CFM Exam Preparation Course

Prepare to take the CFM exam, administered by the Association of State Floodplain Managers, with a virtual instructor-led training this fall.

Ready to prepare for your CFM exam?

VFMA invites members to register for a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Training this fall. This course is designed as a virtual instructor-led training that will prepare participants to take the CFM exam administered by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.

Training Eligibility

This course is available to all current VFMA members. Non members who would like to participate in the training can join VFMA for the 2026 calendar year for $55. As a member you will gain access to this course along with additional training and professional development opportunities this fall.

Become a Member

Training Schedule

This training will be hosted on Microsoft Teams and includes approximately 12 hours of live virtual sessions over four consecutive weeks. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from September 23 to October 14. Instruction time will be split into four one-hour lunch sessions, and four two-hour evening sessions on consecutive Wednesdays. The sessions offer a comprehensive and thorough review of the CFM exam subject material. Content for each session will be unique, and participants are encouraged to attend all sessions. Sessions may be recorded.

Date	Topics Covered
September 23	Lunch (12-1 PM): CFM Exam Overview Evening (6-8 PM): Floods & Floodplain Management, NFIP, Studies & Maps
September 30	Lunch (12-1 PM): Flood Insurance Study & Flood Insurance Rate Map Evening (6-8 PM): Floodplain Management Requirements
October 7	Lunch (12-1 PM): Letters of Map Change Evening (6-8 PM): Regulatory Measures & Ordinance Administration
October 14	Lunch (12-1 PM): Elevation Certificates Evening (6-8 PM): Substantial Improvement & Substantial Damage, Flood Insurance & Floodplain Management, Disaster Operations & Hazard Mitigation

Important: This training is intended solely as a study aid to assist individuals preparing for the CFM exam. Participation in this training does not guarantee a passing score on the exam, certification, or any other outcome. Attendees are responsible for their own exam preparation and are strongly encouraged to supplement this training with independent study of the current CFM Exam Resources, FEMA publications, applicable regulations, and other relevant reference materials. The Virginia Floodplain Management Association (VFMA), its instructors, officers, directors, and volunteers assume no responsibility or liability for an attendee's exam results or certification status.

Meet Your Instructor

Phil Hipley, CFM

Phil has 4 decades of experience with FEMA’s flood hazard mapping program and he is very knowledgeable with FEMA’s guidelines and standards, having worked almost exclusively on FEMA-related contracts and projects, including FEMA IDIQ contracts, the Risk MAP Program, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and the Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) Program. Phil has proctored several CFM exams and has provided a training overview focused on FEMA’s Floodplain Management Requirements – A Study Guide and Desk Reference for Local Officials. He has been a CFM since 2006 and has maintained his certification through continuing education, workshop participation, and conference attendance.

Other Resources

What is the CFM Certification Program

Getting CFM Certified

CFM Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a VFMA member?

Yes. Non-members may join VFMA and then register for the course.

Is this course recorded?

Sessions may be recorded.

Is this course required to take the CFM exam?

No. This course is simply a study aid designed to help candidates prepare.

Does participation guarantee passing the exam?

No. Participation does not guarantee certification or exam success.

CONTACT US

P.O. Box 1726

Richmond, VA, 23218

vafloodplain@gmail.com