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May 2006—All Rights Reserved
The Standard of Excellencein DoD Financial Management
CDFMCertified Defense Financial Manager
®
The Certified Defense Financial Manager, CDFM
The United States of America devotes a significant portion of its federal budget to the defense sector. Defense financial management is a broad and complex field of financial management covering a multitude of interrelated disciplines. 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.
Table of ContentsEligibility Criteria & Examination Format .....2
Competencies Covered ...............................2
Knowledge Elements of Each Core Competency ...........................3
Optional Module 4 .....................................5
Methods of Preparation .............................6
Procedures for Enrollment ..........................7
Summary of Fees ........................................7
Testing Center Procedures ..........................8
Notification of Test Results and Issuance of Certificate ..........................8
Re-Examination Policy ................................9
Rescheduling and Refund Policy .................9
Maintaining Professional Certification ................................................10
Benefits of ASMC Membership ....................10
ASMC Membership Form ............................11
CDFM Enrollment Form ................................12
Verification of Financial Management Experience ............................. 14
1
As a member of ASMC, 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 cre-ate 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 profes-sional knowledge and skills to improve ser-vice 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-mem-bers and work with them to promote the goals and programs of the Society.
ASMC Pledge
of Professionalism
2
Eligibility Criteria
The Certified Defense Financial Manager is
open to all candidates who have the qualific-
ations 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 con-
tractors and suppliers.
The candidate must:
Adhere to the ASMC Pledge of Professionalism.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Have completed the required years of financial
management experience as follows.
The candidate may take examinations before
completing the required experience; however,
certification will not be awarded until all re-
quirements have been satisfied.
• 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 manage-
ment experience, then complete four years
of federal government-related financial
management experience (with an associate
degree or higher).
Examination FormatThe CDFM examination is administered in three separate modules as shown below. Each examina-tion is multiple choice and the primary delivery method is via computer. It is administered at select-ed commercial testing organizations throughout the United States. Each module contains a minimum of 80 questions, and candidates are allotted two hours to complete each module.
To achieve certification, a candidate must successfully complete all three modules. Modules may be taken one at a time or all in one sitting and may be com-pleted in any order. In order to be fully prepared for the examination, the ASMC recommends that only one module be taken at a sitting.
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 ANALYSISPlanning, Programming, Budgeting & Execution (60%)Cost and Economic Analysis (20%)Business Management Process Improvement (10%)Fiscal Law (10%)
MODULE 3: ACCOUNTING AND FINANCEFiscal Law (15%)Finance (35%)Accounting (35%)Auditing (15%)
3
The Government Resource Management Environment (module 1)• Functions of the three branches of the
federal government
• Checks and balances between government
branches
• Preparation and structure of the federal
budget
• Sources and applications of federal funds
• Relationship of the defense budget to the
gross domestic product
• Relationship of the defense budget to the
federal budget
The Defense Resource Management Environment (module 1)• Organization of the Department of Defense
• Roles and responsibilities of DoD leadership
• The Planning, Programming, Budgeting and
Execution process
• Ethical standards of the Department of
Defense
• Financial Management terminology
Manpower Management (module 1)• Determination of peacetime requirements
• Determination of mobilization requirements
• Manpower management terminology
• Relevant legal authorities
• Relevant Circulars and Regulations
Knowledge Elements of Each Core CompetencyEach Core Competency requires the candidate to demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge
elements shown below:
Personnel Management(module 1)• Evaluation tools and criteria
• Conflict resolution
• Relevant legal authorities
• Relevant Circulars and Regulations
Management andInternal Controls (module 1)• Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act
• Internal Control Standards
• Relevant laws
• Relevant Circulars and Regulations
Fiscal Law(applicable to all modules)• Constitutional authorities
• Congressional budget resolutions
• Congressional authorization and
appropriation
• Federal agency authorities
• Availability of appropriations
• Availability of revolving funds
• Reprogramming
• Continuing Resolutions
• Anti-Deficiency Act
4
Finance (module 3)• Safeguarding of assets
• Pay and entitlements
• Travel entitlements
• Contract pay
• Debt management
• Certifying policies and functions
• Disbursing policies and functions
• Currency control
Accounting (module 3) • Basis of accounting for federal funds
• Federal accounting standards
• Defense accounting standards
• Differentiation between proprietary,
financial, managerial and cost accounting
• US Standard General Ledger
• Types and components of financial
statements
• Roles of key accounting agencies
Auditing (module 3)• Purpose and authority for audit
• Comptroller General Auditing Standards
• Department of Defense standards and
policies
• Role and authorities of audit policy boards
• Phases of audit
Knowledge Elements, con’t.
