Here is the step-by-step guide on how professionals can become a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
STEP 1: Join the CFE:
To begin your CFE certification journey, you must become an Associate Member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Active membership with the ACFE is mandatory to take the CFE Exam and earn the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential.
You can apply for membership through the official ACFE website. During registration, you'll need to provide the required information and complete the membership process. Once your membership is active, you can access the relevant certification resources and proceed with your CFE application.
The membership fee may vary depending on the membership options and applicable charges. Check the official ACFE website for the current fee before registering.
STEP 2: Set Up Your Account and Check Your Eligibility:
After joining ACFE, log in to your account and access the Certification Portal. This is where you can manage your CFE Exam Application, submit supporting documents, and track your application status.
Before applying, check whether you meet the eligibility requirements. To apply for the CFE Exam, you must have at least 40 eligibility points, and to earn the credential, you must have at least 50 points. These are two separate requirements, so meeting the exam eligibility criteria does not automatically mean you qualify for certification.
For instance, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university may earn 40 eligibility points. But your actual eligibility will depend on your qualifications as well as other qualifying experience. You can use ACFE's official eligibility calculator to determine your points.
You must also have at least two years of professional experience in a field related to fraud detection or deterrence to earn the CFE credential. Checking your eligibility early helps you identify any gaps before paying the examination application fee.
STEP 3: Prepare for the CFE Exam:
Once you've understood the eligibility requirements, the next step is to prepare for the CFE Exam. The current CFE Exam consists of three sections as per the latest 2026 CFE Exam update:
- Fraud Schemes and Financial Crimes
- Fraud Investigations and Legal Issues
- Fraud Prevention and Deterrence
You can prepare independently using official ACFE study resources or choose any training provider for CFE course preparation. If you are a working professional and already have a lot of responsibilities, then you should consider prep that fits best in your working schedule and preferred learning approach.
AIA CFE prep course is designed for working professionals to prep alongside their job without any hassle, with relevant and condensed study material and expert guidance
Before moving to the application and scheduling stages, make sure you understand the exam format and have a realistic preparation plan.
STEP 4: Apply for the CFE Exam
Once you're completely prepared for the CFE Exam, the next step is to submit your application through the ACFE Certification Portal. Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the necessary supporting documents ready.
The application process includes:
- Eligibility points: 40 points are required for eligibility to sit the CFE Exam.
- Work experience: Your work experience must be documented. At least two years of fraud-related experience is required to earn the credential.
- Education and certifications: Submit supporting documents for the qualifications you claim.
- Professional recommendations: Provide three professional recommendations.
- Application fee: The current CFE Exam application fee is $480, which covers application processing and the first attempt at each required exam section.
Submit your application and supporting documents through the official ACFE Certification Portal. ACFE recommends applying at least 60 days before your intended exam period to allow sufficient time for application review.
Once your application is approved, you'll receive an email with instructions for activating your exam eligibility and scheduling your examination appointments.
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STEP 5: Activate Your Eligibility and Schedule the Exam
Once your application is accepted by ACFE, you will need to activate your eligibility for exams before scheduling your exam. Log in with your eligibility ID to schedule exam appointments on the testing site.
Remember that your application validity period and your exam eligibility window are different. Generally, a CFE Exam Application is valid for two years, and an activated CFE Exam Eligibility provides you with 60 days to schedule and take all three exam sections.
Before activating your eligibility, make sure you're prepared to complete the examination within this 60-day window. Plan your dates according to your work commitments, preparation progress, and available testing appointments.
You can choose between the following testing options:
- Remote proctoring: Take the computer-based exam from a suitable private location, with a live proctor monitoring the session.
- Prometric testing centre: Take the exam in person at an available testing centre.
All exams need to be booked individually in each exam section. After choosing your most likely dates and times, schedule the appointments following the instructions and save the confirmation information for each appointment.
If you're taking the exam remotely, check the system requirements and complete the recommended system checks before your scheduled appointment. Ensure that your computer, internet connection, webcam, and testing environment meet the requirements.
Planning can help you avoid scheduling issues and leave enough time to complete all three sections within your eligibility window.
STEP 6: Appear for the CFE Exam
Once your appointments are confirmed, you're ready to take the CFE Exam. Before exam day, review the testing instructions, confirm your appointment details, and keep valid, government-issued photo identification ready.
The CFE Exam is computer-based, closed-book, and closed-notes. It contains multiple-choice and True/False questions designed to assess your knowledge of fraud examination concepts.
The current exam structure is as follows:
|
Exam section
|
Number of questions
|
Time limit
|
|
Fraud Schemes and Financial Crimes
|
120
|
2.5 hours
|
|
Fraud Investigations and Legal Issues
|
120
|
2.5 hours
|
|
Fraud Prevention and Deterrence
|
70
|
1.5 hours
|
To pass, you need to get 75% or higher on each part of the exam. Each section is evaluated independently, and questions that are not answered are counted as "NO".
The sections can be taken in any order, but all three must be completed within the 60-day time frame that you are eligible to take them. All appointments will be single (one session) appointments.
When taking the exam remotely, the proctor will watch your session and ensure that you are taking the exam according to the exam rules. If it is an exam which needs to be taken in person, adhere to the guidance given by the testing centre.
It usually takes 24 hours or less for your exam results to be sent to you by e-mail after your appointment. Retake of a section is subject to ACFE's attempt limits, eligibility requirements, and applicable fees for not passing a section. The retake fee for the current session is $110 per failed section, and there are five attempts allowed per section (with a 30-day wait period each for the 4th and 5th attempts).
If you need to retake a section, review the areas that require improvement before scheduling another attempt. Keep track of your eligibility window and any updated instructions provided by ACFE.
STEP 7: Complete the Certification Requirements
Passing all three sections of the CFE Exam is an important milestone, but you must also meet ACFE's remaining requirements to earn the credential. Before certification, ensure that you:
- Have at least 50 eligibility points.
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience in a field related to fraud detection or deterrence.
- Maintain the required ACFE membership.
- Agree to and comply with ACFE's Code of Professional Ethics.
Once you've fulfilled the requirements, ACFE reviews your application, examination results, and proctored exam sessions. You'll receive an email notification when your certification is approved.
After earning the CFE credential, you must maintain your ACFE membership and fulfil the applicable continuing professional education (CPE) requirements to keep your credential active.
Congratulations! Completing these requirements marks the end of your CFE certification journey and the beginning of your continued professional development in fraud examination.
