Study Materials
We’re excited to support you on your journey toward obtaining your CGFO certification. To help you prepare effectively, please review the resources below:
Core study resources
- Suggested Reading Lists (by exam):Each exam has a curated reading list that outlines authoritative materials to guide your study.
- Approximate Distribution of Exam Topics:This document explains how questions are weighted across topics for each exam. This allows you to prioritize your study time.
About the Review Course PowerPoints & Materials
I’ve had a number of inquiries about the PowerPoint materials utilized during our CGFO review courses. Those materials are currently under review by topic by the Certification Committee. That review is scheduled to be completed by January 30, 2026. Once the material review has been completed, the materials will be available to anyone who either attends a review course live (offered each year at our School of Governmental Finance) or purchases the recorded version of the review courses.
Please keep in mind that review courses and their materials are designed to cover approximately 75–80% of the exam content. They are extremely helpful for structuring your preparation and reinforcing key areas, but they are not intended to be the primary materials you use to prepare for the exams. Your foundational study should come from the suggested readings and official references noted.
Accessing materials
If you attend the Review Courses at the FGFOA School of Governmental Finance or purchasing a review course recording, you will receive the PowerPoints and session materials with your registration confirmation.
For ongoing self‑study, start with the Suggested Reading Lists and the Approximate Distribution of Exam Topics. I have included links to those files below for each exam topic.