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CGFM News

Earning a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation - a step-by-step guide.

Interested in the CGFM designation? Want to know where to start or what happens next?

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 f= or the CGFM Program via internet, fax or mail, including the application fee of $85. Fax or mail a copy of yo= ur transcript from an accredited college or university. The transcript must sh= ow that a degree (bachelor's or higher) was awarded and must list at least 24 credit hours of courses in financial management or related topics. Your name and the name of the college or university must appear on all transcripts. <= o:p>

Step 2 - Eligibility Letter. Once your application, payment and degree documentation = are received and processed, the Office of Professional Certification will mail = you an Eligibility Letter with instructions on how to purchase your CGFM Examinations. Your eligibility for taking the CGFM Examinations expires in three years from the date your CGFM application was processed.

Step 3 - Work Verification. Submit a Verification of Government Financial Management Work Experience 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 the experience requirement must be met before the designation can be granted. <= o:p>

Step 4 - Studying for Examinations. You have several opti= ons, including 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 - Examination Purchase. Following the instructions on your Eligibility Letter, purchase CGFM Examination(s) through the AGA website and print the Test Authorization Letter. Examination fees are $109 for each of the three exami= nations.

Step 6 - Taking the Examinations. Follow the instructions on the Test Authorization Letter= to schedule a testing appointment at a Prometric Test Center near you. Sh= ow up at the testing center on your appointment date (be sure to read and follow = the testing procedures described on the Test Authorization Letter).<= /span>

Step 7 - Score Reporting and Retakes. After you complete = an examination at a Prometric Test Center, you will immediately receive a pass/fail score on the computer. 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 Verification of Government Financial Management Work Experience form has be= en submitted and accepted, the Office of Professional Certification will send = you an award letter announcing your new CGFM designation. You can start using t= he "CGFM" after your name only after you receive the official award letter from AGA.

Step 9 - CGFM Certificate. A CGFM certificate will be mailed within a few weeks of issuing the award letter.

An excellent source of additional information on the CGFM= Program is the AGA website (www.agacgfm.org, select "CGFM Certification" on the navigation= al bar). If you have any questio= ns, please feel free to contact the Office of Professional Certification at 1.800.AGA.7211, ext. 306 or 305.