Master Certificate in Federal Financial Management Level II Certificate Program (Self-Paced)
IDMCFFM2.CPSP

114 CPE self-paced certificate program for financial professionals with 4 or more years experience

Further develop core financial competencies in budget formulation, execution, and decision support for federal agencies.

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This program includes

  • Project-based training from experts
  • Answers from real instructors
  • Additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class
  • Proprietary workbooks included
  • Retake for free within 1 year
  • Verified digital certificate of completion
  • Learn at an accredited institution
  • Credits: 114 CPEs

This certificate program is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Certified Federal Financial Manager - Level II.

Advance your expertise in planning and budgeting. Level II strengthens your proficiency in critical federal financial functions, including budget formulation, planning, and decision support. Designed for professionals with four or more years of verifiable experience in federal financial management, this program builds on foundational skills to support more complex financial operations. 

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Courses in this Certificate Program

This is the recommended order, but some courses may be taken in a different order.

Download Syllabus PDF

Unit 1 24 Hours

Budget Execution Course (Self-Paced)

Learn to build operating plans, monitor performance, and respond to unanticipated events throughout the budget execution process. This course covers key areas like avoiding Antideficiency Act violations and preparing for year-end closeout.

  • Developing and modifying financial plans based on execution.
  • Monitoring and analyzing budget performance metrics.
  • Managing reimbursable work and contractual agreements.
  • Responding to unanticipated events and potential Antideficiency Act violations.
  • Preparing for year-end closeout, including SF-133 reporting.

Unit 2 24 Hours

Budget Formulation Course (Self-Paced)

Develop the skills to formulate performance-based budgets by gathering data, defining outcomes, and adhering to OMB standards. This course also covers how to present and defend budgets effectively to decision-makers.

  • Understanding federal budget concepts, terminology, and processes.
  • Applying OMB Circular A-11 requirements in budget formulation.
  • Developing performance budgets aligned with strategic plans and GPRA standards.
  • Estimating personnel costs, full-time equivalents (FTEs), and other expenses.
  • Presenting, justifying, and adjusting budgets based on feedback.

Unit 3 16 Hours

Congressional Budget Process Course (Self-Paced)

Explore how Congress reviews and decides on federal agency budgets, with a focus on key processes like budget resolutions and appropriations. This course offers a thorough overview of the legislative actions that shape federal funding.

  • Describe the federal budget process and its phases.
  • Understand the roles of the House and Senate Budget Committees.
  • Explain budget resolutions, authorizations, and appropriations.
  • Explore the reconciliation and sequestration processes.
  • Identify key documents and their purposes in the budget process.
  • Analyze the impact of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

Unit 4 18 Hours

Decision Support Analytics Course (Self-Paced)

Develop skills for providing high-quality decision support using financial and performance analytics. Based on OMB methodologies, this course teaches how to evaluate agency metrics, anticipate budget decisions, and present actionable analyses to inform program management and fiscal planning. Ideal for analysts, budget staff, and performance professionals.

  • Follow a comprehensive, structured approach for conducting analysis.
  • Formulate specific, answerable questions to guide and control the analysis.
  • Determine where and in what form data exist to answer the questions. Identify and select data collection methods.
  • Identify and select data analysis methods.
  • Present the results of the analysis in a structured format to respond fully to the identified questions.
  • Apply the five-step structured analytical approach to a case.

Unit 5 24 Hours

Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) Course (Self-Paced)

Designed for budget analysts and acquisition personnel, this course walks through how strategic planning, program development, and execution operate within DoD PPBE. You'll explore key decision timelines, document flows, and stakeholder roles from planning through execution.

  • Describe the relationship between strategic planning, needs determination, PPBE, and the acquisition processes.
  • Summarize the purpose of PPBE.
  • Distinguish between the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution phases of the PPBE process.
  • Explain the roles of key officials and organizations involved in the PPBE process.
  • List the key products and documents generated and used within the PPBE process.
  • Participate more effectively in the PPBE and budget development processes.
  • Discuss the basic elements of DA budget performance and execution.
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