cdfm The Certified Defense Financial Manager

Transcription

1 cdfm The Certified Defense Financial Manager

2 ASMC Pledge of Professionalism As a CDFM, I will: Be guided in all activities by loyalty to the highest principles always remembering that public office is a public trust. Refrain from activities which are in conflict with the public interest or are discreditable to the Society, and avoid activities which create the appearance of such conflict. Exercise diligence, objectivity and integrity in professional activities, ever aware of the responsibility to avoid improprieties. Refrain from the transmission or usage, for personal gain or advantage, of information obtained in the professional environment. Carefully earn and continuously protect my reputation for good moral character in comptrollership. Recognize that professional example will influence associates and efficiency. Continuously strive to increase my professional knowledge and skills to improve service and value to associates and the Society. Extend the same consideration to the rights and interests of others that I seek for myself. Respect the professionalism of fellow-members and work with them to promote the goals and programs of the Society.

3 The Certified Defense Financial Manager, CDFM In the US a significant portion of the federal budget is devoted to the defense sector. As a result, the field of defense financial management is both demanding and complex covering a multitude of interrelated disciplines and intertwined with a highly developed body of codified fiscal law. The American Society of Military Comptrollers offers the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) Program to those persons desiring to demonstrate proficiency in the core aspects of defense financial management. The Certified Defense Financial Manager Program is open to all candidates who have the qualifications shown below. ASMC anticipates that most candidates will be civilian or military members of the Department of Defense, US Coast Guard, or employees of defense contractors and suppliers. The candidate must: Adhere to the ASMC Pledge of Professionalism. Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Successfully complete the required examinations Have completed the required years of financial management experience as follows. Complete three years of defense-related financial management experience (without degree), OR Complete two years of defense-related financial management experience if the candidate holds an associate degree or higher, OR If no defense related financial management experience, then complete four years of federal government-related financial management experience (with an associate degree or higher). Candidates may take examinations before completing the required experience; however, certification will not be awarded until all requirements have been satisfied. ASMC members receive a substantial discount on the enrollment. A membership form is provided in this brochure for your possible use. Examination Format The CDFM examination series contains four separate modules. Each examination module is multiple-choice and the primary delivery method is by computer. Examinations are administered at selected commercial testing organizations throughout the United States. Each examination module contains a minimum of 80 questions and candidates are allotted two hours to complete each module. To achieve CDFM certification, a candidate must successfully complete modules 1-3. The fourth module, Acquisition, is optional. Completion of all four modules will result in the award of the CDFM A (Certified Defense Financial Manager with Acquisition Specialty). Modules may be taken one at a time or all in one sitting and may be completed in any order. In order to best prepare for the examination, the ASMC recommends that only one module be taken at a sitting.

4 Competencies Covered (with approximate representation) MODULE 1: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT Government Resource Management Environment (15%) Defense Resource Management Environment (35%) Manpower Management (10%) Personnel Management (15%) Management and Internal Controls (10%) Fiscal Law (15%) MODULE 2: BUDGET AND COST ANALYSIS Planning, Programming, Budgeting & Execution (60%) Cost and Economic Analysis (20%) Business Management Process Improvement (10%) Fiscal Law (10%) MODULE 3: ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE Fiscal Law (15%) Finance (35%) Accounting (35%) Auditing (15%) MODULE 4: ACQUISITION (optional) Goals, Strategy and the three Major DoD Decision Support Systems (11%) Systems Engineering (15%) Resource Management (10%) Life Cycle Logistics (8%) Human Systems Integration (5%) Acquiring Information Technology (7%) Technology Protection (5%) Test and Evaluation (9%) Decisions, Assessments and Reports (11%) Special Management Activities (Emphasis on Earned Value Management) (19%) Methods of Preparation Modules 1, 2 and 3 of the Certified Defense Financial Manager examination cover a broad spectrum of financial management in twelve core competencies. ASMC anticipates that most members of the workforce will need to prepare in order to pass all the modules. Methods of preparation are outlined below: Attendance at ASMC s Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course The Department of Defense makes available a one-week Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training course presented by ASMC licensed instructors. The primary purpose of this course is to broaden your overall understanding of the financial management system and prepare you for the CDFM examinations. Open enrollment sessions are also available from ASMC licensed providers. Please check the web site for availability.

