Three exams are available at Killtest:

• CDFM Module 1 Resource Management Environment
• CDFM Module 2 Budget and Cost Analysis
• CDFM Module 3 Accounting and Finance
  We have the latest study materials to help you prepare well. However, before choosing the materials, you need to know what are these exams.

What is the CDFM Program?

The Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) is a professional certification administered by the Society of Defense Financial Management (SDFM). It is designed for professionals working in defense financial management, budgeting, accounting, auditing, resource management, and related federal financial functions.

The CDFM certification path has a clear progression:

Check eligibility → Apply to the CDFM Program → Pass Modules 1 to 3 → Earn the CDFM → Add CDFM-A or CDFM-H if needed → Maintain the certification through continuing education

CDFM Certification Path Explained

Confirm your eligibility

Before applying, candidates should review the education and experience requirements.

To pursue the CDFM or CDFM-A, candidates must:

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Agree to follow the SDFM Pledge of Professionalism.
• Apply to the CDFM Program.
• Submit a Verification of Financial Management Experience (VFME) form.
• Pass the required examination modules within the application period.

SDFM lists the following experience pathways:

• An associate degree or higher plus two years of defense-related financial management experience; or
• An associate degree or higher plus four years of federal government financial management experience; or
• A high school diploma or equivalent plus three years of defense-related financial management experience.

Apply for the CDFM Program

Candidates must create or use an SDFM account to submit their application. The application process generally includes:

1. Sign in to the SDFM website.
2. Open the “My SDFM” account area.
3. Select the relevant certification application.
4. Pay the application fee and required examination fees.
5. Review the examination and certification policies.
   The application provides a two-year testing eligibility period. CDFM candidates must pass Modules 1, 2, and 3 within that period. CDFM-A candidates must pass Modules 1 through 4.

Complete the three core CDFM modules

The base CDFM certification requires candidates to pass three core examinations:

Module 1: Resource Management Environment

Module 1 covers the environment in which federal and defense resources are planned, allocated, controlled, and monitored.

Topics include:

• Government Resource Management Environment: 35%
• Manpower Management: 20%
• Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Controls: 25%
• Fiscal Law: 20%

Module 2: Budget and Cost Analysis

Module 2 focuses on the defense budget process and the analysis used to support financial and management decisions.

Topics include:

• Defense Budget Process: 43.75%
• Cost and Economic Analysis: 22.5%
• Strategic Planning and Organizational Performance Management: 23.75%
• Fiscal Law: 10%

Module 3: Accounting and Finance

Module 3 examines the accounting, finance, payment, reporting, and audit functions used in federal and defense organizations.

Topics include:

• -Finance: 31.25%
• Accounting: 40%
• Auditing: 21.25%
• Fiscal Law: 7.5%

Fiscal law appears in all three core modules. Candidates should therefore treat it as a continuous study area rather than a topic limited to Module 1.

Earn the CDFM

After the candidate has:

• Met the eligibility requirements;
• Submitted the application;
• Passed Modules 1, 2, and 3; and
• Completed the required experience verification,
  the candidate can receive the base CDFM certification. The CDFM is the starting point for candidates who want a broad foundation in defense financial management. It is also a prerequisite for the two specialty designations described below.

Continue to CDFM-A: Acquisition Specialty

CDFM holders who work in defense acquisition, contracting, program management, or acquisition financial management may pursue the CDFM-A, or Certified Defense Financial Manager with Acquisition Specialty.

The CDFM-A path is:

Earn the CDFM → Apply for CDFM-A → Pass Module 4 → Receive the CDFM-A designation

Continue to CDFM-H: Healthcare Specialty

CDFM holders who support the Military Health System may pursue the CDFM-H, or Certified Defense Financial Manager with Healthcare Specialty.

The CDFM-H path is:

Earn the CDFM → Apply for CDFM-H → Pass Module 5 → Receive the CDFM-H designation

The CDFM-H is intended for professionals supporting defense healthcare financial management, including personnel working with the Defense Health Agency, DoD hospitals, clinics, and other Military Health System organizations.

Maintain the certification

CDFM certifications must be renewed every two years. To maintain an active certification, certificants must:

• Complete 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE);
• Complete at least 20 CPE hours per year;
• Complete at least two ethics-related CPE hours;
• Continue to follow the SDFM Pledge of Professionalism; and
• Pay the required recertification fee.

Start Your CDFM Certification with Killtest

Killtest provides CDFM Module 1, Module 2, and Module 3 practice questions for candidates preparing for the core CDFM certification path.

Start your preparation:

CDFM Module 1 Practice Questions

CDFM Module 2 Practice Questions

CDFM Module 3 Practice Questions

The materials are organized around the three required exams. You can use them to review the main subject areas, practice applying key concepts, and identify topics that require further study.