About the Exam

The exam, which takes 4 hours to complete, consists of 180 multiple-choice questions delivered in random order. The test is strictly pass/fail based on the total number of correct answers. At the present time, the computerized exam is available in English only.

Approved candidates will be sent information about scheduling the exam at one of Prometric’s testing centers in more than 70 countries. Testing must occur within 90 days of candidate acceptance.

If you need to reschedule or cancel your exam date you must contact to Prometric direclty (not IFMA).  To review Prometric's policies, click here.   If you do not cancel before their deadlines, you will be considered a “no show” and may incur additional charges to reschedule your exam.

Detailed information about the CFM Exam:

Exam Application and Fees
The CFM application should be completed only when you are ready to sit for the exam. Review the eligibility requirements and steps to certification.  If you need assistance in determining whether your education and experience fit the exam requirements, please contact credentials@ifma.org. When you are ready, proceed to the CFM Application instructions.  Application & Exam Fees: US$550.00 (member) / US$815.00 (nonmember)

Allotted time
Appointments are scheduled for 5 hours in order to provide ample time to take the tutorial, etc., but when the actual test begins, the timer will count down from 4 hours. There will be no scheduled breaks. Fifteen minutes have been added to the 3.75-hour testing period to allow examinees to take “bio breaks” as needed. Please note that the timer will continue to run.

Test structure
The CFM Exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions delivered in random order. There are no pre-set sections. Passing score is based on the total number of correct answers. Candidates may mark questions they wish to skip and return to later. In addition, at the end of the exam candidates will be alerted to any questions which have not been answered fully. If time allows, they’ll have the opportunity to return to complete those questions.

Multiple response questions
The test is composed of multiple-choice questions. Some items will ask for two correct responses to be selected and some will ask for three. These questions will clearly say “choose two” or “choose three” and you will not be allowed to choose more than the required number. At the end of the exam, examinees will be alerted and given the opportunity to return to any questions that do not have the correct number of options selected. Each question counts as one right or one wrong regardless of how many options need to be selected. In order to have a question marked correct, all correct options must be given; there is no partial score.

Example — common exam format:
What animals might you see at the zoo?
A. Lions, tigers and unicorns
B. Lions, tigers and pterodactyls
C. Bears, unicorns and lions
D. Lions, tigers and bears

Example — multiple responses:
What animals might you see at the zoo? (Choose three.)
A. Lions
B. Unicorns
C. Tigers
D. Bears
E. Pterodactyls

Exhibits
All exhibits depict a single item or symbol. There are no large drawings such as floor plans. However, in some cases, examinees will still need to scroll to the limits of the exhibit window in order to be sure they have seen the entire drawing. If the exhibit does not appear, please click inside the window area.

Calculator
There will be no calculator needed or allowed for the exam. Candidates will be provided with scratch paper and pencil.

Glossary
No glossary or other written material may be taken into the examination area.

Learn More > Frequently Asked Questions