Focus on: certification reimbursement policy

Air Force Comptroller, July, 2003

Did you know you may now be reimbursed for financial management related professional certifications, licenses, and related expenses from appropriated funds? As part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, Title 5 of the United States Code was amended to permit Federal agencies to reimburse civilian personnel for professional certifications and renewals. Following release of the DoD policy on 17 June 2002, Air Force policy associated with certification reimbursement was issued on 28 March 2003.

The Air Force policy authorizes agencies to pay for expenses for civilian employees to obtain and renew professional credentials, to include expenses for professional accreditation, state-imposed and professional licenses, professional certifications, and examinations to obtain such credentials. This authority is discretionary; it is not an entitlement. In addition, this authority is not retroactive; employees may not be reimbursed for certification-related expenses prior to the Air Force implementation date of 28 March 2003.

USD(C) provided FY 2003 funding to be used by Financial Management personnel throughout the Air Force. This funding is specifically for the payment of expenses to obtain professional credentials within our civilian workforce who meet the designated eligibility requirements.

Program oversight lies within the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Financial Operations, Workforce Management Division (SAF/FMPW). The commitment to reimburse certification/licensure costs must be approved in advance by SAF/FMPW, in accordance with Air Force policy. A pre-approval form will be made available for submitting requests to FMPW. An employee may not, by self-nomination, incur expenses under this authority and demand reimbursement. Payment will be made upon successful receipt of the credentials as awarded by the certifying/licensing authority. Reimbursement is subject to the availability of funds and should be accomplished through the completion of a SF 1164.

The following identifies USD(C) approved certifications and licenses. Sponsored credentials must be related to the employee's career field.

* Accredited Financial Examiner (AFE)

* Certified Cash Manager (CCM)

* Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM)

* Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

* Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

* Certified Government Audit Professional (CGAP)

* Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

* Certified Financial Manager (CFM)

* Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

* Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

* Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

* Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

* Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO)

* Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCE/A)

* Certified Cost Consultant (CCC)

For those eligible employees seeking the reimbursement of authorized certification expenses, they will be asked to submit a completed SF 1164, supporting expense receipts, as well as a copy of the awarded certificate/license, to SAF/FMPW for processing. Submission may be accomplished via mail, email, or fax. More detailed instructions will be disseminated through official financial management channels.

Questions should be directed to:

Ms Josephine Davis, DSN 227-3616, or Lt Col Terence Baugh, DSN 224-5399, or email at FMPW@pentagon.af.mil.