Planning, Programming, Budgeting & Execution (module 2)• The Planning, Programming, Budgeting and
Execution process
• Products and documents produced by PPBE
• Role of key offices in PPBE
• Prioritization process in PPBE
• Budget execution by type of appropriation
• Budget execution by type of contractual
payment
• Interagency, interservice, and reimbursable
agreements
• Reprogramming
Cost and Economic Analysis (module 2)• Cost analysis policies and procedures
• Economic analysis policies and procedures
• Limited application of cost and economic
analytical techniques
• Differentiation between types of benefits
• Limited application of current installation
costing techniques
Business Management Process Improvement (module 2)• Legal basis for Business Management
Process Improvement
• Management of the improvement process
• Outsourcing
• Privatization
• Relevant Circulars and Regulations
5
CDFM Acquisition Module Now AvailableASMC is pleased to announce that an optional
fourth module of the Certified Defense Financial
Managers (CDFM) exam is now available. The
optional module deals with the rules governing
acquisition of major defense systems. Appli-
cants can still take the basic three modules and
become a CDFM. Those who pass the first three
module exams and then elect to take and pass
the fourth module exam will become “CDFM
with Acquisition Specialty.”
Why Become “CDFM withAcquisition Specialty”?
We believe CDFMs should take the
fourth module because passing it:
• Provides objective evidence of knowledge
of defense acquisition rules and regulations
that will be highly useful if financial managers
are assuming acquisition jobs;
• Demonstrates depth of knowledge that will
help in winning promotions and jobs;
• Offers personal satisfaction by demonstrat-
ing knowledge of key information important
in financial management.
Preparing for the Test
Initially your best course of study is “on your
own” using the addendum to the CDFM text-
book that is now available. Information on
purchasing this material can be found on the
CDFM web site (www.cdfm.info).
ASMC has developed a one-day course covering
the material in this fourth module exam. The
course will be offered on a limited basis. You
may learn more about the course and its avail-
ability at www.cdfm.info.
Enrolling and Taking the Test
If you are already a CDFM, there will be no added
enrollment fee to take this fourth module exam
for the rest of this calendar year (2006), but you
will need to notify the Certification staff so that
we can authorize your exam. You will be notified
via e-mail when your enrollment is reactivated,
and you can take the fourth-module test at any
authorized testing site for the current test fee.
If you pass and receive a letter of confirmation
from us, you are eligible to refer to yourself as a
“CDFM with Acquisition Specialty.” Exercising
your option to take the Module 4 exam will not
jeopardize your status as a CDFM.
Those who pass and want a revised certificate
indicating their new specialty will be required
to pay a fee to cover the costs of the new certifi-
cate. Future enrollees and individuals currently
enrolled and taking the basic CDFM tests will
be eligible to take this optional fourth test, but
will need to alert the CDFM staff of your desire
to do so. Currently, there is no change in the
enrollment fee. However, if an individual wishes
to take the fourth module, he or she must let
ASMC know so that we hold the certificate until
all four modules have been completed.
6
ATTENDANCE AT ASMC'S ENHANCEDDEFENSE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSE
The Department of Defense makes available
a one-week Enhanced Defense Financial Man-
agement Training course presented by ASMC-
licensed instructors. The primary purpose of
this course is to broaden your overall under-
standing of the financial management system.
"Open enrollment" sessions are also available
from ASMC licensed providers. Please check
the web site for availability.
ATTENDANCE AT THE DOD RESOURCE MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITIES AND SCHOOLS
Selected elements of the curriculum at these
educational institutions, such as the Defence
Financial Management and Comptroller School
at Maxwell AFB, the Syracuse University Army
Comptrollership Program, the Defense Re-
source Management Institute and the Naval
Postgraduate School, will contribute to prepa-
ration for the examination.
GROUP STUDY AT LOCAL CHAPTERSOF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MILITARY COMPTROLLERS Chapter group study may include sharing of ad-
ministrative information and/or presentation
by CDFM-certified instructors. Contact your
local chapter president or program committee
chair for details.
SELF-STUDYThe 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 avail-
able online at the web site cited below.
