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Becoming a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM)

How to become a CAFM › More on CAFM Certification Requirements
Exam

Upon successful completion of all 14 AFM Program courses and receipt of the AFOA Diploma in Aboriginal Financial Management, CAFM candidates are eligible to write the CAFM Professional Exam. Those applying for their CAFM designation through Special Arrangement B will also be required to write the Exam. The purpose of the Exam is to ensure that all students who receive their professional designation have the necessary knowledge base required as a professional financial manager. The Exam is comprehensive and integrative and is based on AFOA's competency standards. The Professional Exam fee is $300 plus GST.

AFOA Canada offers a three-day CAFM Examination preparation session twice a year to prepare candidates for the CAFM Exam.

For more information on writing the Exam, see Exam Schedule & Logistics and Policies.

Practical Work Experience

The purpose of the practical work experience requirement is to provide AFOA with a basis for assuring that those admitted to professional membership have the required competencies to act as Certified Aboriginal Financial Managers. Measurement of the practical work experience helps AFOA determine whether candidate members have adequate practical work experience in the application of Aboriginal financial management knowledge and skills.

The practical work experience requirement is 24 months of full time practical experience gained in an aboriginal financial management environment. The experience can be obtained in the private or public sectors of aboriginal organizations. Experience in at least 2 to 3 of the competency domains is required. The experience must be verified by two sponsors, one of which must be from an Aboriginal organization. Each sponsor must be from a separate organization.

Maintenance of Certification

As evidence of commitment to the principle of lifelong learning, all CAFMs are expected to meet Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirement. All CAFMs are required to engage in 20 hours of continuing professional education annually. The only requirement for the 20 hours is that education must be relevant to aboriginal financial management. Reporting of activity occurs at the time of annual membership renewal. The above certification process and MOC ensures that CAFMs are up-to-date on the most current aboriginal financial management issues and practices. For more see Maintenance of Certification.

Other

All new CAFMs will receive their professional certificate and be recognized at an annual convocation that is held in conjunction with the National Conference held in February of each year.

In order to maintain your CAFM designation, membership in good standing with AFOA is required as well as meeting the Maintenance of Certification requirement.