Since the first exam in 2004, the Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation continues to demonstrate the highest standard for construction financial professionals (CFPs). In addition, technology also continues to play a major role in the preparation, distribution, and delivery of the exam. Here is a summary of my recent conversations about certification with two veteran members of CFMA’s Dallas/Ft. Worth Chapter.

Exam Preparation: Past & Present

Marc Alloju, who holds certificate #4, sat for the very first CCIFP exam. At that time, no one really knew what to expect or what to study. Marc prepared for the exam by reading Financial Management & Accounting for the Construction Industry (“The Book”).

Bob Moulder, CFMA’s 2008 Joe Quigley Memorial Chapter Award recipient and namesake of Dallas/Ft. Worth’s Bob Moulder Chapter Member of the Year Award, was a pioneer on exam preparation and instrumental to the exam’s growth. Understanding the value of certification, he developed a passion for exam preparation. To help prepare candidates for the exam, he coordinated biannual review sessions held at a local contractor’s office. These sessions were taught by industry subject matter experts (SMEs) to help strengthen candidates’ knowledge in domain areas where improvement was needed.

Preparation is as important as ever but is more accessible now than in 2004. “The Book” is electronic, making it easier to search and study anywhere. Recently, collaborative online study groups have been moderated by SMEs, connecting CFPs across the country. CFMA also began offering a robust review guide and notecards.