Maintaining the Credential
CFEs must obtain a minimum of 20 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every 12-month period and pay annual membership dues 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 will earn 20 hours of CPE per twelve 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.
CPE activity that falls within one of the following categories will be considered ethics-related under the ACFE's CPE guidelines:
Regulatory Ethics
Behavioral Ethics
Professional Ethics
Additionally, certain courses may be counted toward both fraud-related and ethics-related CPE requirements. For example, courses offered by the ACFE in the following areas are both fraud-related and ethics-related:
Ethics for Fraud Examiners
ACFE Code of Professional Ethics
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.
New Online Ethics Courses
To address this new requirement the ACFE has created a series of online courses that are accessible at the user’s convenience. Instant grading and printable certificates are available upon completion of the courses.