5 Attendance at ASMC s Module 4 Acquisition Training Course ASMC provides a one and one half day training course emphasizing the Defense department s approach to acquisition of major systems. The course teaches an overview of the defense acquisition system, review and approval procedures, milestones and program management terms in preparation for taking the module 4 examination. Please check the ASMC web site for availability. Attendance at DoD s Resource Management Universities and Schools Selected elements of the curriculum at these educational institutions, such as the Defense Financial Management and Comptroller School at Maxwell AFB, the Syracuse University Army Comptrollership Program, the Defense Resource Management Institute and the Naval Postgraduate School, will contribute to preparation for the examination. Group Study at Local ASMC Chapters Chapter group study may include sharing of administrative information and/or presentation by local CDFMs serving as instructors for the chapter members. Contact your local chapter president or program committee chair for details. Self-Study The textbook used in the one-week Enhanced Defense Financial Manager training course is available for individual purchase through the ASMC. Information on textbook sales is available online at the web site cited below. Procedures for Enrollment The first step is determining your eligibility to sit for the CDFM examination. Candidates should review the prerequisites listed in this brochure and, if eligible, complete an application form. Upon the acceptance of the candidate s enrollment a candidate ID will be assigned and a welcome letter will be sent to the candidate s with specific instructions on exam purchase. Your enrollment begins a certification eligibility file which remains open for two years. If all required modules are completed within the two-year period this enrollment fee will not be charged again. In the event that a candidate takes more than two years to successfully complete the examinations, an extension of enrollment fee must be paid to remain eligible for examinations. All test modules completed in the initial enrollment period will remain valid toward the certification if there is no significant lapse in enrollment. However, each exam has a life of 48 months. If the 3-exam series is not completed in that time (measured from the date of the first exam success) then any exam(s) older than 48 months must be taken again. Candidates go to the ASMC web site to purchase an examination to be taken at a commercial testing center. Your welcome letter will contain detailed instructions. When purchasing an examination candidates should be prepared to pay for the exam using a major credit or debit card. Please note that if for some reason you cannot make your commercial testing center appointment and need to cancel, you must follow that organization s policy on cancellations. Many government agencies are authorized to reimburse employees for the cost of certification programs. Check with your employer to determine if this reimbursement is available to you. Also, the Veterans Administration has a reimbursement program for military members who qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill. See the ASMC web site for more information on published reimbursement policies.

6 Testing Center Procedures Computer-based testing is conducted at authorized commercial testing facilities located nationwide. Candidates must have proper identification (two forms of identification with signature are required). Acceptable signature identification may include government or company identification cards and credit cards. One must include a recent photograph, such as a passport, driver s license, or military/state identification cards. Americans with Disabilities Act Procedures The testing centers located in the U.S. are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide special accommodations. All testing centers are wheelchair accessible, have adjustable height desks, can accommodate requests for readers, and can be adapted to accept special peripheral equipment. Candidates must identify their special accommodation when submitting the CDFM application. The ASMC and the candidate will work together to schedule an appointment to test (five weeks notice is required to schedule the test). The electronic test designs allow time extensions for examination delivery for various approved conditions. Testing centers are generally open six days per week. Notification of Test Results and Issuance of Certificate A message will be displayed on the screen immediately upon completion of your examination telling you if you were successful. Once you successfully complete all your exams and meet all eligibility requirements, ASMC will issue you an award letter and a CDFM pin. The award letter is the official documentation of the CDFM designation. A personalized CDFM certificate will follow within ten to 14 weeks of completion of your last exam unless you notify ASMC that you intend to also take the fourth module. In that case the certificate will be held pending completion of all four modules. Retaking an Examination If a you are not successful on a module examination there is no limit on the number of times you may retake that examination. However, there will be a required waiting period before each such re-examination. The fee to retake a module exam is the same as the initial fee (see the certification web site for the current fee structure and examination waiting periods). If all three modules are not completed within the initial two-year enrollment period the account will be closed and the candidate must re-enroll and pay the nonrefundable extension of enrollment fee. The discount for ASMC members does not apply to extension of enrollment. However, all successfully completed test modules will remain valid toward the certification through the second enrollment period as long as enrollment is maintained without significant lapse.

7 Rescheduling an Examination If a module exam must be rescheduled for any reason, arrangements must be coordinated through the authorized commercial testing organization. Generally, the deadline to reschedule an examination is two to three business days before the original scheduled examination date. A candidate who cancels after the center s deadline, fails to show up for the scheduled appointment, or who arrives more than 15 minutes late for a scheduled appointment is considered a no show. No shows forfeit the $95 per module examination fee. Candidates who call within the appropriate time limit may either reschedule or cancel the exam. There is no limit to the number of times an examination may be rescheduled. If you must cancel, you will follow the refund procedures included in your exam authorization letter. Maintaining Professional Certification You must renew your certification with ASMC every two years. To maintain certification as a Certified Defense Financial Manager, each holder of the certification must complete 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in every two-year period following the issuance of the certification (measured from the date of your certificate). Individuals are responsible for documenting their own CPE. Continuing profession education units should be recorded in a log that is readily accessible to the certification holder. A CPE log includes the name of the event, time, date and location. This log, with supporting documentation, shall be provided on request to the ASMC headquarters. One unit of CPE is awarded for each 50 minutes of contact time engaged in authorized activities. CPE guidance is available at (As part of the renewal process you may be asked to provide evidence of your CPE.) The renewal fee is $ However, fees are subject to change. Please check the certification web site for the current fee structure. Methods of Obtaining CPE Include: Attendance at relevant formal training courses Attendance at relevant college courses Attendance at lectures on relevant subjects Attendance at professional conferences Teaching and course preparation for relevant subject matters Preparation and delivery of briefing and work-related documents outside the scope of routine business Preparation and publishing of articles in professional journals, such as the Armed Forces Comptroller ASMC s PDI Online (formerly the virtual library) For more information visit

