What are the requirements for CFE? - Eligibility Criteria

Before applying to become a CFE, aspiring candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
• Be an associate member of the ACFE in good standing. 
• Meet minimum academic and professional requirements (described in more detail below). 
• Be of high moral character and agree to abide by the bylaws and Code of Professional Ethics of the ACFE.

Academic and Professional Requirements
As part of the application process for the CFE Exam, candidates must provide proof that they meet the stated academic and professional requirements to become a CFE. 

Point System
Eligibility is determined by a point system, which awards credit for education, professional affiliations and experience. 
• To qualify to take the CFE Exam, a candidate must have at least 40 points. 
• To be eligible for certification as a CFE upon passing the exam, a candidate must have a minimum of two years of professional experience and 50 points. Points can be earned before passing the exam or up to five years after the date that a candidate successfully passed their last exam section.

Check your eligibility with our calculator at www.ACFE.com/CFEPoints.

Academic Requirements
Any points claimed for education must be from an accredited institution of higher learning. No specific field of study is required. If you do not have a degree but have some education from an institution of higher learning, you may claim credit for each full year that you completed. You may also substitute two years of fraud-related professional experience for each year of academic study. 

Professional Affiliations
In addition to academic education, the ACFE has approved select professional affiliations (i.e., certifications/ credentials) as equivalent to 10 academic points. You can view a complete list here. --- Professional Certifications

This list is reviewed annually by the ACFE for changes or additions.

Fraud-Related Experience
Fraud-related work experience may also be used to earn points.