The Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation is the recognized professional credential for accountants working in the governmental sector. If you are interested in pursuing CGFM, here is a step-by-step guide on how you too can earn the CGFM designation.  This information can also be found on AGA National’s website http://www.agacgfm.org under CGFM Certification > Where Do I Start?.

 Step 1 - Read the AGA’s Code of Ethics.

 Step 2 - Apply for the CGFM Program.   Submit an application form for the CGFM Program via internet, fax or mail, including the nonrefundable application fee of $85.  Fax or mail a copy of your transcripts (can be unofficial) from an accredited college or university.

 Step 3 - 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.   You’ll have three years from the date your application was processed to pass the three CGFM Examinations.

 Step 4 - 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. For more info, see the Professional Experience Requirement page at AGA National.

 Step 5 - Studying for Examinations. You have several options, including classroom courses, study guides and a reading resources list.

 Step 6 - Examination Purchase. Following the instructions on your Eligibility Letter, schedule and purchase the CGFM Examination(s) through the Pearson VUE website for AGA.  Print the Test Order Receipt which should include the Admission Policy and Testing Procedures. Examination fees are $109 for each of the three examinations.

 Step 7 - Score Reporting and Retakes. After you complete an examination at a Pearson VUE Test Center, you will immediately receive a pass/fail score on the computer. If you did not pass, 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 been submitted and accepted, the Office of Professional Certification will send you an award letter announcing your new CGFM designation. You can start using the "CGFM" after your name only after you receive the official award letter from AGA.  The letter should arrive in approximately 2-3 weeks.

 Step 9 - CGFM Certificate. A CGFM certificate will be mailed within 6-10 weeks of receiving the award letter.