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CGFM NEWS

As an AGA member, do you want to expand your professional opportunities and skill sets or distinguish yourself from others in this competitive work environment?  If you answered "yes," then the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is the certification to obtain.  AGA members who believe they are on the high end of the profession, or want to be on the "fast track" toward getting there, need a credential that shows they are qualified and have the skills to lead. The CGFM does this like no other credential.

The CGFM Committee is excited to announce that the CGFM Exam 1 Training session will be held on September 29, 2008, from 8:00-4:30 in the 16th Floor Training Room of the James K. Polk Building. The objective of the training is to provide essential training for those individuals who plan to sit for the CGFM exams with the goal of becoming certified. Please email Gerry Boaz or Nichole Curtiss by September 19 regarding your interest in this FREE training. Eight hours of CPE will be awarded. Depending on the amount of interest, the location may need to be moved; however, any change of venue will be conveyed to you in a timely manner. The training session will be based on AGA's Exam 1 study guide.  Spread the word to your non-AGA member colleagues to get them involved in AGA and this great opportunity.

The CGFM Committee will be purchasing two complete sets of the new CGFM Exam 1, 2, and Exam 3 Study guides developed by the National AGA office. These study guides are available for checkout after each training session on a first come first serve basis. However, we may give preference to individuals who have already registered to take the exams by September 2009 versus someone who is interested but has not yet registered. Although we have encouraged each participant to purchase his/her own study guides, the Committee guides can be checked out for a limited 45 day time period.  If you have any questions, please notify any of the Committee members: Gerry Boaz, co-chair; Nichole Curtiss, co-chair; Rebecca Barr; Bob Boydston; Kristy Carroll; Karen Hale; and Ron Queen.

NEW CGFMs

The Association of Government Accountants’ CGFM Committee is proud to announce the latest members to pass the examinations to become a CGFM:

• Jim Woods

 • Anne Henson (still needs to complete experience requirement)

• Dick Phebus

• Ralph Cross

This is a prestigious, nationally-recognized credential that demonstrates the designees’ superior knowledge and understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and activities involved in government financial management. To maintain certification, designees must participate in at least 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every two years.

CGFM INCENTIVES

National AGA CGFM Chapter Promotion:

Need an extra incentive to take the CGFM challenge and enter the Program?  Here it is!  From September 1 until November 30, 2008, National AGA will give a rebate of $20 for CGFM applications received with the assistance of AGA chapters. Apply for the CGFM Program and write or indicate on your applications that it is from the Nashville Chapter.  You will get a discount, and the Chapter will get recognition for your efforts.  See www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/promotion.aspx for additional information.

Nashville Chapter of AGA CGFM Subsidy Drawing:

The CGFM Committee has decided once again to offer subsidies to three lucky winners to pay the cost of the three required examinations, a total value of $327.  The three winners have until September 30, 2009 to document that they have paid for the three exams to receive the subsidy. The subsidy drawing will be held at the November 6, 2008, meeting.  To be included in the drawing, AGA members interested in sitting for the exams should contact Gerry Boaz or Nichole Curtiss by October 31.

CGFM Examinations Update Completed

To ensure the CGFM designation remains the first-rate certification and reflects the current government financial management profession, the CGFM Program just completed a comprehensive update of all three CGFM Examinations, including a Job Analysis study of the role of the Certified Government Financial Manager. The new CGFM Examinations went live on August 15, 2008. See the CGFM Examinations Update page for more information.

CGFM EXAM PREPARATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

The CGFM is the designation for government financial professionals.  This is the year you should strive to show your excellence by achieving the CGFM.  In the coming program year there will be several opportunities for continuing education and review classes beginning in the Fall 2008.

