Beginning in 2021, the CPFO program will consist of seven exams designed to verify knowledge in the disciplines of government finance.

Each exam is composed of 100 multiple-choice items, except for Procurement and Risk Assessment, which will be 75 items each. A multiple-choice item consists of a stem, which poses a problem, and four possible answers. Only one possible answer is correct or best. For CPFO certification exams, each item has four possible choices and is worth one-point.

Examinees must answer a minimum of 80 out of 100 items correctly to receive a passing score. The passing scores for Procurement and Risk Management will be provided in the spring of 2021.