Required Documentation for Earning the CFE Credential

As part of the CFE Exam Application, candidates must submit supporting documentation so the ACFE can verify their qualifications and assess whether they are eligible for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. This supporting documentation includes proof of education, certifications, work experience and professional recommendations. Please refer to the sections below for guidance on these documentation categories. 

Education and Certifications

Acceptable documents for verification of education and professional certifications earned include:

  • Originals or photocopies of diplomas or certificates showing the candidate’s name, degree type and date earned. Clear pictures of the original documents are also accepted.
  • A letter from the registrar of the candidate’s academic institution verifying the degree earned, including the candidate’s name and date of completion.
  • Transcripts listing the candidate’s name, the institution’s name, dates of attendance and total credits/hours earned. Note that advisory transcripts are not accepted.
  • Verification of the candidate’s degree and/or attendance using our complimentary online service, DegreeVerifySM, which is provided by National Student Clearinghouse. (Note: This service may only be applicable for education obtained in the United States or surrounding territories.)
  • Letters or certificates verifying approved professional certifications that include the candidate’s name, the certification name, the issuing body’s name and the date earned.

Important: All educational documentation must include an English translation along with the original document. Self-translations are acceptable, provided they accurately reflect the content of the original documents. This ensures clarity and efficiency in the review process for educational qualifications.

Work Experience

For each job/role submitted as part of the fraud-related work experience requirement, candidates must provide:

  • Job title(s)
  • Length of service
  • Detailed description of responsibilities
  • Percentage of time spent in fraud-related work

The details provided are used to evaluate how the candidate’s professional experience aligns with the objectives of the CFE credential. It is important to clearly highlight any duties that specifically relate to the fraud examination body of knowledge, including fraud detection, investigation, prevention, compliance, risk management and financial statement analysis.

Professional Recommendations

Three professional recommendations are required to verify a candidate’s character and suitability for upholding the integrity of the CFE credential. Recommenders should be individuals familiar with the candidate's professional conduct and work (e.g., managers, co-workers, professors for student applicants). Recommenders do not need to be CFEs themselves. Recommendations will remain valid for three years or until a candidate’s CFE Exam Application expires, whichever comes first.

Submission Options for Recommendations

Online Recommendation: Simplify the application process by using the Certification Portal to request recommendations directly from recommenders. After entering a recommender’s email address, they will receive a link to a secure online form for them to complete. The completed recommendation will automatically save to the candidate’s application, eliminating extra steps like scanning or uploading documents. This digital approach is fast, efficient and user-friendly, making it easy for recommenders to provide timely feedback.
 
Professional Recommendation Form: Candidates also have the option of submitting a scanned or digital copy of the ACFE Professional Recommendation form to the ACFE. Forms should include the date and the  recommender’s signature and must be complete and legible. Both handwritten and electronic signatures are accepted.

Visit the Certification Portal to start your CFE Exam Application or upload your supporting documentation to an existing application. For additional guidance, refer to the CFE Credential Exam Candidate Handbook, which provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of the process.