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?
There are three sets of fees associated with SFO certification: application, exam, and renewal.
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The application fee is $150 for ASBO International members and $225 for non-members.
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The exam fees are $195 for Part 1: Accounting and $295 for Part 2: School Business Management.
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Once certified, the SFO annual renewal fee is $125, due when the renewal application is submitted.
The certification period is for three years. At the end of that time, certificants are required to submit a recertification application; no additional fees are collected.
Can new school business officials become certified?
Generally, new school business officials may apply to the SFO and take Exam Part 1: Accounting. However, there are prerequisite qualifications for Exam Part 2: School Business Management. To become certified, you must meet the education and experience requirements as well as pass both parts of 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 exams 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.
ASBO International offers a full-day seminar at the Annual Meeting & 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.
What supporting materials do I need to submit for the application and exam registration process?
Use the secure
SFO Credential Management System 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 will audit a percentage of applicants and expect that all supporting materials are available at that time. ASBO 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 renew your certification annually and apply for recertification every three years. Refer to the
Candidate Handbook 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.