COMING SOON – EARN YOUR CERTIFICATE IN DESIGN FIRM OPERATIONS - FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (CDFO-FM^SM)

The CDFO-FM^SM Program allows a qualified A|E|C firm financial manager to demonstrate, through experience and coursework culminating in the examination process, a mastery of core areas of financial management...

Why CDFO-FM?

Realizing that the A|E|C industry does not currently provide accreditation in design firm financial management... SDA has designed the CDFO-FM^SM program to fill this need.

Do I Qualify?

There are four elements to the CDFO-FM certification:

• Years of experience
• Educational prerequisites
• Passing a 150-question exam
• Successful completion of the CDFO accreditation

Education and experience options:

• High School Diploma + 10 years in design industry
• Associate Degree + 5 years in design industry
• Bachelor’s/Master’s + 3 years in design industry

What’s on the Exam?

150 multiple-choice questions across seven knowledge areas:

• Principles of Accounting
• Cost Accounting & Compliance
• Payroll and HR Elements
• Practice, Project, and Risk Management
• Firm Valuation & Transition

Want More Information?

Download the CDFO-FM brochure here. Applications will be accepted in early 2026. Check back soon for more details and link to apply.