Digital CFM Credentials … Coming Soon!
Have you ever wished that you could instantly and securely prove your floodplain management expertise to a potential employer or client? Soon, you can. ASFPM is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Accredible as our digital credentialing provider to begin issuing digital badges to all Certified Floodplain Managers. The rollout plan is to issue badges to all current CFMs before the end of November 2025. New CFMs will receive their badges automatically once they become certified. Badges will look the same for all CFMs regardless of whether the certification is administered by ASFPM or one of the Accredited Chapters.
“Today’s professionals, particularly younger professionals, value the ability to highlight their work achievements online,” said Louie Greenwell, ASFPM’s Certification, Training and Technology Director. “Digital badges make that possible in a way that’s secure, easy to share, and visually engaging. It’s also another step in making the CFM program more efficient — much like our transition to a digital exam a few years ago.”
Enhanced visibility and verification
The benefit for CFMs is that they can now proudly display their CFM credentials in their email signature as well as online via social media such as LinkedIn. Instructions for how to share the credentials will be provided in the forthcoming email to badge recipients. The badge also comes with a personal verification page that confirms your credential’s active status and summarizes the qualifications and requirements necessary to obtain the CFM credential.
A benefit for employers and hiring managers is that they now have a quick, accurate way to verify a potential job applicant’s credentials. They will see when the credential was earned and if it is still active — all with one click.
The new digital credentials will be accompanied by electronic certificates with a QR code that can be scanned for verification purposes. This new technology is expected to further reduce ASFPM’s carbon footprint through a reduction in printed certificates, paper envelopes, and postage/handling. An additional benefit for ASFPM is that we can update someone’s certification status and instantly propagate that change to all locations where the credential has been shared (see examples below).
Future opportunities with digital credentials
Having access to a digital credential platform will also allow ASFPM to explore offering microcredentials for more advanced floodplain management sub-disciplines, such as mapping, mitigation, and floodproofing. It will even allow us to award the now-famous milestone pins (e.g. 20, 25-year CFMs) electronically in addition to the physical pins. Furthermore, we have the ability to provide professional development to floodplain managers who are seeking to build competencies in the areas of team management, project management, leadership development, and similar topics.
Watch your email inbox for more news about this exciting development.
CFM Program Coordination – The End of an Era
For more than two decades, Anita Larson has been the steady hand behind ASFPM’s Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Program, ensuring its integrity and success. Anita recently announced her plans to retire in 2026 and while we’ll share much more about her incredible contributions in a future article (hint: there are many!), ASFPM is now seeking the next person to carry this important work forward.
We’re looking for a professional who can help lead the nation’s floodplain management certification program into its next chapter. Ideally, candidates will have subject matter expertise in floodplain management and either hold, or be able to earn, the CFM designation within one year of employment.
The full position description can be found in the ASFPM Career Center.
