The Certified Public Finance Officers Program for GFOA is a broad educational program designed to verify knowledge in government finance disciplines. To earn the designation of Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), candidates must pass a series of seven examinations covering the major public finance disciplines. A candidate has five years in which to complete the program.

Once earned, the CPFO designation is maintained by paying an annual membership fee and participating in fifteen hours of continuing professional education and three GFOA Engagement Credits each year.

Enrollment in the program is now open for new candidates! New candidates can begin their path to earning the certification by starting with the Accounting and Financial Reporting exam. All previous candidates are welcome to re-enroll now. Those that have the Accounting exam remaining can proceed with that exam. Previous candidates with other exams remaining are encouraged to enroll closer to the season when their remaining exams are published.

The CPFO program requires the following examinations:

• Accounting and Financial Reporting – Available now
• Debt Management – Summer 2021
• Treasury and Investment Management – Summer 2021
• Planning and Budgeting – Summer 2021
• Compensation and Benefits – Fall 2021
• Procurement – Winter 2021
• Risk Management – Winter 2021