Reliability And Validity Assessment

One of the hallmarks of our program is the National CFM® Certification Program and Exam Reliability & Validity Process, as performed by the Ohio State University.One of the hallmarks of our program is the National CFM Certification Program and Exam Reliability & Validity Process. This was a contract, exceeding a $100,000 investment in the program to undertake a three-part process is evaluating the existing program and exam. The assessment was done to ensure the program and exam were properly targeting essential knowledge areas in current practice, constructed following best practices, and managed to ensure continued credibility and sustainability. It is important to note that this is the same process used by accredited certification programs to ensure quality in their programs and exams, however, ASFPM did not choose to pursue accreditation due to the rigor required, the further financial investment, and the changing landscape of our profession.In July 2009 ASFPM conducted a Floodplain Management Practice Analysis. A group of 10-12 SMEs from all levels of government, private industry, diverse geographical locales, arid, riverine and coastal areas compiled a comprehensive list of tasks and duties currently in practice in the field. The product of this meeting was the DACUM Chart. The DACUM Chart was used to develop a subsequent survey which was distributed to all ASFPM members (both CFMs and non-CFMs) to validate the practice analysis. The CBOR also used the DACUM Chart to update and develop the Model Job Description for a Community Floodplain Manager.DACUM Research Chart for Floodplain Managers
Model Job Description for a Community Floodplain Manager
Summary of Survey Responses – ALL RESPONDENTS
Summary of Survey Responses – LOCAL
Summary of Survey Responses – STATE
Summary of Survey Responses – REGIONS / MULTI-STATE Agencies
Summary of Survey Responses – FEDERAL
Summary of Survey Responses – PRIVATE
Summary of Survey Responses – OTHERAfter the DACUM and survey results were tabulated, an Exam Validation meeting was held to review and suggest any recommended adjustments to the CFM exam categories and percentage of questions, question structure, weight, and passing score. This five phase process of adjustments was completed in 2017, and the same guidance and procedures are in place to maintain its integrity, credibility in measuring essential knowledge required of CFM’s and professionals in the field, as questions are updated, retired or added.

Reliability and Validity Accreditation Report
Summary of Reliability and Validity Assessment