We have updated the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) and CDFM with Acquisition Specialty (CDFM-A) certification examinations! To read a summary of the process, visit our Exam Development page.
Updated Exam Blueprints
Click on the updated 2024 CDFM and CDFM-A Exam Blueprints to see the domains and knowledge statements, domain weights, key updates made, and a list of references (study materials) for the updated CDFM and CDFM-A exams.
FAQs
Exam Update Timeline
When will the updated exams be available?
The updated exam Modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be available on May 29, 2024.
How long will I be able to take the old exams?
The “old” and “updated” exams will run concurrently from May 9, 2024, through September 30, 2024.
Is there a transition plan for candidates who have already started preparing for the previous version of the exam?
Any candidates who started preparing for the previous exams can test for those exams until September 30, 2024. After this date, only the updated exams will be available.
If I purchased the “old” exam but do not test by September 30, 2024, what happens to my purchase?
Please contact the Certification Department at certification@asmconline.org.
If I don’t pass exam modules 1-3 before October 2024, do I have to retake my exams?
Any passed exams are good for 4 years from the date they were passed, regardless of exam updates. You only need to retake a passed exam if it expires before you have completed the CDFM certification process.
Exam Update
Which exams were updated?
CDFM/CDFM-A Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 were updated.
Is there a new format for the exam, such as different question types or a different number of questions?
No, there are still 80 multiple-choice questions on each exam.
Will there be any changes to the duration or timing of the exam?
No, each exam is still 2 hours.
Where can I find the updated exam blueprints?
See the 2024 CDFM and CDFM-A Exam Blueprints.
What are the major changes to the updated exams?
See the 2024 CDFM and CDFM-A Exam Blueprints.
Did the percentages of the subdomains change?
Yes, the percentages of the subdomains changed. You can view the information in the 2024 CDFM and CDFM-A Exam Blueprints.
Are there any new topics or competencies that have been added to the exams?
The domain weights for Modules 1-3 were revised. The Module 4 domain names were restructured to align with the DAU Back-to-Basics functional areas. See the 2024 CDFM and CDFM-A Exam Blueprints for details.
Have any topics or competencies been removed from the exam?
No.
Did eligibility requirements to pursue CDFM certification change?
No, the eligibility requirements were not updated and remain the same for now.
Are there any changes to the passing score or scoring system for the exam?
The scoring system remains the same. Each candidate will be notified with a “Pass” or “Fail” score report. Candidates who are unsuccessful will also be given the percentage of questions answered correctly for each domain.
CDFM Exams
Will the updated exams cost more?
The updated exams will be priced at $99 per exam through September 30, 2024. After this date the exam cost will be increased (more information to come).
How can I purchase an exam?
Exams can be purchased on the ASMC website by logging into your account and clicking on the “CDFM Exams” quick link on the left side of the screen. The 2024 CDFM exams will be added to the product list on October 1, 2024.
Are there any changes to the exam registration process?
There are no changes to the exam registration process. Active CDFM enrollment is required prior to purchasing and scheduling exam module appointments.
Are there any changes to the exam administration process, such as testing locations or exam delivery methods?
No, there are no changes to the exam administration process. Candidates have the options to test at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and online.
How do I find a Pearson VUE testing center?
You can view available Pearson VUE testing centers by visiting www.pearsonvue.com/asmc/. Click on “Find a test center” or “Find a test center on a military base” on the right side of the screen.
Once I’ve purchased a Pearson VUE exam, when can I schedule it?
After purchasing a Pearson VUE exam, you should receive exam scheduling instructions within 24-48 hours of the purchase. If you do not receive emailed exam scheduling instructions by 48 hours after exam purchase, please contact ASMC Certification Department at certification@asmconline.org for assistance.
How can I change my testing appointment?
If you are scheduled to test at a Pearson VUE Testing Center, you can log into your Pearson VUE account and cancel or reschedule your exam appointment at not cost up to 4 business days before your appointment. A $50 fee will be charged to cancel or reschedule an exam appointment 3 business days to 24 hours before the testing appointment. Exam appointments cannot be cancelled or rescheduled less than 24 hours before the testing appointment without ASMC approval (only documented emergencies qualify).
Candidates scheduled for an online remote proctored (OnVUE) can reschedule or cancel right up to the scheduled appointment time at no cost.
If I do not pass an exam, do I need to pay for a retake?
The current cost to retake an exam is $99. After September 30, 2024, the cost to retake an exam will increase (more information to come).
If I do not pass an exam, can I retake it right away?
There are enforced waiting periods for retaking the CDFM exams: 14 days for a first retake and 28 days for any additional retakes of the same module.
Will the updated exams have any impact on existing certifications?
No, the updated exams will not have any impact on existing certifications. All active CDFM/CDFM-A certificants must adhere to the current recertification policies.
I have passed all 3 exams. Do I need to do anything else?
Once you have passed your exams and submitted your Verification of Financial Management Experience (VFME) Form, nothing more is needed. A congratulatory designation letter will be emailed to the address in your ASMC account within 2-3 weeks, and your wall certificate and digital badge will follow.
Other Prep Questions
Will the CDFM Practice Test Mobile App be updated?
The CDFM Practice Test App will be updated once the old exams are retired.
Is there an updated reference list?
Yes, there is an updated reference list in the 2024 CDFM and CDFM-A Exam Blueprints.
Will the training materials be updated to align with the 2024 CDFM and CDFM-A exam blueprints?
Yes, the training materials are being updated and FAQs will be provided on this page very soon.
Questions? Please contact certification@asmconline.org.