SDFM Launches New CDFM-H Credential to Strengthen Defense Healthcare Financial Management

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Society of Defense Financial Management (SDFM) is proud to announce the launch of the Certified Defense Financial Manager – Healthcare (CDFM-H™), a new specialty credential within the widely respected Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM^®) program. Developed in partnership with the Defense Health Agency (DHA), the CDFM-H demonstrates advanced knowledge and strategic leadership in managing financial operations in defense healthcare environments. It goes beyond the core CDFM by validating critical competencies specific to healthcare financial management.

This specialty certification is designed for leaders and professionals who work in or support the Military Health System (MHS), including those at DHA, military treatment facilities (MTFs), as well as those supporting healthcare operations at federal agencies such as the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and others with significant healthcare missions.

The CDFM-H demonstrates critical knowledge across budgeting, strategic planning, oversight, and operational finance specific to the complex landscape of defense healthcare.

“As the defense healthcare enterprise grows in complexity and cost, so too must our capabilities in managing its resources,” said Rich Brady, CEO of SDFM. “The CDFM-H was developed in direct response to this need—to ensure our professionals have the skills and validation necessary to lead with confidence and accountability.”

A Credential Built for the Mission

The CDFM-H addresses a growing demand for agile, well-trained professionals who can navigate the financial challenges unique to the military and veteran healthcare system. It builds on the core competencies of the CDFM certification and affirms a candidate’s ability to lead across four key domains:

• Strategic Planning
• Management Controls
• Operational Tasks
• CFO Leadership

SDFM developed the exam with input from subject matter experts across the Department of Defense and healthcare sectors. The CDFM-H serves as a powerful tool for organizations looking to build a more qualified, mission-ready workforce and for individuals seeking to elevate their careers through specialized credentialing.

Who Should Apply

The CDFM-H is ideal for:

• Financial managers and analysts in DHA, MTFs, VHA, and supporting agencies
• CDFM or Certified Defense Financial Manager – Acquisition (CDFM-A™) holders seeking to demonstrate deeper healthcare finance expertise
• Professionals supporting healthcare operations in the DoD, VA, DHS, or Indian Health Service
• Budget and program analysts supporting the Military Health System

Certification Process

To qualify for the CDFM-H, candidates must already hold the CDFM or CDFM-A certification. The CDFM-H exam includes 90 multiple-choice questions across the four core domains.  The pilot version of the exam is cost free and will only be offered to current CDFM and CDFM-A holders beginning May 28, 2025. Once the pilot concludes and the passing standard is established, the CDFM-H will be available year-round through SDFM.

“This certification is a significant inflection point in healthcare finance profession.  It’s a strategic investment in the future of our healthcare financial leaders, CDFM-H strengthens the profession, the system, and ultimately, the mission of national security,” said Colonel John W. Lee, Deputy to the Assistant Director of Resources and Personnel, DHA

Learn More

For full details on the CDFM-H specialty credential—including eligibility, exam preparation resources, and registration—visit sdfm.org/cdfm/cdfm-h/ or contact certification@sdfm.org.

About SDFM
The Society of Defense Financial Management (SDFM) is the leading association for professionals in defense financial management. SDFM offers training, certifications, and community dedicated to advancing excellence and accountability in support of national security. Its premier credential, the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM), has been awarded to over 14,000 professionals since its inception.

Advancing the Mission of National Security.

For additional information, contact Charles McEntee, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at SDFM, at mcentee@sdfm.org.

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SOURCE Society of Defense Financial Management