What is it and why should I have it? SFO Certification What is it and why should I have it?

What is SFO Certification? “The SFO program is the first nationally recognized certification for school business officials that provides an independent, respected assessment of core industry knowledge requirements. Its mission is to provide a pathway for career recognition by conveying real-world, practical expertise that every school business professional should possess. The purpose of the certification is to enable governing educational authorities to objectively and readily identify professionals with proven knowledge and experience in fiscal and operational school business management. Those who have earned the respected credential continue to demonstrate their professionalism and commitment to ongoing learning through recertification.”

What is it?……..in my own words: It’s an online test that challenges your knowledge on school accounting, management, and operations. Why should I get the certification? If you are a “learner” and like to challenge yourself, this is a great opportunity for you. It keeps you from becoming complacent….it isn’t a one and done deal…..you must continue learning to keep the certification. It proves your knowledge in school finance, management, and operations. The certification is a great add to your résumé. It’s that “little something extra” that can separate you from another candidate for a business official position. It’s a feather in your cap.

What is the process? 1. Meet Eligibility Requirements Master’s degree in a field related to school business + 2 years of experience. OR Bachelor’s degree in a field related to school business + 3 years of experience. Completion of an ASBO affiliate workshop that covers the SFO Exam Competencies + 3 years of experience. 7 years as a school business official, based on approval of the seasoned practitioner provision.

2.  Submit Your Online Application Create a profile in the My SFO Manager online portal. Provide education and/or experience requirements. Applicants may use their experience as a seasoned practitioner in lieu of education. Agree to terms of use and Code of Conduct. Pay the application and test fee ($550 members, $650 non-members). Wait until you receive notice that you application has been approved and an authorization to test.

3.  Take the Exam Schedule an appointment for the exam (must test within 1 year of confirmation) May want to schedule within 5 months in case you need to retake the test. Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE SFO testing center using your SFO candidate ID number found in the authorization email. OR Take your exam on site at the 2019 Annual Conference & Expo, October 25–28, in National Harbor, Maryland. Contact Certification@asbointl.org by July 26, 2019 to make arrangements for SFO on Site. Prepare for the exam using resources found the ASBOI Website. https://asbointl.org/certification/resources

4.  Maintain Your New Credential! Meet the standards for recertification every three years. Earn and document 45 contact hours. Agree to the Code of Conduct. Pay a $300 fee.

Application fees are non-refundable. Exam Fees Member Non-Member Application $150 $250 Exam $400 $400 Retesting $200 $200 Application fees are non-refundable.

Exam Format The SFO exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering accounting and school business management competencies. Candidates are presented with a question and are asked to choose the correct answer from the four options provided. Only one answer is correct. There is no penalty assessed for an incorrect answer; points are scored only for correct answers. An exam form may or may not contain pre-test items (unscored test questions), which are allotted for in the exam duration time of 3 ½ hours.

Content Outline Management of Accounting Systems 13.33% Management of Accounting Functions 26.67% Financial Planning & Analysis 15.33% Budgeting & Reporting Activities 10.67% Risk Management Activities 7.33% Management of School Facilities 7.33% Management of Information Systems 4.00% Management of Human Resource Functions 10.67% Management of Ancillary Services 4.67%

Test Center Rules Be at test center 30 minutes prior Must show two forms of ID, one with photo, both with signature No reference materials, books, papers, or personal items are allowed in the exam room No electronic devices are permitted in the assessment center (cell phones, pagers, computers) Nothing can be taken from the exam room No talking with others during the exam Scratch paper will be provided and returned to the proctor at the completion of the test No food, beverage, tobacco products or gum allowed No scheduled breaks No sharing the nature or content of the exam with others No helping others during the exam

Exam Results Notification Candidates are notified immediately of their exam results with an unofficial score report. Official report will be emailed after the exam has been audited. Pass Will be notified by email Granted a Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations certification Fail Access score report online through SFO Manager portal Report indicates how close the candidate came to passing Report includes indication of strengths and weaknesses by topic or domain Pass or fail the test as a whole – not by domain May take the exam only two times during a one-year period

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