What topics are on the CFE-LAW exam?

Overview of the Legal System

1.1

Legal Systems and Jurisdictions

3 subtopics

1.1.1Types of Legal Systems

1.1.2Sources of Law

1.1.3Jurisdiction

Learning Objectives

Understand different legal systems globally
Identify sources of law and their hierarchy
Navigate jurisdictional issues in fraud examination

1.2

Court Structure and Hierarchies

2 subtopics

1.2.1Federal Court System

1.2.2State Court Systems

Learning Objectives

Navigate court hierarchies
Identify appropriate legal forums
Understand appellate procedures

Domain Hands-on Skills

Determine proper jurisdiction for fraud casesNavigate court systems effectivelyIdentify appropriate legal forums

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing federal and state jurisdiction
Misunderstanding venue vs. jurisdiction
Applying wrong legal system principles

The Criminal Justice System

The Civil Justice System

Basic Principles of Evidence

Individual Rights During Examinations

Law Related to Fraud

Bankruptcy (Insolvency) Fraud

Securities Fraud

Money Laundering

Tax Fraud

Testifying

How do I earn the Cfe - Law certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Fraud Examination

Prerequisites

Required
Required
Required

Next Steps

Advanced training programs in specific fraud examination areas

Current Level

cfe-financial-transactionsCFE - Financial Transactions and Fraud SchemesRequired Section
Tests knowledge of fraudulent financial transactions and accounting fraud schemes
cfe-lawCFE - LawRequired Section
Tests knowledge of legal aspects of fraud examination and prosecution
cfe-investigationCFE - InvestigationRequired Section
Tests knowledge of fraud investigation techniques and procedures
cfe-fraud-preventionCFE - Fraud Prevention and DeterrenceRequired Section
Tests knowledge of fraud prevention, detection, and deterrence strategies

Alternative Paths

ciaCertified Internal Auditor (CIA)
cpaCertified Public Accountant (CPA)
cffCertified in Financial Forensics (CFF)
cfciCertified Financial Crime Investigator (CFCI)
camsCertified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)

Career Progression

Entry Level

Fraud Analyst
Junior Internal Auditor
Compliance Analyst
Loss Prevention Associate

Mid Level

Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Senior Internal Auditor
Compliance Officer
Forensic Accountant
Fraud Investigator

Senior Level

Manager of Fraud Examination
Director of Internal Audit
Chief Compliance Officer
Director of Forensic Services
VP of Risk Management

Executive Level

Chief Audit Executive
Chief Risk Officer
Chief Compliance Officer
VP of Investigations

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Maintain annual ACFE membershipComplete 20 CPE hours annuallyAdhere to ACFE Code of Professional Ethics

How do I study for the CFE-LAW Exam?

Practice the Cfe - Law with our Exam Simulator

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

Official Resources

Fraud Examiners Manual - Law Sectionprimary_textbook CFE Exam Prep Course - Online Self-Studyexam_prep_course CFE Exam Review Course - In-Personinstructor_led_course 90-Day CFE Exam Challengestructured_study_program CFE Exam Content Outline 2023official_outline CFE Exam Candidate Handbookhandbook

Free Resources

ACFE Insights Blogblog ACFE Webinarswebinars Fraud Magazinepublication Report to the Nationsreport

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Digital Evidence and E-Discovery

Expect more questions on digital evidence rules, metadata, email authentication, and social media evidence in future exams

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Investigations

May be incorporated into 2026 'Fraud Investigations and Legal Issues' section

Data Privacy Regulations

Increased emphasis on privacy law compliance during investigations

Industry Trends

Integration of legal and investigative skills recognized as critical in 2024 job analysis
Increasing complexity of fraud schemes requiring deeper legal knowledge
Growing importance of expert witness testimony skills for fraud examiners
Enhanced focus on constitutional rights and privacy during workplace investigations
Rising significance of money laundering and financial crimes knowledge
Greater emphasis on cross-border and international fraud investigation legal issues

Regulatory Updates

FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Rule

Cryptocurrency AML Regulations

Who should take this exam?

Required Prerequisites

ACFE membership (Associate level)
Meet CFE Credential requirements: Bachelor's degree OR equivalent professional experience
Minimum 2 years professional experience in fraud-related field
Three professional character references

Recommended Experience

Study the Fraud Examiners Manual - Law Section
Complete CFE Exam Prep Course or CFE Exam Review Course
Experience with fraud investigations or legal proceedings
Understanding of U.S. legal system and federal law

Experience Level: Intermediate To Advanced

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

Exam Cost	$475 USD
Testing Centers	Prometric
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	Lifetime (once CFE credential earned)
Recertification	Maintain annual ACFE membership Complete 20 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours annually Comply with ACFE Code of Professional Ethics

Cfe - Law

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details