Please fill out required fields and upload attachments to the system. Please review program rules before submission (download pdf.) Essays must be submitted using this web based form. Essays may be submitted by a chapter representative or by the author directly.

Authors must choose to write on the current topic questions:

SDFM’s Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) program is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, with more than 14,000 defense financial management personnel having achieved certification. In addition to the basic certification, there is also the CDFM-A, an advanced level of certification for acquisition professionals, and SDFM will soon roll out the CDFM-H certification for the defense healthcare community. Choose one of the following questions on which to write:

1.       Transport yourself to 2050 and describe the state of the CDFM program. At minimum, identify and describe the changes to testing, training and specialty areas (beyond CDFM-A and -H) the SDFM implemented in the intervening 25 years.

2.      Fast forward your career to 2050 and describe how the CDFM program and other career development initiatives supported you in obtaining your career goals.

2025 - Essay Contest Rules