The Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Program is a national program for professional certification of floodplain managers.  The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) manages the program, established in 1999.  The program recognizes continuing education and professional development that enhance knowledge and performance of local, state, federal, and private-sector floodplain managers.

 

The primary goal of the ASFPM CFM Program is to help reduce the nation’s flood loses and protect and enhance the natural resources and functions of its floodplains by improving the knowledge and abilities of floodplain managers in the United States.  A second goal of the CFM Program is to increase the prominence of floodplain management in decision-making by local officials and the public.

 

The professional certification program is recognized as an effective means to formalize a procedure to recognize and provide an incentive for individuals who improve their knowledge of floodplain management concepts, enhance individual professional development goals, promote an understanding of relevant subject matter that is consistent nationwide, convey new concepts and practices, and build partnerships among organizations and agencies that share the goal of advancing sound floodplain management.

 

As of February 2006, there were over 3,000 CFMs nationwide, according to ASFPM. CFM is a preferred certification for floodplain management positions as well as for firms bidding on floodplain management work.

 

VFMA provides many opportunities to gain PDH credits to maintain your CFM (and Profesional Engineer) certifcation.  Check our calendar for workshop and course offerings.

 

Who Benefits?

• Citizens living in and out of floodplains

• Flood insurance policy holders

• Fire/Police response and rescue personnel

• Tax payers who pay less disaster costs

 

Community Benefits

• Reduced community liability

• Safer development in communities

• Increase in local capability

• Reduce flood insurance premiums

• Reduce property damage

• Improved water quality

• Wise land use

• “Buy-in” by citizens

 

CFM’S Personal Benefits

• Confidence in professional knowledge

• Professional/Public recognition

• Job advancement potential

• Motivation for continued education

• Personal satisfaction

 

How to Become Certified

• Submit application

• Pay exam fee

• Pass exam 

 

• Certification good for 2 years

• Pay renewal fee

• Attend Continuing Education: Training, workshops, conferences, home study courses, web based training. 

 

• Closed book

• 3 hours

• 120 true-false and multiple choice questions

• 70% Grade is passing  What

 

“I would highly recommend the CFM Program to anyone involved in floodplain management or emergency management decisions…” Land Survey Technician, AZ 

“My whole level of understanding floodplain management and my level of confidence has changed due to the certification process…” City Planner, OR 

“I have greater credibility doing floodplain determinations due to certification…” Building Code Coordinator, OH 

 

For more information, visit ASFPM's CFM Page.