Step 1
Review CGFM Requirements and Read AGA’s Code of Ethics
To earn the CGFM credential, one must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Read and agree to abide by AGA’s Code of Ethics
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject area from an accredited U.S. college or university
- Pass three CGFM examinations
- Have at least two years of professional-level experience in U.S. government financial management
Step 2
Apply to the CGFM Program
Submit your CGFM program application form and fee online. The non-refundable CGFM application fee is $90 for AGA members ($36 for student members) or $120 for nonmembers. AGA membership is not required for the CGFM certification.
If you’re an AGA member, you’ll only pay $15 to apply in October! Not a member? Join today and save over $100 off the CGFM application fee. See our special 75th Anniversary Promotion for more details.
Step 3
Submit Required Degree Documentation
Upload a copy of your official transcript in My Path to CGFM. This documentation must be received within six months of submitting the application form and before any CGFM examinations may be taken. See CGFM Education Requirement for more information.
Step 4
Receive Your Eligibility Letter
Once your application, payment and transcript are received and approved by the Office of Professional Certification, AGA will email you an eligibility letter with instructions on how to schedule your CGFM examinations. The letter is usually sent out within two weeks of AGA receiving your CGFM application and transcript. A copy of the letter is available through My Path to CGFM.
Eligibility Period and Extensions
Your eligibility to take the CGFM examinations will expire 18 months from the date of your CGFM application approval. If your eligibility period ends before you pass all three examinations, you will need to reapply as a new candidate and pass all of the examinations during your new eligibility period. Extensions of eligibility may be granted if you have passed at least one of the CGFM examinations before the end of your eligibility period. Extensions are only granted to individuals who have passed at least one of the CGFM examinations.
To request an extension, please contact us at agacgfm@agacgfm.org within 30 days of your eligibility expiration date.
Step 5
Prepare for Your CGFM Examination
To determine the best way to prepare for your exams, start by reviewing the CGFM examinations content outlines. AGA offers instructor-led courses, study guides and practice examinations. Publicly available resources from reputable sources might also be helpful in your preparation.
Step 6
Schedule Your CGFM Examinations
Begin by reviewing the CGFM examinations policies. Next, follow the instructions on your eligibility letter to register with Pearson VUE, pay for your CGFM examination(s) and schedule your testing appointment(s). Exams can be administered at a Pearson VUE testing center or in your home or office as an online, proctored exam. Each CGFM examination is $150.
Step 7
Take Your CGFM Examinations
You can take your examinations at a Pearson VUE Professional Testing Centers or from your location through OnVUE online proctoring. After you complete a CGFM examination, you will immediately receive a pass/fail score. If you did not pass your exam, you must adhere to a 30-day waiting period before you can retake it. If you fail a particular exam more than once, your waiting period is 60 days per retake. You can find your exam results and eligibility dates in My Path to CGFM.
Step 8
Submit a Work Verification Form
Fill out a Work Verification Form after you have at least two years of professional-level experience in the U.S. government financial management field. Upload the signed form in My Path to CGFM. You do not have to submit this form before taking the examinations, but it must be received and approved by AGA before your designation can be granted.
See CGFM Experience Requirement for more information.
Step 9
Receive Your CGFM Award Letter
Your CGFM award letter will usually be emailed 3-4 weeks after you complete your last CGFM requirement. Prior to approval, your candidate file will be subject to final review by AGA’s Director of Professional Certification.
Note: Your CGFM designation may not be used until you’ve received an official AGA award letter.
Step 10
Receive Your CGFM Certificate and Maintain Your Certification
Your official CGFM certificate will usually be mailed 6–10 weeks after your AGA award letter. Remember to maintain your CGFM in active status.
Here to answer your questions
If you have any questions about the process, or if you have not heard from us within the estimated time frames, please contact the Office of Professional Certification at agacgfm@agacgfm.org or 800.AGA.7211.