What are the benefits of certification?
Earning your certification has many benefits on professional and personal levels. Whether you want to strengthen your career by demonstrating your professional competencies, continue your professional development, or show your stakeholders that you have the know-how to support them, you might consider this program. And don’t forget, this certification will follow you anywhere in North America.
Where can I find detailed information about ASBO International’s SFO certification?
The
Candidate Handbook provides answers to many of your questions. It is an important document to refer to whether you are thinking of applying or already have your SFO designation.
How much does it cost to apply for the program or to take the exam?
- The application and exam fee is $550 for ASBO International members and $650 for non-members.
The certification period is three years. At the end of that time, certificants are required to recertify.
Can new school business officials become certified?
To become certified, you must meet the education and experience requirements as well as pass the exam. Review the
Earning Your SFO page for details on eligibility.
How can I prepare for the exam?
For the most part, preparing for the certification exam involves self-study. However, many applicants have joined a study prep course held by their local ASBO affiliates. Contact your affiliate executive director for more information about when the next group will begin. The
SFO Exam Guidebook should also be used as a tool to review the skills, tasks, and knowledge requirements that are covered on the test.
ASBO International offers a full-day seminar at the Annual Conference & Expo, led by SFO certificants, to help you prepare. Review the
Resources page for additional resources.
Do I have to take specific courses in order to prepare for the certification exam?
No. There are education and professional development eligibility requirements, but they are not associated with a specific organization, program, or course.
Where and when is the exam being offered?
Candidates take the exam at a computer-based testing center through
Pearson VUE.There are 300 testing sites in the United States and parts of Canada that offer the SFO exam year-round. We also offer the exam at ASBO International’s Annual Conference & Expo.
What supporting materials do I need to submit for the application and exam registration process?
Use the secure
My SFO Manager to submit your application and maintain your records. For the most part, minimal supporting documents are needed for the application and exam registration process. ASBO International may audit a percentage of applicants and expect that all supporting materials are available at that time. ASBO International expects the candidates to maintain these files throughout their certification process.
Will I have to renew my certification? If so, how often and what are the requirements?
To maintain your SFO designation, you will need to apply for recertification every three years. Refer to the
Recertification Guide for more details.
Is the Certification Commission separate from the ASBO International Board of Directors?
Yes, the Certification Commission is independent of the ASBO International Board of Directors. The Certification Commission’s purpose is to create a viable, credible, and defensible certification program. The ASBO International Board of Directors has budgetary authority over the certification program and the Certification Commission has governance authority over the certification program.
How can I get involved?
ASBO International will post announcements of various volunteer opportunities associated with the program, such as serving on the Certification Commission and on the Nominating Committee. If you are interested in volunteering,
email us or call 866.682.2729 x7071.
How often is the SFO exam updated and why?
ASBO International’s SFO program is updated every 5-6 years by undertaking a job analysis (or role-delineation study). A job analysis is an industry-wide survey that identifies the areas of work-related functions required for effective and efficient performance as a school finance administrator. It must detail and rank the knowledge and skills that are of relative importance in the profession. Exam questions are based on this analysis and it is pivotal in identifying required expertise and performance standards.
What is the benefit of a job analysis?
The challenges faced by today’s school finance administrators may be different from those of administrators serving 15, 10, or 5 years ago. Although their respective disciplines may seem similar (accounting and management functions), the educational tools, resources, available technologies, and standards of excellence will have changed. The job analysis highlights those changes so that the transfer of knowledge content stays current and meets the learning needs of an SFO.
How does this impact the school administration profession?
A study of the profession is an essential process that helps to ensure that the SFO exam content accurately reflects job-related activities and professional standards. It validates that an SFO’s current knowledge, skills, and tasks are appropriately assessed and maintained, and that their skills are in sync with the needs of the current and future workforce.