CPE Compliance
Requirements:
CFEs must obtain a minimum of 20 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every 12-month period to stay current in their profession. CFEs are required to certify CPE compliance by the end of their anniversary month either (1) online or (2) by calling a Member Services Representative at (800) 245-3321 (USA & Canada only) or +1 (512) 478-9000. A CFE's anniversary month is the month membership is renewed each year.
CPE Requirements
CFEs must earn 20 hours of CPE per 12-month period. At least 10 of these hours must relate directly to the detection and deterrence of fraud and 2 hours must relate directly to ethics. If a CFE has earned more than 20 hours of CPE in their previous reporting period, they may carry forward up to 10 of these extra hours to meet their current CPE requirements.
The ACFE accepts ethics training from other organizations provided the primary course topic is ethics or ethics-related. In general, courses that focus on the following topics will meet this requirement:
Ethics and Professional Conduct
Ethical Practice in Business
Personal Ethics
Ethical Decision-Making
Corporate Ethics
In addition, courses with a primary topic that falls under one of the requirements of the Certified Fraud Examiners Code of Professional Ethics will be considered to meet this requirement. These categories include, but are not limited to, the following:
Professionalism and Diligence in Performance of Duties
Conflicts of Interest
Integrity and Objectivity
Professional Competence
Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Ethical Considerations in Reporting and Testifying
Confidentiality
To review the Certified Fraud Examiners Code of Professional Ethics visit ACFE.com/CodeofEthics.
All ACFE courses are considered fraud-related. If CPE credits earned through another source fall within one of the following general categories, it is considered fraud-related under ACFE CPE guidelines.
Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes
Law Related to Fraud
Investigation Techniques
Fraud Prevention and Deterrence
For a full listing of specific fraud-related topics, visit the CPE section on CPE 101: Acceptable Fields of Study.
Maintaining CPE Records:
CFEs are responsible for keeping track of their CPE and retaining for three years supporting documents for CPE credit they earn, such as CPE certificates, letters of attendance or letters of completion. The ACFE does not maintain CPE records for members.
Generally, CPE documentation must include:
Name of attendee
Course Description
Course Sponsor name
Number of CPE hours earned
Date of Course
The ACFE will not accept the following for CPE documentation:
Registration forms
Paid invoices
Course syllabi
PowerPoint presentation slides
Excel lists
CPE records should not be sent to the ACFE unless specifically requested by the ACFE's staff in the event of a CPE Audit.
Extensions of Compliance Deadlines:
CFEs may request a 30-day extensions online. Visit www.ACFE.com/CPE to request this extension.
Additional extensions for CPE compliance may be granted for extenuating circumstances. Circumstances that may qualify for an extension include loss of employment and hospitalization. To apply for an extension, a written request may be sent to the ACFE citing the special circumstances. Request may me sent by email to cpe@ACFE.com.