Certified Fraud Examiner

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Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a designation awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The ACFE is a 41,000 member-based global association dedicated to providing anti-fraud education and training.

In order to become a Certified Fraud Examiner one must meet the following requirements:

Be an Associate Member of the ACFE in good standing
Meet minimum academic and professional requirements
Be of high moral character
Agree to abide by the Bylaws and Code of Professional Ethics of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

1 Academic Requirements
2 Professional Requirements
3 Moral Character
4 Adhere to the Code of Ethics
5 Examination
6 External links
7 References

[edit] Academic Requirements

Generally, applicants for CFE certification have a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an institution of higher education. Two years of professional experience related to fraud can be substituted for each year of college.

[edit] Professional Requirements

At the time of certification, at least two years of professional experience in a field either directly or indirectly related to the detection or deterrence of fraud is required. The ACFE recognizes the following areas as qualified professional experience:

Accounting and auditing
Criminology and sociology (sociology is acceptable only if it relates to fraud.)
Fraud investigation
Loss prevention (experience as a security guard or equivalent is not acceptable)
Law relating to fraud

Other experience can qualify, but must be reviewed for applicability.

[edit] Moral Character

The ACFE will require references attesting to one's character before granting the certificate.

[edit] Adhere to the Code of Ethics

Per the ACFE website, the code of ethics states that a Certified Fraud Examiner shall:

Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and diligence in his or her duties.
Not engage in any illegal or unethical conduct, or any activity which constitutes a conflict of interest.
Exhibit the highest level of integrity in the performance of all professional assignments and will accept only assignments for which there is reasonable expectation that the assignment will be completed with professional competence.
Comply with lawful orders of the courts and testify to matters truthfully and without bias or prejudice.
Obtain evidence or other documentation to establish a reasonable basis for any opinion rendered. No opinion shall be expressed regarding the guilt or innocence of any person or party.
Not reveal any confidential information without proper authorization.
Reveal all pertinent material matters discovered during the course of an examination.
Continually strive to increase the competence and effectiveness of professional services performed under his or her direction.

[edit] Examination

The CFE Examination consists of 500 questions divided into four sections: Fraud Examination and Investigation, Criminology and Ethics, Financial Transactions, and Legal Elements of Fraud. Each question has a time limit of 75 seconds, and each section contains 125 questions.