CGFM Study Guides
The 2024 editions of CGFM Study Guides 1, 2, and 3 are now available!
CGFM candidates who schedule their exam(s) in September or October 2024 will receive FREE access to the corresponding 2024 online study guide(s). For more information on the CGFM examinations update, please visit the 2024 CGFM Examinations Update page.
For a limited time only - CGFM Study Guide Updates Webinars
AGA is offering an informational webinar on the 2024 updates to the CGFM study guides for $30 per person. If time allows, the instructor will also take general questions on all three courses. It's a great opportunity for candidates needing additional support on content outline topics.
The webinar will run from 1pm to 4pm ET and candidates can select from the following dates:
AGA offers CGFM study guides in two convenient formats – print (hard copy) version and online access.
Print Version
CGFM study guides are available in the AGA CGFM Bookstore, maintained and fulfilled by Mimeo. The study guides include a binder. Please note: these products may not be returned.
Online Access
CGFM study guides are available in the VitalSource bookstore as a six-month subscription. The guides can be viewed on- and off-line, and through their Bookshelf app. To buy or access the online guides, click on the corresponding link below:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about the 2024 edition of the study guides?
While not extensive, a few updates were made to CGFM Study Guide 1, in response to some revisions to CGFM exam content outlines. The study guide changes include information on additional laws/regulations (Evidence Act, Freedom of Information Act, Inspector General Act, FISMA, Uniform Guidance updates, Executive Order 14110) and revisions/additions to topics of monetary/fiscal policy, cooperative agreements and loans, subrecipient expectations, accountability, media/tools for communication and AI).
There were very few changes to CGFM exam content outline for exam 2, so most of the CGFM Study Guide 2 revisions encompass laws/regulations updates (applicable newly effective SFFAS, GASB Statements and Concepts Statement; OMB Circular A-136 updates), information on additional laws (Evidence Act, Fiscal Responsibility Act, Payment Integrity Information Act), language adjustments/clarifications and reference updates to the latest reports (ACFR and AFRs) included in the appendices.
A number of updates were made to CGFM Study Guide 3, in response to revisions to CGFM exam content outlines. The main ones are:
- Financial management systems chapter was reorganized, expanded and updated.
- New chapter on project management was added.
- Some portions of the internal controls section were reorganized, with some language clarified/revised, and new content added on System and Organization Controls.
- Auditing section was refreshed, with clarified/revised language and some regulations updates related to the Uniform Guidance.
Do you sell just the updated pages of the printed study guides?
Since the updates often revise and move a large number of pages throughout the study guides, AGA does not offer specific updated pages.
If I plan to use the study guide to prepare for the CGFM examination, when should I buy the study guide?
AGA recommends that CGFM candidates obtain the most current edition of the study guide within 6 months of their planned examination date.
Are CGFM study guides required for CGFM examinations?
No. Neither CGFM study guides, nor CGFM courses are required to sit for the CGFM examinations. CGFM study guides and courses are separate from CGFM examinations and are based on the publicly-available examination content outlines.
Do the study guides cover all of the CGFM examination questions?
No. To ensure the CGFM examinations are fair and follow international certification standards, AGA separates the education (study guides and courses) from the certification (examinations) functions. The authors of the three study guides have no access to, or information about, the CGFM examination questions, except for what is specified in the publicly-available examination content outlines. The AGA study guides are not intended to offer answers to individual examination questions, but, instead, provide a general review of the topics covered in the examination content outlines.
Are CGFM study guides sufficient to study for the CGFM examinations?
While many CGFM candidates find the study guides to be sufficient preparation for the CGFM examinations, some may need to go beyond the study guides and review additional materials. Conveniently, reference materials are listed at the end of each study guide. In addition, the AGA website provides a list of study references — these publications were used as references by the writers of the CGFM examination questions. Whatever preparation method is used, AGA recommends that CGFM candidates start by reviewing the examinations' content outlines, as well as the list of acronyms and sample examination questions. The reinforcement quizzes and end-of-course review found in the study guides are not designed to serve as sample CGFM examination questions, but as a self-assessment tool to help in the preparation. AGA also offers practice exams.