The Professional Certification Board of AGA: Safeguarding Excellence in Government Financial Management

The Association of Government Accountants (AGA) stands as the leading membership association for government financial management professionals, providing training, certification, and resources to advance accountability across federal, state, and local governments. Since its founding in 1950, AGA has empowered thousands of financial professionals, helping them build skills and advance their careers. At the heart of AGA’s certification mission lies the Professional Certification Board (PCB)—a dedicated body that safeguards the integrity, relevance, and value of the Certified Government Financial Manager® (CGFM®) designation.

Origins and Purpose

The journey toward professional certification in government financial management began decades ago. Since the early 1960s, AGA members had debated the merits of a certification program for government accountants. In 1994, AGA launched the CGFM certification, a groundbreaking credential that recognizes expertise in government financial management across all levels of government. Today, the CGFM has become the preferred professional designation in the field, and the PCB serves as its guardian and steward. Buy fake certificate online.

The PCB’s primary purpose is to oversee AGA’s CGFM program. Through AGA’s Office of Professional Certification, the board carries out all aspects of the CGFM program—from establishing qualification standards to maintaining examination currency. By advancing the CGFM as a recognized mark of excellence, the PCB helps strengthen financial accountability and professionalism in government.

Key Responsibilities

The PCB’s responsibilities are comprehensive and far-reaching. The board establishes, maintains, and interprets the CGFM program’s qualification standards. It oversees the updates of CGFM examinations, ensuring the maintenance and currency of the common body of knowledge. The board establishes overall CGFM examination policies and procedures, sets criteria for proper degree documentation, and establishes continuing professional education (CPE) requirements and guidance.

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Beyond examination and eligibility matters, the PCB reviews and guides policies and strategies for program growth. It provides input to AGA staff in the development and maintenance of CGFM training courses and materials. The board also monitors professional trends to ensure CGFM holders remain current and competitive, and it advises on outreach strategies to grow the CGFM candidate pool. Supporting program visibility through partnerships, events, and stakeholder engagement is another critical function.

The PCB also holds disciplinary authority. In cases of ethical violations, the board has the power to revoke CGFM certification—a responsibility that underscores its commitment to maintaining the credential’s credibility and trustworthiness.

Board Structure and Governance

The PCB consists of nine voting members, including a chair and vice chair. All board members must hold the CGFM designation themselves. The National President recommends individuals for chair, vice chair, and member positions to the National Governing Board for approval. Board members serve three-year terms and may be reappointed for one additional consecutive term. The chair and vice chair serve one-year terms with the possibility of reappointment. In addition to the nine voting members, AGA’s CEO and the director of professional certification serve as nonvoting ex-officio members.

The board meets several times a year via video conference, with additional meetings as needed. All decisions require majority approval, and the chair ensures that board actions support AGA’s mission and strategic goals.

The CGFM Credential: A Mark of Excellence

The CGFM certification awarded by AGA demonstrates competency in governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal controls, and budgeting at the federal, state, and local levels. Candidates must pass three rigorous examinations: Governmental Environment; Governmental Accounting, Financial Reporting and Budgeting; and Governmental Financial Management and Control. They must also have at least two years of professional-level experience in government financial management and adhere to AGA’s Code of Ethics.

Why It Matters

As the premier certification for government financial managers, the CGFM plays a vital role in ensuring competent, ethical, and forward-looking financial leadership in the public sector. The PCB protects the credibility of this credential and its value to both the public sector and the professionals who hold it. Through its strategic oversight, the PCB ensures that the CGFM program meets the evolving needs of the government financial management profession. In doing so, it helps build public trust in government financial accountability—a mission that has defined AGA for over seven decades and will continue to guide its work for generations to come.