SDA is committed to encouraging and supporting the personal growth, and professional development of individuals working in the AEC Industry. One way SDA delivers on this commitment is by offering the CDFA credential. Reaching CDFA status includes passing an exam that covers five core areas of the AEC Industry business: project management, marketing, finance, office administration, and human resources.  SDA's Certification Committee works diligently to provide study materials and resources that will aid in preparing for the exam. However, it still takes commitment and effort on the part of each individual. To acknowledge those who have reached CDFA status, and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps, the Certification Committee is pleased to spotlight these accomplished individuals.

CDFA Spotlight - Joseph Ferdin, CDFA

Joseph Ferdin is Office Manager with MP Landscape Architecture, LLC located in San Antonio, TX. He has been an SDA member since February 2019.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

Working within a Landscape Architecture firm, I wanted to gain the trust of our staff. I felt earning a CDFA designation would be a sign to them I was willing to put in the work to learn my position and the design industry.

Did you have any concerns, or fears, about taking the exam?

I graduated from college back in 2016, so I hadn't studied for anything major in four years. I remembered my study techniques from college and applied them once again for the CDFA exam. It was like riding a bike; all my study habits came back to me.

What study tools did you find most useful?

 I find that summarizing each paragraph as I read, with a quick sentence, helps me to remember. I also like to do a lot of study questions.

Did you learn anything new, or surprising, while preparing for the exam?

I would say every section had something new I did not know.

What section of the exam was the most difficult for you?

I found the Project Management section a little more difficult than the other sections. I'd also like to note that I scored lower than I thought I would in the Office Admin section. I might have been over-confident when studying thinking, "This is what we do every day, so I'll focus on the other sections". I recommend treating each section with the same amount of diligence.

Did you have a CDFA mentor help you with the material?

Not a mentor, but a study group I participated with nationally. The study group was led by Deborah Gill who did a superb job in our weekly study sessions. My local San Antonio chapter also gave guidance and shared study materials as well (i.e. flashcards, study questions, etc).

What role, if any, has your CDFA played in advancing your professional or personal development, growth, network, or career?

Joining SDA, and now having my CDFA, I now have access to an unlimited amount of sources from people locally, and nationally, within the same industry. I can ask questions and trust I'm given the proper guidance.

What is your top tip to someone considering the pursuit of a CDFA designation?

Make sure to give yourself time to study. Everyone's time is valuable and if you have made the decision to pursue your CDFA then give it your all!

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

A sense of accomplishment. I enjoy the designation with my signature block and receiving emails from others who have it as well.