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 one in order to pursue the CFE designation.

• Apply for an Associate Membership

2. Submit the certification application with proof of education and professional recommendations.
Fill out the certification application and submit it, along with proof of your education and three letters of professional recommendation to the Membership 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: Membership & 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 exam fee, the Exam fee will be US $150.

3. Pass the CFE Examination.
The CFE Examination is a Windows-based program that tests your knowledge and expertise in the four primary areas of fraud investigation: Fraudulent Financial Transactions, Legal Elements of Fraud, Fraud Investigation, 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 designation will be invoiced at the CFE dues rate upon annual membership renewal. CFE membership dues are US annually.

Apply for Certification by Exam