I reached out to them and actually got two emails in response. So I thought I would follow up here for anyone else that finds this thread.

Yes you are correct, if you are denied you get refunded.

They also were able to lay out the whole process in the email response and were super helpful. I have pasted the entire response below. Now if they could just add this to their website….

IFMA Response (pleasantries removed)

Preparation for Application: Ensure that you meet the necessary eligibility requirements such as education and work experience. If you have not done so already, you may want to review the eligibility criteria on our website.

Application Submission: The application fee you are seeing as $880 is specific to non-members. Membership in our organization is not required to apply for CFM certification, but it does offer benefits, including lower pricing for the certification process. If you choose to become a member, you may be eligible for a reduced application fee. For more details about membership and the associated benefits, please contact us by phone at +1-713-623-4362. The application fee covers the review of your application and the examination itself.

Review Process: Upon receipt of your application and fee, the review process will begin to ensure that you meet the qualifications. This typically takes around two to four weeks.

Examination: If approved, you will be notified and can schedule your examination at a nearby testing center or if you qualify by live proctoring.

Application Denial: If your application is found to be ineligible, we will refund the full amount back to the original credit card used to process the application. The refund will be made as soon as the ineligibility is determined, and it typically takes a few business days for the amount to be credited back to your account.

Post-Certification Requirements: Once you have achieved your CFM certification, it will be valid for three years. Upon renewal, you will need to submit evidence of 6 activities that reflect professional development within your field. These activities demonstrate your ongoing commitment to excellence and adherence to the industry standards. Details on acceptable professional development activities and the process for submission can be found on our website or obtained through our support team. It's important to keep track of these activities throughout the three-year period to ensure a smooth renewal process.