AGA TOPICS Newsletter

Who Is Applying for the CGFM?

AGA’s Department of Professional Certification thought it would be a good idea to find out about who is participating in the CGFM Program and earning the CGFM designation. The department recently reviewed demographic data for the 2002-2003 fiscal year and discovered some interesting information. The following data was reviewed: sex, enrollment date, CGFM completion date, birth date (when available) and response data for the question: How did you learn about the CGFM?

The following information emerged:

• Fifty-eight percent of the new CGFMs were men; 42 percent were women;
   

• The age range of the CGFMs, based on birth dates provided (23 percent did not provide a birth date), were heavily weighted to the 31-40 year (36 percent) and 41-50 year (20 percent) age spans. There was a fair showing of individuals in the 51-60 year age category (11 percent), with 9 percent in the 21-30 year age category. 

Think you are too old? Think again. You have many colleagues who are planning for their future and in the age range of 51-60. You know the old saws—“Life begins at 40” and “You’ re never too old!” Don’t even think about your age when considering your opportunity to earn your CGFM designation. You may have the opportunity to leave your current position and “retire” into a second career.

How long did it take applicants to earn the CGFM? From the time they submitted their application to the time they completed their certification, the figures were almost equally divided between the 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 month and more than one-year time periods.

Applicants have three years to earn the CGFM from the time they submit their application. The CGFM Exam 2 Study Guide has been published, the guide for Exam 3 is nearly complete, and AGA offers an online Exam 1 course of study. Exams can be taken at almost any time and any place. Don’t hesitate!

The response to the question: “How did you learn about the CGFM Program?” confirmed what many of you already know—word of mouth from colleagues, employers and AGA members represents 45 percent of the responses to the question. It is very important to the growth of the CGFM Program to enlist the support of AGA members and CGFMs to promote the program to their colleagues and employees.

The CGFM applicant pool is very similar to the newly certified CGFM pool.

With the job market today requiring a highly knowledgeable, skilled and experienced work force, you can only benefit from earning your CGFM credential. It indicates to employers you are serious about your career and are on the cutting edge of your profession.