Credential

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

The Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a fraud-focused credential from ACFE that overlaps the AML career surface, with a $480 exam application fee and a three-section, closed-book exam.

Last reviewed 2026-07-28 by Urban Algorithm LLC

The Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is administered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is FRAUD-focused rather than AML-focused, but the two career surfaces overlap, so “CAMS or CFE for an AML career?” is a genuine scope decision.

Eligibility

CFE uses a qualifying point system: 40 or more points to sit the exam, and to earn the credential after passing you need at least two years of fraud-related experience and 50 points. ACFE Associate membership is required to sit and to hold the credential.

Exam format and passing score

The exam has three closed-book sections: Fraud Schemes and Financial Crimes (120 questions, 2.5 hours), Fraud Investigations and Legal Issues (120 questions, 2.5 hours), and Fraud Prevention and Deterrence (70 questions, 1.5 hours). The passing score is 75 percent.

Cost

The CFE Exam Application fee is $480 and covers the first attempt at each of the three sections. A retake costs $110 per failed section. Rescheduling costs $30 (30+ days before the appointment), $50 (5-29 days before), or $55 (fewer than 5 days before). ACFE Associate membership dues are not a flat published figure: they are set by an interactive, country-based dues calculator on acfe.com rather than a single price.

Recertification

CFEs must earn a minimum of 20 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits each annual compliance period, at least 10 directly related to the detection and deterrence of fraud and at least 2 related to ethics.

For a section-by-section study plan, retake cost and attempt limits, and exam-day logistics, read the CFE study plan. Use the recommender to weigh CFE against CAMS, CGSS, the ICA ladder, and CFCS for your specific role.

Wondering whether military experience, self-employment, or a role outside ACFE’s eight named experience categories qualifies? The eligibility edge cases guide covers ACFE’s catch-all clause, its published no-waiver policy, and what remains unaddressed on foreign degrees and part-time experience.

Compare this credential against the others in the comparison matrix, or use the recommender.