OPTIONAL MODULE 4 – ACQUISITION

ASMC is pleased to announce that an optional fourth module of the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) exam is now available. This optional module deals with the rules governing acquisition of major defense systems. Candidates enrolled in the CDFM Program will take the basic three modules and become CDFM, and those who elect to take and then pass the optional fourth module examination will become “CDFM with Acquisition Specialty”.

WHY BECOME "CDFM WITH ACQUISITION SPECIALTY"

We believe CDFMs should take the fourth module because passing it:

· Provides objective evidence of knowledge of defense acquisition rules and regulations, which will be highly useful if financial managers are assuming acquisition jobs

· Demonstrates depth of knowledge that will help in winning promotions and jobs

· Offers personal satisfaction by demonstrating knowledge of key information important in financial management

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THIS TEST

ASMC has created a one-day course that will help you prepare for the Module 4 exam. The course, taught by a former professor at the Defense Acquisition University, is available periodically as an "open enrollment" opportunity. However, if your command or base/installation would like to arrange for a special local presentation of the course please contact Ms. Claudia Carr – carr@asmconline.org.

You may also study on your own using the addendum to the CDFM textbook that is now available. To purchase a copy of this addendum, which we will sell for $15, send your request to ASMC (ATTN: Textbook Sales, 415 North Alfred St. Suite 3, Alexandria, VA 22314) with your payment and full mailing address. If using a credit card you may send your request via email, with the subject line “ACQUISITION MODULE TEXTBOOK,” to AcqModule@asmconline.org or via fax at 703-549-3181. Be sure to include your credit card number, expiration date and your complete postal mailing address.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This class gives a concise overview of the Defense Acquisition System following the format and content of the Defense Acquisition Guidebook. Using the ASMC's Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course Module 4 textbook addendum (Acquisition Business Management), the class will prepare the student for the Certified Defense Financial Manager Module 4 examination. The topics covered include:

1. Goals, Strategy and the three Major DoD Decision Support Systems.
2. Systems Engineering.
3. Resource Management.
4. Life Cycle Logistics.
5. Human Systems Integration.
6. Acquiring Information Technology.
7. Technology Protection.
8. Test and Evaluation.
9. Decisions, Assessments and Reports.
10. Special Management Activities (Emphasis on Earned Value Management).

The class is offered in a one or a one and one-half day version, and is taught in a traditional classroom lecture/conference style.

ENROLLMENT AND TAKING THE TEST

You must contact the ASMC to extend your eligibility for Module 4 examination. All you need to do is send an email with the title “ACQUISITION ENROLLMENT” to AcqModule@asmconline.org and include your name and certificate number. Once your enrollment is reactivated you will be notified via email and you can take the Module 4 test at any authorized testing site for the current test fee of $95 per examination. If you pass and receive a letter of confirmation from us, you are eligible to refer to yourself as a “CDFM with Acquisition Specialty.” Exercising your option to take the Module 4 exam will not jeopardize your status as a CDFM.

Those who pass and want a revised certificate indicating their new specialty will be required to pay a fee of $40 to cover the costs of the new certificate. If you pass the module and want a new certificate, send an email titled “NEW CERTIFICATE REQUEST” to AcqModule@asmconline.org and include your name (as you wish it to appear on the certificate), full mailing address and credit card information.

Individuals currently enrolled and taking the basic CDFM tests, and future enrollees, will automatically be eligible to take this optional fourth module examination. For the moment there is no change in the enrollment fee. However, if an individual wishes to take the fourth module he or she must let us know so that we may authorize the module for your purchase and also hold your CDFM certificate until all four modules have been completed.

Questions? Send us an email titled “QUESTION” to AcqModule@asmconline.org.