Fast-Track Study Plans

Prepare for the rigorous CFE Exam using the CFE Exam Prep Course in as few as 30 days with one of the ACFE’s recommended Fast-Track Study Plans*.

• 30-Day Fast-Track – Study 10 hours per week
• 60-Day Fast-Track – Study 5 hours per week
• 90-Day Fast-Track – Study 3 hours per week

*Hours required to complete the Prep Course are approximations.  

CFE Exam Prep Course Tips 

Stay on track and achieve your goal of earning the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential by effectively and efficiently preparing for the CFE Exam using the CFE Exam Prep Course®.  

To Prepare Effectively:

• Assess your strengths and weaknesses: Complete the optional Pre-Assessment as soon as you are ready to start studying to discover your initial strengths and weaknesses as related to the four sections of the CFE Exam.
• Start with your strengths: Study the sections in the order that works best for you. We recommend starting with your strongest of the four sections (the area in which you are most knowledgeable) and working your way up, finishing with your weakest section. This way, you are studying your weakest area closest to the exam.
• Study one section at time: Wait to study a new section until you have correctly answered all of the questions in the section you are studying at least once and you have scored 85% or higher on the practice exam.
• Mark questions for review: If you come across a question that covers a concept that you might want to review prior to taking the CFE Exam, mark that question for review. That way, you can easily review those questions and concepts prior to taking the CFE Exam.
• Reach out to your CFE Exam Coach: If you have any questions about how best to prepare using the Prep Course, reach out to CFECoach@ACFE.com.  

To Prepare Efficiently: 

• Don’t pre-read the Fraud Examiners Manual: When studying with the Prep Course, it is not necessary to pre-read the Fraud Examiners Manual. Instead, answer review questions to the best of your knowledge. Once you have submitted an answer, you will be shown the correct answer with a detailed explanation as to why that answer would be correct. Additionally, a link to the specific section in the Fraud Examiners Manual that covers the concept will be included if you would like to learn more.
• Use a study plan: It takes most people approximately 30-50 hours to complete the Prep Course. Estimate how many hours per week you could realistically dedicate to studying. Use one of our study plans and set target dates for completing the Prep Course and taking the CFE Exam.
• Commit to Your Study Plan: Set aside and schedule time on your calendar dedicated to preparing for the CFE Exam using the Prep Course.
• Join a 90-Day Challenge: If you’re finding it hard to stick to your study plan or think you would benefit from some extra support, join the next 90-Day Challenge.