CFE Credential FAQs

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a highly regarded professional in the field of fraud prevention, detection and deterrence. Recognized for their expertise, CFEs uphold the rigorous standards set by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and are dedicated to safeguarding organizations against fraudulent activities. Their specialized knowledge positions them as leaders in identifying, investigating and mitigating fraud risks.

The standards for the CFE credential are set by the ACFE’s Board of Regents. Members of the Board of Regents are elected by certified members of the ACFE and are responsible for maintaining the integrity, professionalism and high standards associated with the CFE credential through their governance.

Yes, the CFE credential is recognized and respected worldwide as the standard of excellence in the anti-fraud profession.

No, the CFE credential is exclusively offered by the ACFE. As the world’s largest anti-fraud organization, the ACFE is the sole entity authorized to award the CFE credential. This exclusivity ensures the credential represents the highest standards of expertise in fraud examination.

In addition to passing a rigorous examination, candidates must demonstrate high moral character and meet specific professional and academic requirements to qualify for the CFE credential. Eligibility is determined through a point system that awards credit for education, relevant professional credentials and fraud-related experience. Read more about the qualifications and check your eligibility using the Points Calculator.

Fraud-related experience refers to full-time work in a role that contributes to the prevention, detection or deterrence of fraud. Relevant fields include accounting and auditing, criminology and sociology, fraud investigation, loss prevention and law. This diverse background helps ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills and knowledge needed to excel as CFEs.
 
For work experience to be considered fraud-related and therefore count toward the professional experience requirement of the CFE credential, the majority of the role’s responsibilities must be directly or indirectly related to the fraud examination body of knowledge, including but not limited to the prevention, detection or deterrence of fraud.

Yes. You can study for and take the CFE Exam even if you do not have two years of fraud-related work experience. As long as you reach the 40-point minimum on the CFE Exam Application, you will be eligible to take the exam. However, you will not be certified until you have at least two years of practical experience related to the prevention, detection or deterrence of fraud.

Note that exam result validity policies apply. Once all exam sections have been passed, exam results are only valid for a period of five years from the date of your last passed exam section. If you do not meet all required qualifications within this period, your results will expire, and you will be required to reapply and start the exam process from the beginning.

No. The CFE credential is a distinct certification with its own requirements and standards. While your existing certifications might contribute to the point system used to qualify for the CFE credential program, they will not automatically grant you the CFE credential. You must meet all required eligibility criteria to become a CFE.

No. All applicants for the CFE credential program are required to meet each qualification requirement and pass all sections of the CFE Exam regardless of their prior experience in the anti-fraud industry or any existing certifications. It is essential that each candidate fulfills these requirements to uphold the integrity and value of the credential for both current and future CFEs.

No. While you will earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit for taking ACFE courses or attending ACFE events, these activities do not contribute points toward the qualification requirements for obtaining the CFE credential.

The cost to apply for the CFE Exam is $475. This fee covers the processing of your application and your first attempt at each required section. 

To apply for the CFE Exam, all applications must be completed online through the Certification Portal. This includes submitting all required documentation. If you are unable to apply online, please email Exam@ACFE.com to discuss alternative application methods that might better meet your needs.

The Certification Portal is an online platform where applicants can apply for and manage their CFE Exam Application and CFE Exam Eligibility. This user-friendly portal allows you to submit your application, track your progress and access important information related to your certification journey.

You will need to submit the following documentation with your CFE Exam Application:
 
•    Proof of Education/Certifications: Documentation verifying your educational background.
•    Proof of Work Experience: Evidence of your relevant work experience in fraud-related fields.
•    Three Professional Recommendations: Recommendations from individuals who can attest to your qualifications and character.
 
For detailed requirements for each item, please visit: Required Documentation for CFE Credential.

You should apply for the CFE Exam and submit all supporting documentation at least 60 days before your intended exam date. This time frame allows the ACFE to thoroughly review your application and verify that all requirements for the exam have been met. 

The initial review of your CFE Exam Application typically takes 5 to 7 business days. During this time, the ACFE carefully verifies all supporting documentation, including proof of education, work experience and professional recommendations, to ensure that all necessary qualifications for the CFE credential have been met. This thorough process upholds the integrity and credibility of the certification, ensuring that only qualified individuals are eligible to sit for the exam.

Applications undergo a second review after initial approval for quality assurance and to ensure that best practices have been followed. This additional review will not impact your examination timeline.

CFE Exam Applications and supporting documents are processed in the order they are received. To maintain a fair and streamlined process for all candidates, we are unable to expedite any part of the application process.

You will be eligible to take the CFE Exam once your application and supporting documents have been reviewed and approved. After your application is approved, you will receive an email notification detailing your approval status, along with instructions on how to activate your exam eligibility and schedule your exam appointments.

CFE Exam Applications are valid for a period of two years from the date received. The two-year application window may be extended one time for an additional year with the payment of an application extension fee. During the initial two-year period or the additional one-year extension, any passing exam scores you have obtained will remain valid, and you may use any remaining attempts for sections not yet passed.
 
If you do not pass all required sections of the CFE Exam within the initial two-year window or during the one-year extension, your application and exam results will expire, and you will need to reapply for the exam, repay the application fee and resubmit supporting documentation.

If the ACFE determines that you do not meet the minimum requirements to take the CFE Exam, your application will be canceled. You will be eligible for a refund of your application fee, less a $100 application processing fee.

Upon successfully passing all required sections of the CFE Exam, the final review process generally takes up to three weeks (though it might be faster depending on application volume). During this time, your application, supporting documentation, exam results and proctoring sessions will be thoroughly reviewed by the Certification Committee. 

No. The final review process cannot be expedited. The three-week time frame allows for thorough verification of each candidate's documentation and exam results. We do our best to finalize your certification as quickly as possible.

Once your certification is confirmed by the Certification Committee, you will be notified by email, at which point you can begin representing yourself as a CFE. This email includes information about claiming your digital CFE badge, ordering a printed certificate and maintaining your credential through CPE compliance.