Budget Analysts

Certification or Licensing

No licensing is required for budget analysts, but there are several voluntary certification programs for analysts and related workers. For example, budget analysts who work for government agencies can earn the certified government financial manager credential from the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject area from an accredited U.S. college or university, pass three comprehensive examinations, have at least two years of professional-level experience in government financial management, and agree to abide by AGA’s Code of Ethics. Visit https://www.agacgfm.org/CGFM.aspx for more information.

The American Association for Investment and Financial Management offers the certified budget specialist credential to applicants who pass an examination and have a bachelor’s degree in any field (or who have at least two years of experience in any related budget area or have completed a minimum of 25 hours of budgeting management–approved training). Visit https://www.aaifm.org to learn more.

Some budget analysts hold the certified public accountants credential. Applicants must pass a qualifying examination and hold a certificate issued by the state in which they want to practice. The Uniform CPA Examination, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (https://www.aicpa-cima.com), is used by all states. Other budget analysts may earn the certified management accountant credential from the Institute of Management Accountants (https://www.imanet.org).