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CGFM Certification |
The Mark of Excellence in Federal, State and Local Government. Since its inception in 1994, the CGFM has become the standard by which government financial management professionals are measured. Its education, experience and ethics requirements have served to elevate the most seasoned financial professionals.
More than 13,000 individuals have received the designation so far. Now it's your turn. Experience the benefits of certification first hand - the CGFM is the mark of excellence in your profession. We look forward to adding your name to our distinguished list of Certified Government Financial Managers.
Heritage and Needs
Over the past two decades, a number of factors have created a rapidly changing environment for today's government financial managers. Beginning with the New York City financial crisis in the 1970s and 1980s, state and local governments began overhauling their financial management systems. In 1990, the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) act called for reforms that brought the goal of accountability to the forefront.
The value of financial managers against this turbulent backdrop has shot upwards. Those who believe they are on the high end of the profession, or on the "fast track" toward getting there, need a credential that shows they are qualified and have the skills to lead. The Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) does this like no other credential.
The CGFM is the first certification broad enough to cover the whole field of government financial management - federal, state and local. It deals not with testing a person in a specific area, but with measuring a wide range of knowledge and skills that a professional needs to succeed in the federal government financial environment, or to meet the unique challenges faced by state and local government financial managers.
Expertise and Value
Perhaps the genius of the CGFM had its roots in the fundamental notion that it would be the customers, stakeholders and "users" who would determine the value of the certification.
The foundation of the CGFM is the requirement for Education, Experience and Examination. Building on this foundation is a Code of Ethics and required Continuing Professional Education (CPE).
This designation is already recognized as a professional standard. The U.S. General Accounting Office Report to the Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller) on the Department of Defense's financial management workforce shows the CGFM as the preferred credential in a government agency with tens of thousands of financial personnel worldwide and more than $1 trillion in assets.
The combination of two elements - what the experts say constitutes government financial management and what the people in the field say is expected of a government financial manager - creates the value and attraction to the CGFM.
Toward the Future
The challenge facing today's government financial managers is to keep up with the changing times. New innovations, new developments and new methods of implementation are creating a new environment in which government financial managers must function.
Increasing knowledge and skills is the key to staying abreast of the latest developments. AGA presents a dynamic program of events and courses every year containing solutions, innovations, and technological breakthroughs that you'll need to retain and enhance your CGFM.
The field of government financial management will be far different tomorrow from what it is today. Having a broad knowledge and a recognized professional designation will be the way to distinguish yourself from the crowd.
There's no time like the present for joining the thousands of other leaders in government financial management who already have discovered the unique value and benefit of the CGFM designation.
7 Reason Why You should Pursue CGFM Designation
 Increases your overall skills and knowledge of government accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, management and control.
Demonstrates your proficiency and commitment to the government sector.
Enhances your credibility and the overall credibility of the organization you represent.
Demonstrates your commitment to high ethical and professional standards.
Improves your opportunities for career advancement.
Provides you personal satisfaction of achievement.
Distinguishes you from your peers. Last Updated by: WebGuy on 2/10/2009 10:35:49 AM
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Study Advice from Former Chapter VP for Certification - Francine Marzinsky, CGFM, CIA, CGAP, CCSA, CBM
I have worked for the NYS Department of Taxation & Finance, Bureau of Internal Audit and Quality Control, for three years, as a Senior Internal Auditor. Prior to joining Tax, I conducted audits for NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Audit Services, for seven years.
During 2001, I earned the following professional designations (offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors) Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Government Audit Professional, and Control Self-Assessment Certification. I decided to pursue the CGFM designation, with a goal of passing all three exams prior to Spring 2002.
As all of my government work experience is in auditing, I took the Government Financial Management and Control exam first (exam #3). I used the study guides from my IIA exams to help prepare for this examination. AGA will soon release a study book for this exam. Please visit the following website for further updates: http://www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/prepare
The next exam I took was Government Environment (exam #1). I purchased the on-line AGA course as a study guide for this examination. This online course included a videotaped presentation by three instructors and a sample test. The course sections could be played as many times as you cared to watch a section. The online course was convenient to fit into my schedule and informative. In addition, eight CPE credits were awarded for completing this online course. http://www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/prepare/onlinecourses.aspx
Prefer to study from a book? AGA will soon release a study book for this exam. Please visit the following website for further updates: http://www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/prepare/
The most challenging exam for me was Government Accounting, Financial Reporting and Budgeting (exam #2), as I never took a Government Accounting college class and had very little exposure to the specifics of these topics through work experience. I borrowed a friend’s college Government Accounting book and practiced for this exam by reviewing CPA Government Accounting questions. The AGA just released a study book for this exam - http://www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/prepare/studyguide.aspx
Overall, I would say that the exams are “moderately difficult”, but my studies prepared me to succeed. The computerized tests can be taken year-round at Prometric and tests are scored immediately. (My computer at Prometric did “freeze up” during one exam, but lucky I did not lose any of my previously recorded answers.) AGA National staff was helpful in answering my questions throughout the examinations.
I pursued the CGFM designation to increase my government financial knowledge and hope it will add to “marketability” for future job opportunities. I would encourage others to pursue the CCFM designation, as well. More and more government entities are recognizing the CGFM and are encouraging their staff to pursue the designation. Our chapter is pursuing NYS Civil Service recognition for the CGFM. Check with your Human Resources Department to learn what incentives your organization may offer which encourage professional development.
