Certified Fraud Examiner - Investigation

cfe-investigation

Money Back Guarantee
98% Success Rate
Real Questions
SAVE 5%
$79.99
$75.99

cfe-investigation - 1 item(s)

Exam SimulatorInteractive practice tests
$75.99
Lifetime Access & Updates
Access on Mobile & Desktop
Save more with Multi-exam Discounts
Applies automatically
2 exams25% off
3 exams30% off
4 exams35% off
5 exams40% off
6+ exams45% off
Question Types
Multiple choiceFill in the blankDiagramsCase studies

What's Included

49
Practice Questions
1
Exam Versions
Languages
Translation Beta
Oct 18, 2025
Updated

Complete Exam Package

49 cfe-investigation practice questions with detailed explanations

Multiple Exam Modes

Study Mode, Timed Practice, and Flashcard Review

Lifetime Updates

Stay current with free question updates and new exam versions

Money Back Guarantee

Ace your exam or your money back

Get the largest library of ACFE practice tests — Free with our Exam Simulator.

Exam Details

Duration120 min
Passing Score75%
LevelProfessional
TestingPrometric Testing Centers
Valid ForContinuous with CPE requirements
Exam Cost$475

What topics are on the CFE-INVESTIGATION exam?

1

Interview Theory and Application

1.1
Interview Preparation and Planning
2 subtopics
1.1.1Pre-interview Research and Case Review
1.1.2Interview Environment Setup
Learning Objectives
  • Understand how to properly prepare for fraud examination interviews
  • Identify appropriate interview environments and settings
  • Develop interview strategies based on case circumstances
1.2
Building Rapport with Interviewees
1 subtopics
1.2.1Rapport-Building Techniques
Learning Objectives
  • Apply rapport-building techniques in fraud investigations
  • Understand the importance of trust in obtaining admissions
1.3
Detecting Deception
2 subtopics
1.3.1Verbal and Non-Verbal Deception Indicators
1.3.2Question Techniques for Detecting Deception
Learning Objectives
  • Recognize signs of deceptive behavior during interviews
  • Understand limitations and myths of deception detection
  • Apply effective questioning to identify inconsistencies
1.4
Admission-Seeking Interviews
2 subtopics
1.4.1The Nine-Step Interview Method
1.4.2Rationalization Techniques
Learning Objectives
  • Apply the nine-step admission-seeking interview method
  • Use rationalization techniques ethically to obtain admissions
  • Handle denials and objections during interviews
1.5
Taking Signed Statements
1 subtopics
1.5.1Written Statement Requirements
Learning Objectives
  • Prepare legally admissible written statements
  • Ensure statements meet evidentiary requirements
  • Understand voluntariness and coercion issues
1.6
Interview Documentation
1 subtopics
1.6.1Recording and Note-Taking Methods
Learning Objectives
  • Properly document fraud examination interviews
  • Understand legal requirements for recording
  • Maintain chain of custody for interview evidence
Domain Hands-on Skills
Conducting effective fraud examination interviewsDetecting deceptive behaviorObtaining voluntary admissions from suspectsTaking legally admissible signed statementsProperly documenting interviews
Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Believing eye contact myths about deception
  • Using coercive interview techniques
  • Failing to properly document interviews
  • Not establishing rapport before seeking admissions
  • Ignoring legal requirements for statements and recordings
2

Data Analysis and Reporting Tools

3

Digital Forensics

4

Planning and Conducting a Fraud Examination

5

Sources of Information

6

Covert Examinations

7

Analyzing Documents

8

Tracing Illicit Transactions

9

Report Writing

How do I earn the Certified Fraud Examiner - Investigation certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Fraud Examination and Investigation

Prerequisites

  • Required
  • Required
  • Required
  • Required
  • Required

Next Steps

  • Advanced Certifications and Specializations
    ACFE offers various advanced training certificates and specializations

Current Level

  • cfe-financial-transactionsCFE Financial Transactions and Fraud SchemesRequired Section
    Tests knowledge of accounting, auditing, fraud schemes, and internal controls
  • cfe-lawCFE LawRequired Section
    Focuses on criminal/civil law, evidence, rights, and testimony
  • Covers interviewing, information sources, transaction tracing, and report writing
  • Examines crime causation, occupational fraud, prevention, and ethics

Alternative Paths

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  • Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF)
  • Certified Forensic Accountant (Cr.FA)

Career Progression

Entry Level

  • Junior Fraud Investigator
  • Forensic Accounting Analyst
  • Compliance Analyst
  • Internal Audit Associate

Mid Level

  • Fraud Examiner
  • Senior Forensic Accountant
  • Fraud Investigator
  • Compliance Manager
  • Internal Audit Manager

Senior Level

  • Director of Fraud Prevention
  • Chief Compliance Officer
  • Forensic Accounting Partner
  • Chief Audit Executive
  • Independent Fraud Consultant

Complementary Skills

0

Data analytics and data mining

1

Digital forensics and cybersecurity

2

Accounting and financial analysis

3

Legal knowledge and understanding

4

Interview and interrogation techniques

5

Report writing and communication

6

Project management

7

Technology and software tools (ACL, IDEA, etc.)

