Chapter News
Have you applied for the CGFM Program, but are having
difficulty committing time to study and take the exams? Would you like to save on exam fees?
Then consider AGA's Intensive Review Course! Already a
staple at two of AGA's conferences, it was just offered before the National
Leadership Conference (NLC) in Washington
DC and once again was sold
out.
After attending the two-day review course on February
9-10, the candidates tackled the CGFM Examinations over the next two days
(with some taking all three exams in one day!). As a result, 19 of the
participants passed all three (or finished up their remaining) CGFM
Examinations at this event. Several others passed one or two examinations
and are on their way to completing the CGFM process.
While this "intense" experience is not for
everybody, participants were attracted to the idea of completing the CGFM
process in a short period of time, having a set deadline to take the
examinations and saving money (the cost of CGFM Examinations is included in
the Intensive Review Course fee and this fee is less than the cost of the
three examinations). Holding an Intensive Review Course and CGFM
Examinations in conjunction with AGA National Leadership and Professional
Development Conferences gives the candidates one more way to reinforce the
material and take the CGFM Examinations (candidates can also take the exams
at Prometric testing centers anytime).
The extra reinforcement of the material is exactly what some
people wanted and needed. The Intensive Review Course is not a substitute
for the six days of regular instructor-led training courses. On the
contrary, this course is designed as a supplement to previous preparation
for the CGFM Examinations. In fact, the majority of the participants have
either attended the CGFM training courses or purchased the CGFM study
guides before participating in the Intensive Review Course.
AGA plans to continue offering this course and CGFM
Examinations at its upcoming conferences. The next Intensive Review Course
is scheduled for June 21-22, 2007 (with exams on June 23-24, 2007) in
conjunction with AGA's Professional Development Conference (PDC) in Nashville, TN.
For more information or to register, visit
<http://www.agacgfm.org/pdc2007/cgfm_exam.htm>. Space is limited - if
you are interested in participating, sign up now!
Q: How often do I have to renew my CGFM designation?
A: CGFM certification is renewed on an annual
basis. A renewal invoice is sent out
in February and the payment is due by March 31st. If you do not receive an invoice by
mid-March, please call AGA at 1.800.AGA.7211.
If your address has recently changed, please be sure to
update your contact information with AGA and pay your dues in the
"Members only" section of AGA website (www.agacgfm.org).
Q: What are the requirements for maintaining the CGFM
certification in an active status?
A: To maintain the CGFM certification in an active
status, CGFMs are required to:
-- Pay the CGFM renewal fee by the due date every year.
-- Complete at least 80 hours of continuing professional
education (CPE) every two years in government financial management topics
or related technical subjects.
-- Maintain and, if requested by AGA, provide detailed
information on CPE hours completed.
To retain the CGFM certification, all CGFMs must adhere
to the AGA's Code of Ethics. By submitting their annual renewal payment,
CGFMs affirm that they have and will continue to abide by AGA's Code of
Ethics and that they have fulfilled the minimum CPE Requirements.
FAQ About Your AGA Membership
Q: How do I determine my CPE cycle?
A: Your first two-year CPE cycle starts on January 1st
of the year following the one when your CGFM was awarded (for example, if
your CGFM was awarded in 2001, your first CPE cycle was 1/1/02-12/31/03).
The award date is listed on your CGFM certificate. Your current CPE cycle is listed on your
renewal invoice. For a table of all CPE cycles visit
www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/maintain/cgfm_calendar.aspx.
Q: My two-year CPE cycle just ended on December 31,
2006, but I did not complete 80 CPEs in 2005-2006. Can I make up the
deficiency?
A: Yes. CGFMs who have not completed the 80 CPE hours in
2005-2006 cycle have until March 31, 2007 to make up the deficiency. Any
CPE hours completed toward a deficiency in one period must be documented in
the CPE records and may not be counted toward the requirements for the next
two-year period. More information on
CGFM CPE requirements can be found on
www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/maintain/cpe_requirements.aspx.
Q: I just retired. Do I need to do anything to adjust
my CGFM status to "retired"?
A: Yes. Individuals who are retired from AND are no
longer substantially working in the government financial management
community can request an adjustment of their status to "retired"
by contacting AGA's Office of Professional Certification (by mail or e-mail
at agacgfm@agacgfm.org <mailto:agacgfm@agacgfm.org> - please provide the date of
retirement and confirm that you are no longer substantially working in the
government financial management community). CGFMs in retired status are not
required to remit the CGFM renewal fee or earn the 80 CPE hours.
If retired CGFMs return to work (substantial employment
or contracting) in the government financial management community, they must
contact AGA to change their status back to "active."
More information on CGFM renewal policies can be found
on www.agacgfm.org/cgfm/maintain/.
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