How to Earn Your CFE Credential

Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs) are respected in every industry, recognized around the world and feared by every fraudster. Why? Because earning the CFE credential requires commitment — along with time, focus and a passion for fighting fraud. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is here to help you at every step. In return for the challenging work of becoming a CFE, you’ll be rewarded with a more lucrative, fulfilling and world-changing career. 

Step 1: Join the ACFE

To become a CFE, you must first join the ACFE. Only ACFE members can earn the CFE credential.

Your ACFE membership grants you access to exclusive benefits — all designed to make your anti-fraud career more successful and dynamic. Our goal is to ensure you stay at the leading edge of your industry. 

Step 2: Prepare for the CFE Exam

With your membership in place, it’s time to begin studying for the CFE Exam. 

You’ll dive into the fascinating world of fraud — how it happens, why, by whom and how to detect and prevent it. Anti-fraud work is a diverse, intellectually thrilling discipline that, when practiced with passion, can save businesses and people from reputational and financial disaster. While preparing to take the CFE Exam, you’ll become a savvy professional who’s ready to build a vibrant career focused on doing good for the world. 

How to Prepare for the CFE Exam

We offer three ways to study for the exam — each based on your needs, learning style and schedule. 

1. Self-Paced, Online Learning: If you want to prepare at your own pace online, use one of the CFE Exam Prep Course packages, which include lessons, review questions, flashcards and more.

2. Learn in Real Time: If you want to prepare in an instructor-led classroom setting, either live or virtually, register for the CFE Exam Review Course. This 4-day course covers everything you need to know to successfully tackle the CFE Exam. 

3. Study On Your Own: If you prefer a completely self-directed option, use the Fraud Examiners Manual. With more than 2,000 pages of content, this resource contains the fraud examination body of knowledge and is the source of all the content tested on the CFE Exam.

Step 3: Apply for the CFE Exam

You must meet these eligibility requirements to become a CFE.

Your eligibility to take the CFE Exam is determined by a points system. Check your eligibility using our Eligibility Calculator. 

You must also provide documentation — including details of professional work experience, proof of education and professional recommendations. 

The exam fee is $475.

Step 4: Take the CFE Exam

Once you have completed your preparation and applied, you’re ready to take the CFE Exam. The CFE Exam is a closed-book and closed-notes exam composed of four sections — Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes, Law, Investigation and Fraud Prevention and Deterrence. Each section is a separate two-hour exam that contains 100 multiple-choice and True/False questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 75% of the questions in each section. Any unanswered questions will be marked incorrect.

Valid, government-issued photo identification is required to take the CFE Exam. The CFE Exam is computer-based and is delivered and live-proctored by Prometric.

The exam sections can be taken either:

• Remotely at a location of your choice
• In person at a Prometric Testing Center

Step 5: Get Certified

Upon successfully passing all four sections of the CFE Exam, your CFE Exam Application, exam results and proctored exam sessions will be reviewed by the ACFE’s Certification Committee. When you meet all the qualifications for certification, you will be notified by email.