Last Updated by: WebGuy on 2/10/2009 10:10:46 AM
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The Exam Process | Exam 1 | Exam 2 | Exam 3
The three comprehensive examinations that make up the core requirement of the CGFM program are:
Examination 1: Governmental Environment
Examination 2: Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting and Budgeting
Examination 3: Governmental Financial Management and Control
Each of the three separate examinations is structured to require a candidate to demonstrate primarily a general familiarity, understanding and appreciation of the subject area. However, portions of each examination, particularly Examination 2, requires a more detailed knowledge of specific techniques, standards, procedures and practices unique to either the federal government or state and local governments.
The three CGFM Examinations are administered year-round in a multiple-choice, computerized format on behalf of AGA by NetCertification, Inc. via the Sylvan/Prometric Technology Centers. This computer-based administration allows the CGFM Examinations to be offered securely in more than 300 locations in the United States, reducing travel costs and allowing candidates to schedule exams at their convenience.
Taking the Exam
The AGA's new CGFM web center has everything you need to prepare, and apply for the CGFM certification as well as maintain your existing credential. Register for the exam at Net Certication.
Last Updated by: WebGuy on 2/10/2009 1:35:27 PM
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Amodeo M., Philip
Amyot, Thomas
Anderson, Mark
Armstrong, Gary
Arpei, John
Atkinson, Margaret
Attmore, Robert
Baker, Suzette B.
Barber, Walter Gerald
Barry, Steven
Barth, David
Barthelman, Frederick
Bazaar, Paul
Berg, David
Bishop, Michael
Bogucki, Karen Ann
Brennan, John David
Brogan, Timothy
Bronk, William
Brown, Laura
Brunt, James
Buda, Edmund
Bujanow, Peter
Calabrese, Anthony
Calipari, Richard
Cameron, John
Cary, Theresa
Chevalier, Marcel
Cioffi, Linda
Clarke, Roger
Classen, Mary
Cleary, James
Clifford, Susan
Colangelo, Jayne Anne
Cox, James
Cox, Kenneth
Crelot, Robert
D'Aloise, Christine A.
Dannenberg, Peter
DeAngelus, Donald John
DeStefano, David
Dickson, Joseph
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DiVirgilio, Michael
Dobriko, Lynn Marie
Donnelly, Margaret
Emminger, Lawrence
Farley, Eugene Joseph
Farrar, Michael
Flinton, Jill M.
Foley, Keith
Fraczek, David
Galto, Nora May
Geary, Donald Douglas
Gerard, Richard
Giminiani, David
Goldman, Alvin
Hahn, Bonnie
Hancox, David
Hannmann, Richard
Hansen, Niels
Harris, Raymond
Hasso, David
Hecht, Franklin
Hendee, Diane
Hernas, Karl
Hess, Henry
Hickey, Paul
Hoffman, Henry
Holder, Dennis
Houlihan, Richard
Hughes, William
Hyden, Marlene
Jackson, Brian
Jadlowski, Jerry
Johnson, Donald
Johnson, Leslie
Johnson, Rosemary Ellis
Johnson, Thomas
Kahn, William
Kashtan, Howard
Kern, Leslie Samuel
Lake, William Joseph
LaPan, Peter
Lasher-Graham, Cynthia
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Lavine, Sandra
Leahy, William
Lehman, Lisa
Leous, Deborah
Lewis, Minchin
Lichorowiec J., Duane
LoSecco, Anthony
Lotz, Brian
Loveless, Richard
Luft H., Michael
Maguire, Andrew Joseph
Mahaney, Eugene
Mandel, Harold
Manion, Nonie
Marzinsky, Francine
Mason, Brian
Mazula, Roger
McAllister, Russell
McCarry, Michael
McNeil, Robert
Menzel, Terrill
Meyer, Katie
Milner, Thomas
Mitchell, Mark
Morrison, Sarah Louise
Murphy, John
Nash, John
Ong, Clifford
Ostwald, Beth Marie
Pacowski, Frank
Peil, Ellen
Pisani, Ronald
Ray, Betty Jean
Raymer, Bill
Reilly, Brian
Reynolds, Willard
Ritter, Diana Jones
Rokenbrod, William
Romand, J. Anthony
Samaniuk, John
Savash II, John A.
Schreffler, Gregory
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Sharp, Susan
Sheldon, Paul
Shellard, Frederick
Simon, Joseph
Simpkins, Gary
Siniapkin, John
Skwiersky, Paul
Smith, Gregory
Snow, Gary
Solodow, John Joseph
Spaulding, Debra
Spring, Calvin
Stein, Frederick
St. John, William
Stocum, William
Storfer, Sandra
Stottlar, Steven
Stroyen, Joyce
Sturm, Richard
Suspanic, Timothy
Taetzsch, Blixy
Tajong, Alexander
Talarico, Ronald
Tanea, Kathleen
Tangorre, Robert
Tipton, Julie
Tunney, James
Tworek, Daniel William
Vaccaro, Lori
Valley, Nancy
Viele, Glenn George
Wade, Edward
Walters, Thomas
Warren, Thomas
Wenzel, Robert
Wierzbicki, Ronald
Wojeski, Sally
Wright, Steven
Younglove, William Arnold
Zinzow, Linda
Zuraf, Frank
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Last Updated by: LBrown on 9/25/2009 5:44:35 AM
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