Certification Renewal at SDA

The SDA Certification Renewal process begins January 1 each year and reflects SDA’s commitment to ongoing professional development through continuing education.

Renewal is annual. Requirements are outlined below. These renewal requirements apply to SDA certification holders, including CDFO and legacy CDFA holders.

Annual Renewal Requirements

To maintain your certification designation, you must:

• Earn 18 continuing education points annually
  (1 point = 1 hour)
  Hours may be earned in any combination across SDA’s six focus areas.

• Maintain SDA membership in good standing
  Active membership is required (no delinquent dues).

• Pay the annual renewal fee
  The renewal fee is $50 (effective January 1, 2025) and is due when you pay your annual dues.

Documentation and Audits

You should save certificates of attendance and/or program flyers for the programs you complete. These do not need to be submitted unless you are selected for audit.

An attendance record may be used for your own tracking purposes.

All continuing education submissions are subject to audit for up to three years after submission.

Continuing Education Expectations

Certified individuals who have not attained Emeritus status remain subject to annual continuing education requirements until retirement or achievement of Emeritus status.

Failure to complete the required continuing education may result in loss of permission to use the certification designation.

Questions?

Visit the Certification Renewal FAQs for additional details and common questions.