Credentialing Exam Registration FAQ
Q:When will the exam be given?
A:The CDM exam will be administered during an eight day window in March and October.
Q:What is the test format?
A:The exams are computer based, or taken on a computer. You will be checking in to the test center by the proctor, and given scratch paper and a pencil for notes.
Q:How long is the test?
A:There are 200 multiple choice questions. You will have four hours to complete the test.
Q:How do I apply for special accommodations?
A:You will continue to send your request and documentation to ANFP. After they approve the accommodation, they will forward it on and you will be instructed on how to schedule a testing appointment.
Q:Where will I go to take the exam?
A:The exam will be administered by a professional testing company, which has over 250 sites in the United States.
Q:How will I know when I am supposed to take the test?
A:You will receive an e-mail approximately three weeks before your chosen testing window. Check your spam folder if you have not received it when anticipated. This e-mail is your invitation to schedule your testing appointment.
Q:Will I receive confirmation of my appointment?
A:Yes, another e-mail will be generated shortly after you schedule your appointment. This e-mail will include directions to the test center and information on what you need to bring with you.
Q:What do I do if I need to reschedule my appointment?
A:You may go to the same site where you scheduled your appointment. You must reschedule 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
Q:What do I bring with me to the test?
A:You will need the printed e-mail from the testing company confirming your registration, a non-expired government issued photo ID (for example, a state driver’s license or passport), and a battery-operated calculator with no print device.
Q:If the test is four hours, why is my appointment longer?
A:You are required to report to your assigned test site at least 30 minutes before your appointment time for the check-in process. It is a good idea to plan on arriving even earlier so you can find a parking place and begin the test relaxed. If you are more than 15 minutes late, it is possible that you will not be allowed to test.
Q:What will it be like at the test center?
A:Test centers may have multiple testing workstations in one room; all tests are proctored and recorded. There may be other examinees in the room taking different tests.
Q:What will I do with my personal belongings during the test?
A:The test center provides secured storage for your personal belongings. You will not be able to access these during the test, including your cell phone. You should bring a battery-operated calculator with no print device.
Q:Do I have to wait until everyone is seated before I start my test?
A:No, computer based tests are independently timed.
Q:When will I find out if I have passed?
A:You will receive preliminary results when you finish taking your exam. You will receive your official test results via email notification within four to six weeks after you take the exam. No exam results will be given verbally, via fax, or electronically. ANFP will mail information about the CDM, CFPP certification program to all who pass the test.
Q:Why is the score I receive when I finish my test preliminary, or unofficial?
A:We don’t expect there to be any changes from the original score reports. However, in the event that a testing irregularity, such as a technical or security issue occurring during testing, we reserve the right to be able to review all test records. It is unlikely that there would be a need for any score changes, but examinees will need to obtain the final and official scores by going to the online site.

