Government Finance Officers Association

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), founded in 1906, represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada. The association's more than 20,000 members are federal, state/provincial, and local finance officials deeply involved in planning, financing, and implementing thousands of governmental operations in each of their jurisdictions. GFOA's mission is to advance excellence in public finance.

The CPFO Program is designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions in state and local governments by enhancing fundamental skills and increasing knowledge of best practices and standards in public finance. Individuals will also be equipped to participate in decision-making efforts related to their government and community and lead projects and professionals in a substantive and significant manner.

The CPFO Program supports the core beliefs of GFOA, including ethics, leadership, and competencies in various finance matters. It recognizes members who have made the commitment to both obtain necessary knowledge and skills and remain current with industry best practices. The program will encourage ongoing participation in and knowledge of GFOA’s resources, including best practices, publications, training, conferences, member networking groups, and partnerships with other organizations to prepare members to better serve their governments and communities. Candidates must pass a series of seven examinations to earn the CPFO designation.

For more details about the program, please go to the GFOA's Certified Public Finance Officer Program website.

If you have questions about the CPFO program, please email GFOA staff at certification@gfoa.org.

Scheduling an exam appointment

If you have already received an eligibility letter from GFOA for the CPFO Program, you can register with Pearson and schedule a testing appointment at a test center or at home with OnVUE online testing.