CGFM DIRECTED STUDY

The Nashville AGA Chapter CGFM Committee will offer (free of charge) the opportunity to prepare for the CGFM exam through Directed Study.  This is the year you should show your excellence by achieving the CGFM.  Directed Study consists of one-hour classes held over a period of eight to ten weeks.  Participants are required to have a copy of the appropriate CGFM study guide for each Directed Study Session.  Each 8-10 week session will cover one exam.  Participants are asked to commit to taking the session’s exam at the conclusion of the formal training class.  Participants are also asked to read and review the class’s material prior to each session.  You do not have to be an AGA member to attend these sessions and training classes.  The exam 2 sessions will begin in October 2008 in the James K. Polk Building.  A schedule of classes will be posted on the Chapter website in September. If you are interested in Directed Study to aid you in your journey to achieve the CGFM please contact Gerry Boaz (Gerry.Boaz@state.tn.us) or Nichole Curtiss (Nichole.Curtiss@state.tn.us). 

Please visit the AGA website at http://www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/start/ to find out more about the program requirements and to obtain exam enrollment materials.

CGFM CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Remember 80 hours of CPE are required every two years.  During a two year period you may have 20 hours of CPE in one year but must make it up the remainder in the second.  It is your responsibility to maintain documentation of your CPE.

Please read the AGA National website section – How Do I Maintain My CGFM? for exact requirements.

Apply for Program and Register for Exams
Buy AGA Study Guides

UPCOMING CPE OPPORTUNITIES

These links lead to upcoming CPE opportunities for you to obtain your required CPE to maintain your CGFM.

Nashville Chapter Education Committee 2008-09 Program Year

 NASACT Conferences

 TSCPA Professional Development Calendar

 Middle Tennessee Chapter of CFE Annual Fraud Conference

 Nashville Chapter of  ASPA Calendar of Events

ASPA Tennessee Chapter Calendar of Events

Institute of Internal Auditors Calendar of Events

 CGFM Month Press Release

MARCH CGFM MONTH PROCLAMATION

STEP-BY-STEP GUILDE TO EARNING THE CGFM DESIGNATION

Interested in the CGFM designation? Want to know where to start or what happens next?

Step 1 - Applying for the CGFM Program.   Submit an application form for the CGFM Program via internet, fax or mail, including the application fee of $85.  Fax or mail 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 credit hours of courses in financial management or related topics. Your name and the name of the college or university must appear on all transcripts.

Step 2 - Eligibility Letter. Once your application, payment 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 CGFM Examinations. Your eligibility for taking the CGFM Examinations expires in three years from the date your CGFM application was processed.

Step 3 - Work Verification. Submit a Verification of Government Financial Management Work Experience form as soon as you have at least two years of professional-level experience in the government financial management field. You do not have to submit this form before taking the examinations, but the experience requirement must be met before the designation can be granted.

Step 4 - Studying for Examinations. You have several options, including classroom courses, study guides and a reading resources list. You may also want to contact a local AGA chapter to find out if there are any study groups or other support available to help you prepare for the examinations.

Step 5 - Examination Purchase. Following the instructions on your Eligibility Letter, purchase CGFM Examination(s) through the AGA website and print the Test Authorization Letter. Examination fees are $109 for each of the three examinations.

Step 6 - Taking the Examinations. Follow the instructions on the Test Authorization Letter to schedule a testing appointment at a Prometric Test Center near you. Show up at the testing center on your appointment date (be sure to read and follow the testing procedures described on the Test Authorization Letter).

Step 7 - Score Reporting and Retakes. After you complete an examination at a Prometric Test Center, you will immediately receive a pass/fail score on the computer.  Numerical scores are not provided. If you did not pass your exam, there is a 30-day waiting period before you can repurchase and retake that examination. If you fail the same exam more than once, the waiting period is 90 days.

Step 8 - Award Letter. Once you pass all three CGFM Examinations, and your Verification of Government Financial Management Work Experience form has been submitted and accepted, the Office of Professional Certification will send you an award letter announcing your new CGFM designation. You can start using the "CGFM" after your name only after you receive the official award letter from AGA.

Step 9 - CGFM Certificate. A CGFM certificate will be mailed within a few weeks of issuing the award letter.

An excellent source of additional information on the CGFM Program is the AGA website (www.agacgfm.org, select "CGFM Certification" on the navigational bar).  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Professional Certification at 1.800.AGA.7211, ext. 306 or 305.

Last Modified:  10/01/2008