The Certified Defense Financial Manager
examination covers 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:
Methods of Preparation
visit our web site at www.cdfm.info
7
Procedures for EnrollmentThe first step is determining your eligibility to
sit for the CDFM examination. Candidates should
review the prerequisites listed on page two of
this document and, if eligible, complete the ap-
plication form provided on page 12.
Forms should be mailed, along with the nonre-
fundable registration fee, to the address shown
on the form. Non-members may complete the
ASMC membership application found on page
11, include with it the ASMC membership fee,
and therefore qualify for the lower ASMC-member
CDFM fee. Your enrollment begins a certification
eligibility file which is open for two years. If all
three 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 three ex-
aminations, an extension of enrollment fee must be
paid to remain eligible for examinations. However,
all test modules completed in the initial enrollment
period will remain valid toward the certification if
there is no significant lapse in enrollment.
Upon the acceptance of the candidate’s enroll-
ment, a nine-digit candidate ID number will be
assigned and a welcome letter will be sent to the
candidate’s home address with specific instruc-
tions on exam purchase.
Once the welcome letter has been received, can-
didates must visit the certification web site to pur-
chase an examination to be taken at a commercial
testing center. Your welcome letter will contain
detailed instructions. Purchase procedures for all
other examination locations (e.g., ASMC National
or Chapter PDIs or base education centers) must
be arranged with CDFM staff. The modules may
be taken one at a time or in any combination, and
they may be taken in any order.
SUMMARY OF FEES (as of May 2006)
Program Enrollment Fee .............................$70
Program Enrollment Fee (ASMC member) ...$35
Extension of Enrollment ...............................$70
One module examination ............................$95
Three modules examination ......................$285
Re-examination per module ........................$95
When purchasing an examination via the web site
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 appointment and must cancel, you must fol-
low 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.
NOTE: Fees are subject to change. Please check the certification web site for the current fee structure.
8
Testing Center ProceduresComputer-based testing is conducted at au-
thorized commercial testing facilities located
in major cities nationwide. Candidates are not
admitted into the testing center without proper
identification. Two forms of identification with
signature are required.
• Acceptable signature identification includes
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.
Lockers are provided for personal items at the
testing center, but it is suggested that nones-
sential items not be brought into the center.
Americans With DisabilitiesAct ProceduresThe testing centers located in the U.S. are
required to comply with the Americans With
Disabilities Act and provide special accom-
modations. All testing centers are wheelchair
accessible, have adjustable height desks, can
accommodate requests for readers, and can
be adapted to accept special peripheral equip-
ment. 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 gen-
erally 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 suc-
cessful. If you do not pass one module but
pass the others, you only have to retake the
module you did not pass.
You must pass all three modules to qualify
for CDFM certification. Once you pass the
modules and meet all eligibility require-
ments, ASMC will issue you an award letter
and a CDFM pin. A personalized CDFM cer-
tificate will follow within ten to 14 weeks.
of completion of your last exam.
9
Re-Examination Policy
If a candidate is not successful on a mod-
ule examination there is no limit on the
number of times a candidate may take
a module examination. However, there
will be a required waiting period before
each 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 enrollment fee. The dis-
count 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.
Commercial TestingCenter Rescheduling and Refund Policy
If a module exam must be rescheduled for any rea-son, arrangements must be coordinated through the authorized commercial testing organization. Gener-ally, the deadline to reschedule an examination is 12:00 (noon) Eastern Standard Time, two business days before the original scheduled examination date. Complete instructions are included in your exam authorization letter.
Candidates who cancel after the 48-hour deadline, fail to show up for the scheduled appointment, or who arrive more than 15 minutes late for a scheduled ap-pointment are considered “no shows.” “No shows” forfeit the $95 per module examination fee.
Candidates who call within the appropriate time limit may either reschedule or cancel the exam. If the candidate reschedules the exam, he/she will not have to provide any payment information. 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 autho-rization letter.
10
Methods of Obtaining CPE• 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
• Reading of professional journal articles to answer content-related questions
• Preparation and publishing of articles in profes-sional journals, such as the Armed Forces Comp-troller
• ASMC virtual library
Maintaining Professional CertificationYou must renew your certification with ASMC every two years. To maintain certification as a Certified Defense Financial Manager, each holder of the certi-fication must complete 80 hours of Continuing Pro-fessional 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 sup-porting 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 guid-ance is available at www.cdfm.info. As part of renewal, you may be asked to provide evidence of your CPE.
