Getting Certified

Certification Process

Congratulations on your decision to become a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM®)!

The initial certification process includes three primary steps:

  1. Preparing for the Exam: Study the technical references curated at CFM® Exam Technical References.
  2. Registration*: Download and return a completed application package with the required payment. You can also register via ASFPM’s online portal
  3. Taking the exam: Take and pass the CFM® exam with a score of at least 84 correct answers out of 120 questions (70% or higher).

*Note: If you live in one of the following states, you must register for the CFM® exam through our Accredited Chapter programs:

Arkansas Floodplain Management Association (AFMA)

Illinois Association of Floodplain & Stormwater Management (IAFSM)

New Mexico Floodplain Managers Association (NMFMA)

North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers (NCAFPM)

Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association (OFMA)

Texas Floodplain Management Association (TFMA)

After your initial certification, you will be required to earn 16 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) during a 2-year cycle. After completing at least 16 CECs, CFMs can apply for renewal of their certification.


Certification Fee Schedule

The following fees have been established in compliance with ASFPM Policy: CFM® Fee Schedule:

 FeesDiscounted ASFPM Member Fees
Application, Processing, & Digital Exam$565$185
Digital Exam Retake Fee$85$85
Biennial Renewal Fee$500$120 ($80 early bird discount)
Late Renewal Fee$75$75
  • An applicant can become a member of ASFPM at the same time they apply for the exam
  • To be eligible for the discounted member exam or renewal rate the applicant needs to be an individual member or student (full time enrollment) member of ASFPM at the time of application and throughout the duration of the certification period. Corporate, Agency, and Chapter Partners do not make an applicant eligible for the member rate in this certification process
  • Additional fees from Meazure Learning may apply for cancellations and/or rescheduling of the exam
  • Exam eligibility lasts for 1-year from the date the application is processed. If an exam is not taken within 1-year, the application and associated fees are forfeited. After eligibility has expired, a candidate must submit a new application and fee to restart the process.
  • Fees are non-refundable
  • Note: International testing is not available in all countries. Applicants living outside the US or Canada should contact cfmexam@floods.org before applying.

Exam Overview

Individuals in the Floodplain Management profession promote the wise use of floodplains in order to minimize flood risks, reduce losses from floods, protect public health and safety, and improve the quality of life for a community. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) serves as the basis for our industry. However, the NFIP does not comprise all the aspects of floodplain management. In consultation with dozens of industry professionals, ASFPM developed the Floodplain Management Body of Knowledge that identifies a broad array of topics which floodplain managers should have strong working knowledge and competence. 

The CFM® exam was created to measure a person’s knowledge across these broad topic areas and to serve as an industry benchmark for floodplain managers to demonstrate their competence through a professional certification. The CFM® exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions and candidates have 3-hours to complete the closed book exam. The exam contains questions in the proportions shown for the following seven topic categories:


Percentage

Category
Approximate number of exam questions
20 – 25%Floodplain Mapping24 – 30
20 – 25%NFIP Regulatory Standards24 – 30
15 – 20%Regulatory Administrative Procedures18 – 24
10 – 15%Flood Insurance*12 – 18
10 – 15%Flood Hazard Mitigation12 – 18
10 – 15%Natural and Beneficial Functions12 – 18
5 – 10%Overall context of Floodplain Management6 – 12
*Note: As of 4/1/2022, the exam does NOT include any questions on Risk Rating 2.0 regulations.

Preparing for the Exam

The Certification Board of Regents (CBOR) recommends CFM® exam candidates have at least one or more of the following:

  • A minimum of two years of full-time floodplain management experience; OR 
  • A higher education degree in a related field; OR 
  • Completed the 273 Managing Floodplain Development through the National Flood Insurance Program course.

The 273 course is designed to provide basic training on NFIP minimum requirements for local officials administering floodplain management programs. While the 273 course is not an exam prep class, it does focus on the NFIP and concepts of floodplain management, maps and studies, minimum regulations, ordinance administration, and the relationship between floodplain management and flood insurance.

NOTE: The CFM® exam is a national exam. Questions are based on the minimum NFIP regulatory standards. Some states and communities may have higher regulatory standards. Keep in mind that CFM® exam questions must be answered according to the minimum NFIP regulatory standards.

CFM Exam Study Webinar: ASFPM hosts a quarterly webinar for prospective CFMs who need more information about the program and how to become certified. This is a completely free, live virtual workshop where you’ll be able to learn more about preparing for the exam as well as ask questions about the process of getting and maintaining your certification. This course is geared toward anyone who is interested in becoming a CFM, whether or not you’ve already applied to take the exam. Our next webinar will be hosted on May 2, 2024. For more information and to register click here.

