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

To keep your certification in good standing, please upload proof of attendance for all continuing education activities to your Professional Development Journal (found in your member profile).

Accepted documentation should clearly verify that you attended the program—such as a certificate of attendance or completion. Materials like program flyers or calendar invites on their own are not sufficient, as they do not confirm participation.

Need help uploading your documentation? Watch this quick walkthrough here.

Continuing education is tracked on a calendar-year basis (January–December). Submissions are subject to random audit, which typically takes place in February of the following year. If selected for audit, you will be required to submit your Professional Development Transcript.

You can access your transcript within your Professional Development Journal in your member profile. Simply select the appropriate date range, view your transcript, and download it as a PDF for 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.