CFE Exam

Become a Certified Fraud Examiner

Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs) possess unique expertise in preventing and detecting fraud, and are highly valued by organizations spanning all industries, sectors and sizes. Become a CFE and join an elite group of experts fighting fraud around the world.

Step 1 — Join the ACFE

You must be a member to take the CFE Exam and earn your CFE credential.

Step 2 — Prepare for the CFE Exam 
Choose one of the following methods to prepare for the CFE Exam:

Study with the CFE Exam Prep Course. The CFE Exam Prep Course is a computer self-study course available in U.S. and International editions. 

Attend the CFE Exam Review Course. This 4-day, instructor-led course provides the essentials needed to pass the CFE Exam and become a Certified Fraud Examiner.  

Study on your own using the Fraud Examiners Manual. The Fraud Examiners Manual is a 2,000 page guide exploring examination techniques and procedures. 

Step 3 — Apply for the CFE Exam

A complete CFE Exam application with documentation is required to take the CFE Exam. The CFE Exam application fee is $400. If you have purchased the CFE Exam Prep Course, the fee is $300.  

Submit the CFE Exam application.

Submit the supporting documentation to complete your application.

Step 4 — Pass the CFE Exam 
The CFE Exam tests your knowledge and expertise in the four primary areas of fraud examination: Financial Transactions & Fraud Schemes, Law, Investigation, and Fraud Prevention & Deterrence. 

Details of the CFE Exam.

Request CFE Exam Activation Key.

Submit the CFE Exam Affidavit.

This 2,000-page guide is divided into four main sections: 

 Section I: Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes: Describes hundreds of fraud schemes and provides information about basic accounting concepts. It also details managers’ and auditors’ responsibilities to detect fraud.

 Section II: Law: Focuses on the statutes and common law principles involved in prosecuting fraudsters through both the criminal and civil systems, as well as legal pitfalls you may encounter while conducting an investigation.

 Section III: Investigation: Provides the basic tools and techniques necessary to gather information and evidence when conducting a fraud examination and identifying perpetrators. The appendices contain a sample fraud examination report, a fraud examination checklist, and sample engagement and advisory letters.

 Section IV: Fraud Prevention and Deterrence: Explores why people commit fraud and what can be done to prevent it. Topics covered in this section include developing corporate compliance, fraud prevention programs, fraud statistics and analyses of organizational crime and occupational fraud.