The SDA National Certification Committee’s purpose is to administer and oversee SDA’s certification program: Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA).  The CDFA is the industry standard in evaluating and promoting A/E/C business professionals. The committee is tasked with advancing the CDFA program, conveying its value, maintaining and updating the test resource guide, and ensuring compliance with the CEU requirements for all CDFAs. 

Our current committee members are:

Co-Chairs:

• Nikki Pierce, CDFA, LEED BD+C, Clark Nexsen, Member-at-Large
• Nancy DeLoatch, CDFA, Wendel, Atlanta Chapter

Members:

• Jessica Berlier, CDFA, Gensler, Member-at-Large
• Drucilla Brookshire, CDFA, CCCA, Retired, Member-at-Large
• Deborah Gill, CPA, FSDA, Profit by Design, Hampton Roads Chapter
• Vincent Lafitte, CDFA, Steven & Wilkens, Atlanta Chapter
• Pat Leyden, CDFA, Retired, New York Chapter       
• Stacy Rowland, CDFA, Berger Partnership, Seattle Chapter
• Annette Scott, CDFA, Clark Nexsen, Member-at-Large
• Kurt Wong, CDFA, Studio Meng Strazzara, Seattle Chapter

ExCom Liaison:

• Anne McNeely, CDFA, Fentress Architects, Denver Chapter

 Why Should Someone Pursue Certification?

• The CDFA is a symbol of professional achievement
• The CDFA signifies your commitment to the design profession and continued proficiency in administration within the A/E/C field
• Validation of expertise in A/E/C firm administration
• Enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem
• Enhanced marketability and ability to compete in the job market
• Increased personal and professional recognition and respect
• Increased opportunities for upward mobility
• Increased level of competency to manage an A/E/C firm office
• A sense of empowerment, accomplishment, and pride
  

What Does the Certification Committee Do?

• Maintain, edit, and update the Resource Guide--laws, policies, technology, etc. all change constantly and quickly; the Resource Guide needs to be an accurate and up-to-date source of information for the design firm professional
• Attend monthly conference calls to discuss ongoing tasks
• Update the exam so applicants are being tested on the most current material
• Create, update, and maintain relevant study materials for CDFA candidates
• Create content to promote the CDFA program and encourage people to apply
• Oversee audit process to confirm compliance with the required 18 hours of CEUs
• Oversee the CDFA testing
• Answer questions from exam applicants on the CDFA-yoU forum
• And the fun part: presenting new CDFAs with their CDFA pin at EDSymposium!
  

How Do You Get Certified?

Look for more information on the SDA website under Certification or ask around in your chapter. 

How Do You Get Involved?

If you’re already certified, perhaps now is the time to mentoring someone else through the process of certification, or start a study group in your chapter or firm.  Consider joining the Certification committee to help others obtain their certification. Contact Nancy DeLoatch, CDFA or Nikki Pierce, CDFA for more information.