AGA TOPICS Newsletter

Earning the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Designation: A Step-by-Step Guide

When people who are interested in the CGFM designation call the AGA National Office, some of the most common questions center around the process of obtaining the CGFM designation: Where do I start? What happens next? How do I purchase the exams? So here is a step-by-step guide on how you can earn the CGFM designation:

Step 1 - Applying for the CGFM Program. Submit an application form for the CGFM Program via internet, fax or mail, including the application fee of $85. Fax or mail a copy of your transcript from an accredited college or university. The transcript must show that a degree (bachelor's or higher) was awarded and must list at least 24 credit hours of courses in financial management topics. Your name and the name of the college or university must appear on all transcripts.

Step 2 - Eligibility Letter. Once your application, payment and degree information are received and processed by the CGFM office staff, AGA will mail you an Eligibility Letter with instructions on how to purchase your CGFM Examinations. Your eligibility for taking the CGFM Examinations will expire in three years from the date your CGFM application was processed.

Step 3 - 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 filed before the designation can be granted.

Step 4 - Studying for Examinations. You have several options: classroom courses, study guides and a reading resources list. You may also want to contact a local AGA chapter to find out if there are any study groups or other support available to help you prepare for the examinations.

Step 5 - Exam Purchase. Following the instructions on your Eligibility Letter, purchase CGFM Examination(s) on the AGA website and print the Exam Authorization Letter. Examination fees are $109 for each of the three examinations.

Step 6 - Taking the Exam. Follow the instructions on the Exam Authorization Letter to schedule a testing appointment at a Prometric Center near you. Show up at the testing center on your appointment date (be sure to read and follow the testing procedures described on the Exam Authorization Letter).

Step 7 - Score Reporting. After you complete an examination at a Prometric Testing Center, you will immediately receive an unofficial pass/fail score on the computer. AGA will mail you an official letter, confirming the pass/fail score. Numerical scores are not provided. If you did not pass your exam, there is a 30-day waiting period before you can repurchase and retake that examination. If you fail the same exam more than once, the waiting period is 90 days.

Step 8 - Award Letter. Once you pass all three CGFM examinations, and your Work Verification Form has been submitted to the CGFM office, AGA will send you an award letter announcing your new CGFM designation.

Step 9 - CGFM Certificate. Wait for your CGFM certificate to arrive in the mail (usually within 6-10 weeks of receiving the award letter).

Click here for more information on the CGFM Program or contact the CGFM Office at 800.AGA.7211, ext. 306 or 305.