The renewal fee is $20.00. However, fees are subject to change. Please check the certification web site for the current fee structure.
Benefits of ASMC MembershipAvailability of information on cur-
rent trends and development in the
military comptroller and financial
management arena in the Depart-
ment of Defense and the U.S. Coast
Guard.
Subscription to the Armed Forces
Comptroller (AFC), the official pro-
fessional journal of the ASMC. The
AFC contains articles, organizational
news and updates on current trends
and developments and is published
quarterly.
Opportunity to learn and practice
leadership as a chapter officer or
committee member.
Membership in one of over 140
chapters worldwide including all
chapter training and social events.
Reduced member registration fees
for attendance at national confer-
ences and for application to the
certification program.
American Society of Military Comptrollers
Membership Application
Professional InformationEmployer (Circle one) AR NV AF MC CG DoD DFAS Other _________________________________
Rank/Grade __________________ Duty Station ______________________________________________________
Career Field (Circle one)
Accounting and Finance
Administrative Support
Auditing
Budgeting
Comptroller
Cost Analysis
Financial Management
Management Analysis
Program Analysis
Manpower Management
Resource Management
Other
Payment InformationMembership Dues One Year - $26 Three Years - $75
Method of Payment Check or Money Order enclosed (payable in US funds to ASMC)
Charge to Credit Card VISA MasterCard American Express
Card Number ____________________________________________ Exp. Date __________
Cardholder Signature _________________________________________________________
I hereby apply for membership in ASMC and enclose payment for membership dues, which includes the $5 annual subscription to the Armed Forces Comptroller.
Applicant Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________
I was recruited by: ___________________________________________ Recruiter Member No. _________________
Membership Status New Member Renewal (Member No. _______ ) I have previously been a member of ASMC.
Personal Information (Please print or type clearly, exactly as you wish information to appear on membership certifi cate.)
Name (First, MI, Last) ____________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address _________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________________ ST _______ Zip _______________________
Office Address __________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________________ ST _______ Zip _______________________
Phone (H) ______________________ (O) ____________________________ DSN ________________________
E-mail __________________________________________ Chapter ______________________________________
Birth Date (MM/DD/YYYY) ________________________ Gender M F
These Boxes forNational Headquarters
Use Only
Chapter Amount Paid Expiration Year Initial Year Month
Mail to: ASMC National Headquarters • 415 North Alfred Street • Alexandria, VA 22314-2269Questions? Call (800) 462-5637 or (703) 549-0360, or e-mail at [email protected].
12
Enrollment Form Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) Program
American Society of Military Comptrollers
Certified Defense Financial Manager Program
415 North Alfred Street, Suite 3, Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 462-5637, (703) 549-0360, Fax (703) 549-3181
ASMC Member? Yes No Member Number Chapter
This is a: New Enrollment Extension of Eligibility
Identifying Information
Mr. Ms.
Last Name First Middle
Street Address
City State/Province Zip Code/Country
Day Phone Evening Commercial Fax
E-Mail Address Last 4 digits of SSN
Date of Birth (Mo/Day/Yr)
Name as you wish it to appear on your certificate
Professional Information
Section I
Section II Professional Information 1. Service Affiliation? Army Navy Air Force Marine Corps
Coast Guard DFAS Other DoD Corporate None
If None, Other, or Corporate, please explain:
2. Employment Status? DoD Civilian Military Other Non-DoD 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:
Below High School High School Diploma GED Some College—No Degree
Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate
13
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 examina-tions, 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:
American Express Visa 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 Comp-
trollers. Send to the address on Page 1 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).
visit our web site at www.cdfm.info
Section III Financial Information
14
Supervisor’s Section
Supervisor’s Name Title
Telephone Number
E-mail 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 MATE-
RIAL. To determine the length of experience you need, visit the certification web site.
Supervisor’s Signature Date
Verification of Financial Management ExperienceAmerican Society of Military ComptrollersCertified Defense Financial Manager Program415 North Alfred Street, Suite 3, Alexandria, VA 22314(800) 462-5637, (703) 549-0360, Fax (703) 549-3181
The American Society of Military Comptrollers requests verification of financial management ex-perience 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
American Society of Military Comptrollers415 North Alfred Street, Suite 3Alexandria, VA 22314
Certified Defense Financial Manager
The American
Society of
Military
Comptrollers
challenges you.
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