Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is AGA?
A: AGA has been serving the government financial management profession for over 50 years As a not-for-profit educational organization, AGA serves the professional interests of financial managers from the local, state and the federal governments, as well as public accounting firms, responsible for effectively using billions of dollars and other monetary resources everyday. Members are accountants, auditors, contract, financial and performance, budget analysts, chief financial officers, information systems managers, finance directors, inspectors general, professors, students…. Membership in AGA is like tapping into a reservoir of actual real-world knowledge and experience of government financial management experts.
Q: What are the benefits of having the CGFM certification?
A: CGFM highlights your achievements, srves as a tangible indicator of your experience and knowledge and stays with you throughout your career. In addition, the CGFM may:
- enhance your marketability throughtout all levels of government
- provide networking opportunities with other government financial managers
- support continued education to keep you informed of the latest developments and cutting edge technologies
- increase confidence on the job
- encourage employer incentives (raises, promotions and bonuses)
Q: How do I apply for the CGFM?
A: You can apply online, via fax (703.548.9367) or mail (Association of Government Accountants, 2208 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301-1314). Go to Where do I Start? section for more information on application requirements.
Q: How much is the application fee?
A: The nonrefundable application fee for the CGFM Program is $85. You can pay it by check or credit card when submitting your
CGFM Application Form,
Q: What is the education requirement for the CGFM?
A: In order to take any of the Certified Government Financial Manager Examinations, you must have already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and have completed at least 24 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 or other financial management or related topics.
Q: What is the best way to study for the CGFM examinations?
A: The best way to study depends on your knowledge, experience, time and location constraints and individual preferences. Start by reviewing the contents of each examination in the What Do Exams Cover? section. Then review each of the choices in How Do I Prepare? section.
What is the CGFM's responsibility for maintaining documentation of completed Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours?
A: CGFMs are required to maintain supporting documentation on CPE hours earned for a minimum of three years and provide it to AGA upon request. The CGFM's records must include the following information for each CPE program or activity attended or completed: the sponsoring organization (for example, AGA National Office, a local AGA chapter); the title of the program, including subject matter, field of study or a brief description of its contents; the dates attended for group programs or dates completed for individual study programs; the number of CPE hours earned; and evidence of attendance or completion.
Evidence of completion may include the following:
- a certificate of attendance, a CPE form or other evidence or completion of CPE from the CPE provider for group and individual-study programs.
- a grade report received for a university or college credit course.
- a letter from the program sponsor, documenting the CPE courses presented and/or developed.
-a copy of the published book, article, or materials that names the writer as author or contributor, a written statement from the writer supporting the number of CPE hours claimed, and the name and contact information of the publisher, if applicable.
- an official report from the employer that has the employer's name and lists all of the required information (employee's name, sponsoring organization, title of the program , completion date and number of CPE hours earned).
Last Updated by: LBrown on 10/18/2011 6:52:16 AM
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