CPFO Enrollment Scholarship
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) provides the Certified Public Finance Officers (CPFO) program to verify knowledge in the disciplines of government finance. The program began in 1997 with a format that included five exams covering different disciplines of public finance. Changes to the program were introduced in 2020 with the goal of making it more accessible. To support Finance Professionals in the field, GFOA has provided each state association with two scholarships to attend training. The CPFO Program is designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions by enhancing fundamental skills and increasing knowledge of best practices and standards in public finance.
CPFO Scholarship Application
2025 Application Period November 1 - January 15
Submit your completed application linked above by e-mail to [email protected] or mail to PO Box 1652, Montpelier, VT 05601
To earn the designation of Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), candidates must pass a series of seven examinations covering the major public finance disciplines.
This is a self-study program that requires the following examinations:
• Accounting and Financial Reporting
• Treasury and Investment Management
• Debt Management
• Planning and Budgeting
• Compensation and Benefits
• Procurement
• Risk Assessment
For more information about the CPFO program, please contact Eric Roach.
CPFO Scholarship Application
2025 Application Period November 1 - January 15
Submit your completed application linked above by e-mail to [email protected] or mail to PO Box 1652, Montpelier, VT 05601
To earn the designation of Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), candidates must pass a series of seven examinations covering the major public finance disciplines.
This is a self-study program that requires the following examinations:
• Accounting and Financial Reporting
• Treasury and Investment Management
• Debt Management
• Planning and Budgeting
• Compensation and Benefits
• Procurement
• Risk Assessment
For more information about the CPFO program, please contact Eric Roach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the VTGFOA Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) enrollment scholarship?
The scholarship is available to active VTGFOA and national GFOA members who are not currently enrolled in the CPFO program.
Do I need to be a GFOA member?
Yes. To enroll in the CPFO program and earn the CPFO designation, an active GFOA membership is required.
Can I apply for the VTGFOA CPFO scholarship and other CPFO scholarships (offered through state GFOA chapters or other GFOA networking groups)?
You may apply for multiple scholarships. However, only one scholarship will be awarded. For example, if you received a CPFO scholarship through GFOA’s Black Caucus, you will not receive a scholarship through the VTGFOA.
How many VTGFOA CPFO scholarships will be awarded?
VTGFOA will award up to two scholarships per year.
What is the timeline for the VTGFOA CPFO scholarship process?
November - January
Application period will open for submissions.
February
Completed applications will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee.
March
Board will approve scholarship awards.
Notifications will be sent to all applicants.
Submission of award recipients to the GFOA.
What does the CPFO scholarship cover?
The scholarship will cover the $1,200 fee for two years of participation in the CPFO program. It includes ten exam attempts and access to a CPFO Exam Prep product with over twenty recorded seminars. A CPFO scholarship recipient who does not finish the program within two years will need to pay $600 per year until they pass all of the exams. A candidate is allowed a maximum of five years to complete the program.
Who is eligible for the VTGFOA Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) enrollment scholarship?
The scholarship is available to active VTGFOA and national GFOA members who are not currently enrolled in the CPFO program.
Do I need to be a GFOA member?
Yes. To enroll in the CPFO program and earn the CPFO designation, an active GFOA membership is required.
Can I apply for the VTGFOA CPFO scholarship and other CPFO scholarships (offered through state GFOA chapters or other GFOA networking groups)?
You may apply for multiple scholarships. However, only one scholarship will be awarded. For example, if you received a CPFO scholarship through GFOA’s Black Caucus, you will not receive a scholarship through the VTGFOA.
How many VTGFOA CPFO scholarships will be awarded?
VTGFOA will award up to two scholarships per year.
What is the timeline for the VTGFOA CPFO scholarship process?
November - January
Application period will open for submissions.
February
Completed applications will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee.
March
Board will approve scholarship awards.
Notifications will be sent to all applicants.
Submission of award recipients to the GFOA.
What does the CPFO scholarship cover?
The scholarship will cover the $1,200 fee for two years of participation in the CPFO program. It includes ten exam attempts and access to a CPFO Exam Prep product with over twenty recorded seminars. A CPFO scholarship recipient who does not finish the program within two years will need to pay $600 per year until they pass all of the exams. A candidate is allowed a maximum of five years to complete the program.