Each individual taking the exam begins their journey in a unique way depending on a combination of education, work experience and previous training.  Candidates have their own study habits and test taking styles. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to exam preparation, CBOR recommends each candidate review the exam study guidance and reflect on subject areas where more study time may need to be allocated.

CFM Exam Study Course: ASFPM has developed an on-demand course that provides an overview of the process and requirements for becoming a CFM and maintaining the credential through continuing education. The purpose of the course is to help candidates better prepare for the exam by assessing current knowledge and skillset against the many floodplain management topics and concepts. Candidates will also learn what additional training and support materials are available to help close any knowledge gaps. The course is free and is hosted in our Learning Management System.

While there is no practice CFM exam, Meazure Learning does have a sample online exam whereby candidates can familiarize themselves with the Meazure Learning interface and navigation tools. A set of instructions is also provided for candidates to review prior to taking the digital exam. Previewing this information before exam day can be an effective way to reduce anxiety and is a recommended best practice for exam preparation. 

Registering for the Exam

Exam registration is easy, just follow the simple steps below.

  1. Download, complete, and submit your electronic CFM® Exam Registration with appropriate fee, OR complete the online application and submit the required fee.
  2. Receive a “Notice to Schedule” email from Meazure Learning, then select your exam type (see Digital Exam Options below) and schedule the date/time that works best for you.
  3. Receive a confirmation email from Meazure Learning with additional information about your exam.

That’s it!  If you need to reschedule or cancel your exam, Meazure Learning provides instructions for how to do this, but note that Meazure Learning may collect additional fees to reschedule or cancel your exam.

Exam Options

  • Test Center: Meazure Learning provides secure internet-based delivery of the CFM® exam at Meazure Learning’s proctored internet-based test sites in the United States and Canada.  What to Expect provides a detailed walk through of the entire registration and testing process including examination rules and a list of prohibited items.  Additional information can be found in the Candidate Instruction Sheet as well as a short video about the candidate experience.
  • Live Remote Proctored (LRP): Live remote-proctored (LRP) test administration includes a live proctor who monitors the entire examination process via web camera. With this option, candidates can take the exam from the comfort of their own home. Candidates must have a computer with a web camera and dual monitors are NOT allowed. Due to the nature of the security requirements and specific settings that need to be modified by the proctor at the time of test administration, the use of a work computer is NOT advised. Restroom breaks are not allowed. Additional information about LRP exams can be found in this document and in a short video about the candidate experience.
  • In-Person Event: the digital exam can be offered at a hosted, in-person event such as a conference or workshop. Additional lead time and logistics are required for event-based exams. Please contact cfm@floods.org if you are interested in hosting a digital exam at your event.

Taking the Exam

  • Budget your time well. Because you will have three (3) hours to complete 120 multiple choice questions, you will want to complete more than half (60) in less than half the time. This is because you will want extra time after completing the full examination to review questions you either skipped or questions you may have marked for review. Also, allow time so that every hour you can take a minute or so to relax your eyes and stretch a bit.
  • Read each question carefully, focusing on what is being asked. If you are uncertain about the answer, but nevertheless want to give a tentative response at the time, flag the exam question to indicate that you want to review the exam question and your answer if time allows. Go back to questions marked in this manner after completing the entire exam.
  • Read all options before selecting your answer. Always select the best choice.
  • Pay close attention to keywords such as “best,” “most,” “primary,” or “usually.” These words indicate that other options may at times be correct, but given the wording or situation in the exam question, you must judge which option is the best.
  • Do not overanalyze or try to “read into” a question. Questions are not written to be tricky. Do not assume additional information beyond what is given in the exam question. All information necessary to answer the question will be given in the text of the question or scenario.
  • Go through the entire exam, answering the questions you believe you know and skipping the ones you do not. Questions on the exam are not ordered by difficulty (i.e. they do not go from easiest to hardest). Leave time at the end of the examination period to go back to the questions you skipped or want to review. Remember, you should do your best to answer every question.
  • Read more about managing test anxiety.

Exam Results

Your exam results are presented to you on screen immediately after you finish the exam. You will also receive a post-exam email from Meazure Learning with instructions for how to download your score report. If you pass the exam, your certification entity (either ASFPM or your Accredited Chapter) may contact you with additional information. If you do not pass, your score report should help you focus your study efforts to retake the exam.


Exam Retakes

When you are ready to register to retake the exam, follow one of the options below:

  • If you live in one of the Accredited States, contact them to begin the exam retake process;
  • All other candidates can download, complete and return the CFM Exam Retake Application form with appropriate fee OR purchase an exam retake via the online portal.


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