after their name until
after they receive an official award letter from AGA. |
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Step 9
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CGFM Certificate: Within 6-10 weeks of receiving the
award letter, you can expect to receive your CGFM certificate in the mail.
If you have
any questions about the process or if you have not heard from us
within the estimated time frame, please contact the Office of Professional Certification of AGA at
1.800.AGA.7211, ext. 306 or via email at
agacgfm@agacgfm.org.
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