CFE FAQs

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Certification

CFE Exam Application Process

The CFE Exam

  • Once I have completed my preparations for the CFE Exam, what do I do next?

    Make sure that you have submitted your CFE Exam application, details of your fraud-related work experience, three professional recommendations, proof of education and are an associate member of the ACFE.

    When your exam application has been approved, you can schedule your exam appointments. For additional details on the CFE Exam, visit the CFE Exam FAQ page.

  • Approximately how long should the CFE Exam take to complete?
    The CFE Exam consists of four sections: Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes, Law, Investigation and Fraud Prevention and Deterrence. You will have two hours to complete each section of the CFE Exam. Although the total exam time is approximately eight hours, you are not required to complete all four sections in one sitting. You may take each section of the exam at you own convenience, as long as all sections are completed within 60 days.
  • Am I exempt from certain sections of the CFE Exam based on my experience?
    No. Each CFE candidate must take and pass all four sections of the CFE Exam.
  • How will I know if I pass or fail the exam?
    After your complete a section, you will receive an email from Prometric with your score report. To pass, you must accurately answer at least 75% of the questions in each section of the CFE Exam. You must pass each section of the exam within three attempts.
  • If I have to retake an exam section, what is the cost?
    If you do not pass a section of the exam, you may retake that section. CFE Exam retake fees are $100 per failed section. You will receive instructions on how to pay exam retake fees with your exam results email. Within 3-5 business days of paying for retake fee(s), your exam access will be sent to you by email.
  • When will I receive my CFE certificate once I have passed the CFE Exam?
    When you have passed all four sections of the CFE Exam, your CFE exam application, supporting documentation, exam results and proctoring sessions will be submitted to the Certification Committee for final review. You will receive notification of your certification status within three weeks of passing the CFE Exam. Upon certification, you will be emailed the option to request a complimentary CFE certificate. You should receive the certificate within 3-4 weeks if located in the U.S. and within 6-8 weeks if located internationally.