8 ASMC individual membership application Membership Status q New-Active q New-Associate q Renewal No. q I have previously been a member of ASMC Membership Information (Please type or print clearly, exactly as you wish information to appear on membership certificate) Name (First, MI, Last), Suffix Nickname Mailing Address City State Zip Phone (W) (F) Designations DSN Chapter Birth Date / / Gender q M q F Professional Information Employer (Circle One) AR NV AF MC CG OSD DFAS Other Rank/Grade Job Series Education Level Career Field: Accounting and Finance Budgeting Information Management Manpower Management Acquisition Comptroller Management Analysis Resource Management Administrative Support Cost Analysis Program Analysis Other Auditing Financial Management Duty Station Payment Information Membership Dues q One Year - $26 or q Three Years - $75 Method of Payment q Check or Money Order enclosed (payable in US dollars to ASMC) q Charge to Credit Card q Visa q MasterCard q American Express Card Number Exp. Date Cardholder Signature Date I hereby apply for membership in ASMC and enclose payment for membership dues (the $5 annual subscription to the Armed Forces Comptroller is included in the one-year and three-year fees). Membership is nontransferable and nonrefundable. Applicant Signature I was recruited by Recruiter Mbr. No. Mail to: ASMC National Headquarters 415 N. Alfred St. Alexandria, VA Fax Questions? Call or or at asmchq@asmconline.org These Boxes for National Headquarters Use Only Chapter Code Amount Paid Check Number

9 CDFM program enrollment form American Society of Military Comptrollers Certified Defense Financial Manager Program 415 North Alfred Street, Suite 3 Alexandria, VA (800) (703) Fax (703) ASMC Member? q Yes q No Member Number Chapter This is a: q New Enrollment q ASMC membership included with this enrollment q Extension of Eligibility Identifying Information q Mr. q Ms. Last Name First Full Middle Street Address City State/Province Zip Code/Country Day Phone Evening Commercial Fax Address Last 4 digits of SSN Date of Birth (Mo/Day/Yr) Name as you wish it to appear on your certificate Professional Information 1. Service Affiliation? q Army q Navy q Air Force q Marine Corps q Coast Guard q DFAS q Other DoD q Corporate q None If None, Other, or Corporate, please explain: 2. Employment Status? q DoD Civilian q Military q Other Non-DoD q Retired If Other, please explain: 3. Pay Grade/Band or Equivalent: 4. Civilian Job Series, Military Occupational Specialty, or Corporate Title: 5. Years of Experience in Defense-Related Financial Management: 6. Highest Civilian Education Level: q Below High School q High School Diploma q GED q Some College No Degree q Associate s Degree q Bachelor s Degree q Master s Degree q Doctorate

10 Financial Information The enrollment fee of $70.00, or $35.00 for ASMC members, allows an individual to be active in the CDFM database for two (2) years from the date of receipt. The application fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Applications from ASMC members that do not include the Member Number and Chapter Affiliation will be returned without action. If a candidate must extend his or her enrollment beyond two years to complete the examinations, an extension of enrollment fee of $70.00 (for all) will be required. Fees are subject to change. Please check the certification web site for the current fee structure. If paying by credit card please provide the following: q American Express q Visa q Master Card Card Number Expiration date (mm/yyyy) Billing address postal ZIP Code I certify that I have read, understand and agree to abide by the pledge of professionalism code of the American Society of Military Comptrollers. Signature Date Please make your enrollment check payable to American Society of Military Comptrollers. Send to the address on the front of this application. Do not send cash. NOTES 1) If you have already met the financial management experience requirement, please submit the Verification of Financial Management Experience Form with your supervisor s signature along with this application. 2) The ASMC database requires the last four digits of your social security number for records to be input. ASMC will conform to all provisions of the Privacy Act. 3) If you have an Americans With Disabilities Act requirement, please include a note to us that details your special needs (five-week notice is necessary to set up an appointment in this category).

11 verification of financial management experience American Society of Military Comptrollers Certified Defense Financial Manager Program 415 North Alfred Street, Suite 3 Alexandria, VA (800) (703) Fax (703) The American Society of Military Comptrollers requests verification of financial management experience and duties that I perform(ed). I would appreciate your completion of the supervisor s section of this form and returning it to me promptly. Candidate s Signature Date Candidate s Name Candidate s Address Supervisor s Section Supervisor s Name Title Telephone Number Address Position Held by Candidate Dates of Employment (mo/yr) Brief Description of Duties Position Held by Candidate Dates of Employment (mo/yr) Brief Description of Duties If more positions are needed to document the 4-, 3- or 2-year experience required, photocopy this page and use additional experience blocks as needed. DO NOT ATTACH ADDITIONAL SUPPORTING MATERIAL. To determine the length of experience you need, visit the certification web site. Supervisor s Signature Date

12 American Society of Military Comptrollers 415 N. Alfred Street Alexandria, VA Revised 2008