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Posted By Jessica Berlier, CDFA,
Friday, November 5, 2021
Updated: Thursday, November 4, 2021
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CDFA Spotlight Series
SDA is committed to encouraging and supporting personal growth, and professional development of individuals working in the AEC Industry. One way SDA delivers on this commitment is 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.
Today meet Eliza Lowe, CDFA, Associate and Facility Security Officer at Pond & Company located in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Eliza shares her perspective on the power of post nominals (those letters after your name) and how having a study partner made the difference.
 Spotlight: Eliza Lowe, CDFA on the power post nominals and study partners
Eliza decided that she wanted to earn her CDFA as a way of backing up her eleven years of industry experience. "It's nice to have letters after your name when everyone else you work with does too!". A Study Guide was passed on to Eliza from another SDA member, but she was nervous that she wouldn't pass the first time, "I told myself if that happened, I would just take it again". Project Management, which Eliza was the least versed in, and the Finance sections were the most challenging. Eliza said she learned the most about Project Management while studying for the exam and especially liked using the flashcards.
Eliza commented that having a CDFA shows her supervisors and other firm leadership that she is committed to the industry and to advancing her own education. "People ask me about it and that's a good way for me to convince them to join SDA and to get their own CDFA!". Her employer was supportive of her CDFA goals and accomplishment. The company financially supported the process and Eliza says, "My boss took me out for a glass of wine after work when I passed. It's also standard practice at my company to announce publicly when people pass certification and to give them a money bonus". Eliza's number one tip for someone pursuing the CDFA designation is, "Study, study, study! And study WITH someone".
Tags:
CDFA
Certified Design Firm Administrator
Membership
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Posted By Administration,
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Updated: Tuesday, December 1, 2020
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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.
Tags:
CDFA
Certified Design Firm Administrator
SDA
SDA National
SDA National Committee
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