About the CFE Exam
You must meet all the requirements to earn the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential, which includes passing the CFE Exam.
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The CFE Exam is a huge undertaking, and you will likely need to make a significant time commitment as you prepare for and take your exam. To ensure that you are as informed as possible about the exam process, the sections below will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the exam content, select the right testing format and schedule the exam.
What Is the CFE Exam?
The CFE Exam is a closed-book and closed-notes exam comprised of four sections, each containing 100 multiple-choice questions. Exam takers have a two-hour time limit on each section.
The exam will test your knowledge in the four major areas of fraud examination: Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes, Law, Investigation, and Fraud Prevention and Deterrence. These four areas correspond to the four sections of the Fraud Examiners Manual, which is the source of knowledge for all subject matter that appears on the CFE Exam. The CFE Exam Content Outline provides additional details on what you can expect.
Content of the CFE Exam
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Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes
This section tests your comprehension of the types of fraudulent financial transactions incurred in accounting records. In this section of the exam, you will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the following concepts:
- Basic accounting and auditing theory
- Fraud schemes
- Internal controls to deter fraud
- Other auditing and accounting matters
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Law
This section focuses on the statutes and common law principles involved in prosecuting fraudsters. It also ensures your familiarity with the many legal ramifications of conducting fraud examinations, including:
- Criminal and civil law
- Rules of evidence
- Rights of the accused and accuser
- Testifying
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Investigation
This section tests your understanding of the basic tools and techniques necessary to gather information and evidence when conducting a fraud examination and identifying perpetrators. It includes questions about:
- Interviewing
- Obtaining information from public records
- Tracing illicit transactions
- Evaluating deception
- Report writing
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Fraud Prevention and Deterrence
This section examines your understanding of why people commit fraud and the ways to prevent it. Topics covered in this section include:
- Crime causation
- White-collar crime
- Occupational fraud
- Fraud prevention
- Fraud risk assessment
- The ACFE Code of Professional Ethics
Exam Format Options
To provide you with the testing experience that matches your personal preference, there are a few formats to choose from when taking the CFE Exam:
- Online with a remote proctor: Through Prometric’s ProProctor online platform, you can take the CFE Exam from the comfort of your own home without having to travel or test near other people.
- In person at a Prometric testing center: Prometric operates the world’s largest network of computer-based assessment centers that provide convenient access to test takers.
- In person at a CFE Exam Review Course: Attendees have the option to take the exam onsite at an in-person course. Learn more about advanced preparation, application requirements and deadlines, as well as details for taking the CFE Exam onsite.
Taking the Exam
Once your CFE Exam Application has been approved, you can begin working your way through the scheduling process. Follow these instructions if you are taking the exam at a test center or online.
Schedule your exam appointments through Prometric.
Upon receiving approval from the ACFE, you must schedule your exam appointments directly through Prometric. You will have 60 days to complete all four sections of the exam. We strongly recommend you schedule each exam section at least 30 days ahead of time to secure the appointments of your choice.
- Log in to your Certification Portal by clicking on your approved exam application.
- Click on the "Activate Eligibility" button, which will take you to the Prometric website. Make note of your eligibility number.
- Select the remote proctoring or test center scheduling link.
- Enter your Prometric eligibility number (your ACFE member number) and the first four characters of your last name when prompted.
- Schedule your first exam appointment.
- Return to the Prometric website and repeat steps 3–5 for the other three exam sections.
Please make note of the reschedule/cancellation policy below to ensure you are not subject to any fees if you need to make changes to your appointments.
Take the CFE Exam and receive your results.
Once you start a section of the exam, you must complete it in one sitting. You are not required to complete all four sections in one sitting. In fact, we recommend only taking a section or two at a time.
After you complete a section and are satisfied with all your answers, select “Finish Test.” Your exam will automatically be submitted. Within 24 hours of completing each exam section, you will receive an email from Prometric with your score report.
Additional Information
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Rescheduling or Canceling Exam Appointments
The CFE Exam Application Fee includes one attempt for each exam section.
If you need to make a change to your scheduled exam appointment, Prometric may charge you additional fees. Fees are based on the timing of an appointment change:
- 30+ days before your scheduled appointment: There is no charge for changing or canceling an exam appointment 30 days or more before a scheduled appointment.
- 3–29 days before your scheduled appointment: Changes made between 3 and 29 days are subject to a $35 fee, paid directly to Prometric at the time of the appointment change.
- Less than three days before your scheduled appointment: You may not reschedule an exam less than three days prior to your appointment. If you fail to show up for an exam or cancel within three days of a scheduled appointment, you will be subject to a $50 rescheduling fee (paid directly to the ACFE).
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CFE Exam FAQs
Still have questions? Please review a list of Frequently Asked Questions submitted by previous exam applicants.
You can also contact a Member Services Representative by phone at +1 (512) 478-9000, by emailing MemberServices@ACFE.com, or through our secure live chat.