Where Do I Start?

If you have already earned a college degree (bachelor’s or higher) with 24 credit hours of courses in financial management or related topics (see Education Requirement below), apply for the CGFM Program now! 

 To apply:

1. Read the AGA’s Code of Ethics

2. Fill out and submit the CGFM Application Form, including a nonrefundable application fee of $85.

3. Fax (703.562.0361) or mail to AGA (2208 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA  22301) the required degree documentation (see Education requirement below). Note: this documentation must be submitted within six months of submitting the application form.

What about the CGFM Work Verification Form? This form does not have to be submitted at the time of application, but is required before the CGFM can be awarded. If you already have the required experience, we suggest that you submit this form at the time of application.  Please see Required Professional Experience for more information.

What happens after you apply? Once your CGFM application 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 examinations. Overview of CGFM Process describes your pathway to earning the CGFM certification.  You can also download PDF version of “CGFM Candidate’s Handbook”.

Education Requirement

To take any of the Certified Government Financial Manager examinations, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and completion of at least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 quarter credit hours) of study composed of courses in one or more of the following areas:

  • Accounting

  • Auditing

  • Budgeting

  • Economics

  • Electronic Data Processing

  • Finance

  • Information Resources Management

  • Public Administration

  • Other Financial Management or Related Topics

REQUIRED DEGREE DOCUMENTATION: a copy of your transcript from an accredited college or university. The transcript must show that a degree (bachelor's or higher) was awarded and must list at least 24 semester credit hours (36 quarter semester hours) of study composed of courses in financial management or related topics. Official transcripts are not required, but your name and the name of the college or university must appear on all transcripts. Please note: CPA card or license is not acceptable as proof of degree.

Please send the transcript to the Office of Professional Certification via fax 703.562.0361, or mail (AGA, 2208 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA  22301).

Interested in the CGFM, but don't have a required degree or the 24 credit hours? The Professional Certification Board may consider waivers on an individual case basis. Contact the Office of Professional Certification at 800.AGA.7211 (703.684.6931), ext. 306 or agacgfm@agacgfm.org.