FoxExams
USA
Certified Government Financial Manager Examination
600 questions
Session complete
Keep going in the FoxExams app for adaptive practice, mocks, and Ask Fox.
See you tomorrow
About this exam
The Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional credential offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). Its examinations assess knowledge relevant to financial management in federal, state, and local government, making the credential useful to professionals working in budgeting, accounting, auditing, and related public-sector roles. The CGFM is not limited to one job title or level of government; it tests whether candidates understand the principles and practices needed to manage public resources and support accountable government operations.
The CGFM examination program has three separate exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting, and Financial Management and Control. Together, they cover topics such as governmental fund structures, financial reporting and annual comprehensive financial reports (ACFRs), budget formulation and execution, internal controls, and government revenue recognition and collection. Preparation is broader than memorizing accounting terms: candidates should understand how rules apply in public-sector settings and how financial processes connect. Review the current AGA exam content outlines and candidate guidance, since exam details can change.
How to prepare for the CGFM exams
- Use the current AGA content outlines to organize study by exam. Review governmental accounting principles, fund structures, financial statements and ACFRs, budget processes, and revenue recognition and collection.
- Study concepts in context: compare how government reporting and budgeting work across the areas covered by the exam, and keep notes on terms or rules that are easy to confuse.
- Build in timed multiple-choice practice, then review the reasoning behind missed answers. Check the AGA candidate handbook and official exam resources for current format and topic guidance.
FAQ
Who is eligible for the CGFM certification?
AGA's certification requirements generally include a bachelor's degree, two years of professional-level government financial management experience, passing all three CGFM exams, and agreeing to AGA's ethics requirements. Check AGA's current guidance for the exact requirements and whether you may take exams before completing the experience requirement.
How many exams are in the CGFM program, and what is their format?
The CGFM program has three separate exams: Governmental Environment, Governmental Accounting, and Financial Management and Control. They use multiple-choice questions. Consult the current AGA candidate handbook for details about exam delivery and administration.
What subjects should I study for the CGFM exams?
Study the topics in AGA's current exam outlines, including the governmental environment, fund accounting, financial reporting and ACFRs, budget formulation and execution, and financial management and control. Use practice questions to identify gaps, but make sure you understand the underlying concepts rather than relying only on memorization.