Why Study with PlanetCert?
The Latest Questions
Practice questions and exam topics aligned with the current exam objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Go beyond the answer. Master the material with comprehensive learning and professional explanations for every concept.
AI-Powered Insights
Personalized preparation guidance that adapts to your performance and identifies weak spots automatically.
Exam Information
Official specifications published by ACFE
Exam Format
480 min
400 total (100 per section)
75% per section
Professional
Registration
$475 USD
Prometric or online proctoring
Validity
Lifetime (with CPE maintenance)
20 CPE credits annually; At least 10 CPE must be fraud-related; At least 2 CPE must be ethics-related
CFE Exam Topics and Domains
CFE is organized into 4 weighted domains.
1
Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes
25%
Financial Statement FraudFinancial Statement Fraud Schemes
Asset Misappropriation: Cash ReceiptsSkimming and Larceny
Asset Misappropriation: Cash DisbursementsDisbursement Schemes
Asset Misappropriation: Inventory and Other AssetsInventory Theft
CorruptionCorruption Schemes
Theft of Intellectual PropertyInformation Protection
Identity TheftIdentity Theft Methods
Financial Institution FraudBanking Fraud
Payment FraudElectronic Payment Fraud
Insurance FraudInsurance Schemes
Health Care FraudHealth Care Schemes
Consumer FraudConsumer Schemes
CyberfraudCyber Security
Contract and Procurement FraudProcurement Schemes
Accounting Concepts
Financial Statements
- Understand basic accounting principles and financial statements
- Identify different accounting frameworks and when they are used
2
Law
25%
The Legal SystemLegal Fundamentals
The Law Related to FraudFraud Laws
Bankruptcy FraudBankruptcy Proceedings
Securities FraudSecurities Laws
Money LaunderingAnti-Money Laundering
Tax FraudTax Evasion
Individual Rights During ExaminationsEmployee Rights
Criminal ProsecutionsCriminal Proceedings
Civil ActionsCivil Proceedings
Rules of EvidenceEvidence Rules
TestifyingExpert Testimony
3
Investigation
25%
Planning and Conducting a Fraud ExaminationFraud Examination Planning
Collecting EvidenceEvidence Collection
Interview Theory and ApplicationInterview Techniques
Interviewing Suspects and Signed StatementsAdmission-Seeking Interviews
Covert OperationsUndercover Operations
Sources of InformationInformation Sources
Data Analysis and Reporting ToolsData Analytics
Digital ForensicsDigital Evidence
Tracing Illicit TransactionsAsset Tracing
Report WritingFraud Reports
4
Fraud Prevention and Deterrence
25%
Crime CausationBehavioral Theories
White-Collar CrimeWhite-Collar Crime Theory
Corporate GovernanceGovernance Framework
Management's Fraud-Related ResponsibilitiesInternal Controls
Auditors' Fraud-Related ResponsibilitiesAudit Responsibilities
Fraud Prevention ProgramsPrevention Measures
Fraud Risk AssessmentRisk Assessment Process
Fraud Risk ManagementRisk Management Framework
Ethics and Code of ConductProfessional Ethics
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CFE earns the Certified Fraud Examiner certification. It sits in the Fraud Prevention and Detection track.
Next Level Options
CFE Specialist - Various ACFE Specialty Credentials
Alternative Paths
- CPA - Certified Public Accountant Complementary forensic accounting skills
- CIA - Certified Internal Auditor Internal control and audit expertise
- CAMS - Certified Anti-Money Laundering SpecialistAML and financial crime prevention
- CFF - Certified in Financial Forensics Advanced forensic accounting focus
- CISA - Certified Information Systems AuditorTechnology fraud and cybersecurity
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for CFE is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2023-01-01
Updates
- Generative AI Various Likely to be included in future exam updates • Release date: 2024-01-01
- Blockchain Analytics Emerging Cryptocurrency fraud detection methods • Release date: 2024-06-01
- Automated Transaction Monitoring Advanced 6-month detection timeline improvement • Release date: 2024-01-01
Who should take this exam?
ACFE Associate Membership
Minimum 40 points in eligibility system to take exam
Minimum 50 points to be certified
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent (40 points)
- 2 years of fraud-related professional experience