Certified Fraud Examiner credential artwork

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Validates knowledge of fraud schemes, financial transactions, investigation techniques, relevant law and fraud prevention and deterrence.

Summary

CFE is the ACFE's credential for fraud examiners who handle cases in audit, investigations or compliance. It covers fraud schemes and financial crime, investigations and the law, and fraud prevention, and it is recognized by banks, insurers and agencies.

Good fit if

  • You handle fraud cases in audit, investigations or compliance
  • You want a credential banks, insurers and agencies recognize
  • You are ready to study accounting, law and investigation together

Look elsewhere if

  • You focus on IT controls and systems audit: CISA
  • You want a broad internal-audit credential: CIA
  • Your focus is anti-money laundering: CAMS

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

Requirements for the exam and the credential

ACFE Associate Membership

Required

You must be an active Associate Member to apply for the exam, and you must keep your membership to hold the CFE.

50 qualifying points

Required

You need 40 points to take the exam and 50 to be certified. Points from education, experience and approved certifications add up.

Bachelor's degree or higher40 points
College study without a degree10 points per year, up to 40
Fraud-related work experience5 points per full year
ACFE-approved certification such as CPA, CIA or CMA10 points each

2 years of fraud-related experience

Required

Most of each role's duties must relate to fraud, for example accounting and auditing, fraud investigation, compliance, loss prevention or fraud risk management.

Three professional recommendations

Required

Submit them with your exam application from people who can speak to your character and professional skills.

You can take the exam with 40 points before you reach two years of experience. Your passing results stay valid for five years from your last passed section, which gives you time to complete the experience and points.

Cost

USD · US standard membership pricing
$480
$219
The $480 application covers your first attempt at each section. US Associate membership is $219, or $199 with automatic renewal. Retakes cost $110 per section. Members pay $899.20 for the Silver prep package.

What holders say

A way to stand out among similar candidates

Bank fraud analysts describe it as a resume booster in a crowded field, and others say it can tip the decision between two applicants with the same experience.

r/CFEReddit: Does CFE really have any value

Renewal

The CFE renews every year through your ACFE membership.

Validity
1 year
Continuing education
20 CPE credits a year
At least 10 on fraud and 2 on ethics
Renewal fee
$259 / year USD
US active membership; $239 with automatic renewal

Maintain active ACFE membership and report your continuing education each year.

ACFE membership and CPE rules ↗

Alternatives

Certified Internal Auditor credential artwork
CIA$1,515 required · Intermediate

Broader internal-audit credential for people who want more than a fraud specialty.

Certified Information Systems Auditor credential artwork
CISA$810 required · Advanced

Better fit if your fraud work centres on information systems and IT controls.

Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist credential artwork
CAMS$2,470 required · Intermediate

The specialist choice for anti-money laundering and financial crime compliance.

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control credential artwork
CRISC$810 required · Advanced

Better fit for IT risk and controls work rather than hands-on investigation.

FAQ

What are the CFE requirements?

ACFE membership, 50 qualifying points and two years of fraud-related experience. A bachelor's degree gives 40 points and each full year of fraud-related work gives 5. You can take the exam at 40 points, before you finish the experience.

How much does the CFE cost?

The exam application is $480 and standard US Associate membership is $219, for $699 in total. Membership is $199 with automatic renewal. The optional Silver prep package costs members $899.20.

How hard is the CFE exam?

You take three sections with 310 questions in 6.5 hours and need 75% correct in each section. Passers who worked through the official review questions describe it as manageable.

Do I have to buy the prep course to take the CFE exam?

No. The $480 application fee is separate from study materials. The live review course is the only product that includes the application fee.

How long is the CFE valid?

It renews every year. Earn 20 CPE credits a year, including 10 on fraud and 2 on ethics, and keep your ACFE membership current.

Last updated October 2026