4 Key Steps to Certification

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a leader in the anti-fraud community, noted as a specialist in the prevention and detection of fraud. Becoming a CFE requires specific qualifications, but the process to apply is a simple one.

1. Be an Associate member of the ACFE in good standing.
If you are not already an Associate member of the ACFE, you must first become a member to pursue the CFE credential.

• Apply for an Associate Membership

2. Submit the CFE Exam application with proof of education and professional recommendations.
Fill out the CFE Exam application and submit it, along with proof of your education and three CFE Candidate Recommendation Forms to the Certification Department at ACFE Headquarters. We recommend you gather your documentation and send it all together along with your application approximately one month before you are ready to take the CFE Exam.

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Attn: Certification Department
716 West Avenue
Austin, TX 78701 USA
Phone: (800) 245-3321 / +1 (512) 478-9000
Fax: +1 (512) 478-9297

The cost to take the CFE Exam is US $250. If you have purchased the CFE Exam Prep Course, you will receive a US $100 credit on the cost of the CFE Exam fee, the CFE Exam fee will be US $150.

3. Pass the CFE Exam.
The CFE Exam is a Windows-based program that tests your knowledge and expertise in the four primary areas of fraud examination: Fraudulent Financial Transactions, Legal Elements of Fraud, Investigation Methods, and Criminology and Ethics.

• Click here to learn more about the CFE Exam and how to prepare to take it.

4. Gain final approval from the certification committee and become a CFE.
You will officially become a CFE once your exam and credentials are approved by the certification committee. Those who have attained the CFE credential will be invoiced at the CFE dues rate upon annual membership renewal.

Apply for the CFE Exam