Certification Maintenance

  • Recertification Options:
    Method: Annual CPE Compliance; Requirements: 20 CPE credits per year (10 fraud-related, 2 ethics); Cost: CPE reporting fee (varies); Description: Standard recertification method for all CFEsMethod: ACFE Membership Maintenance; Requirements: Maintain ACFE membership in good standing; Cost: Annual membership dues; Description: Required for all CFEs to maintain credential

How do I study for the CFE-INVESTIGATION Exam?

Practice the Certified Fraud Examiner - Investigation with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Free Resources

ACFE Website ResourcesWebsiteCFE Exam FAQsWebsiteEligibility Points CalculatorToolFraud Talk NewsletterNewsletterACFE Member ForumForum

Study Tips

  • Tip: Focus on the Fraud Examiners Manual; Description: All exam questions come from this source. Reading it thoroughly is non-negotiable.
  • Tip: Understand, Don't Memorize; Description: The exam tests practical application. Focus on understanding concepts and how to apply them.
  • Tip: Practice Time Management; Description: You have 120 minutes for 100 questions - average 1.2 minutes per question. Practice under timed conditions.
  • Tip: Use Official Materials; Description: ACFE's official study materials are aligned with actual exam content. Third-party materials may not be accurate.
  • Tip: Take Sections Strategically; Description: Don't attempt all four sections in one day. Spread them out over your 60-day window.
  • Tip: Join a Study Group; Description: Local chapter study groups provide support, accountability, and different perspectives on difficult topics.
  • Tip: Focus on Practical Scenarios; Description: Many questions are scenario-based. Practice applying concepts to real-world situations.
  • Tip: Review Ethics Thoroughly; Description: ACFE Code of Professional Ethics is heavily tested. Know ethical boundaries for investigations.
  • Tip: Understand Legal Limits; Description: Know legal boundaries for evidence collection, surveillance, interviews, and digital forensics.
  • Tip: Don't Skip 'Modern' Topics; Description: Digital forensics, cryptocurrency, dark web, predictive analytics - these are increasingly tested.

What's changed on this exam?

Status: ACTIVE

Important Dates

0Date: 2026-06; Event: Major CFE Exam Update; Description: New exam content outline takes effect based on 2024 job analysis study; Action: Current candidates should plan to complete exam before June 2026 or wait for new content
1Date: Ongoing; Event: 90-Day CFE Exam Challenge Cohorts; Description: New cohorts start periodically (often January); Action: Check ACFE website for next start date
2Date: Annual; Event: ACFE Global Fraud Conference; Description: Annual fraud conference with training and CFE Exam Review Course options; Action: Check conference schedule for exam prep opportunities

Technology Coverage

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Likely expanded coverage in 2026 update

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain

Increased emphasis expected in Investigation section

Cloud Forensics

Growing importance as more data moves to cloud

Mobile Device Forensics

Continued relevance as mobile devices central to fraud schemes

Data Analytics Tools

Expanded coverage of modern analytics expected

Industry Trends

Who should take this exam?

Required Prerequisites

  • ACFE Associate Membership
  • Minimum 40 points on ACFE eligibility points system to take exam
  • Minimum 50 points on ACFE eligibility points system to be certified after passing

Experience Level: Professional With Fraud Examination Background

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost$475 USD
Testing CentersPrometric Testing Centers, Remote Online Proctoring (ProProctor)
Online ProctoringAvailable

How long is the certification valid?

Valid ForContinuous with CPE requirements
Recertification
  • Complete 20 CPE credits annually (10 fraud-related, 2 ethics-related)
  • Maintain ACFE membership in good standing
  • Pay annual CPE reporting fee

Students Also Purchased

Student Reviews

This exam simulator was instrumental in my success. The questions were very similar to the actual exam!

Sarah ChenSenior Developer

I passed on my first attempt thanks to this comprehensive practice exam. Worth every penny!

Michael RodriguezSolutions Architect

The detailed explanations helped me understand not just the answers, but the concepts behind them.

Emily JohnsonDevOps Engineer

Study Resources