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Exam Information
Official specifications published by ACFE
Exam Format
3 exams (one per course)
70%
Certificate
Registration
$473 USD
Online Self-Study
Validity
Lifetime (does not expire)
No maintenance required - certificate is permanent once earned
FA-CERT Exam Topics and Domains
FA-CERT is organized into 3 weighted domains.
1
Data Analysis Techniques for Fraud Examiners
40%
Data Analytics Fundamentals
What is Data Analysis?Why Use Data Analytics to Detect Fraud?Advantages of Using Data Analytics to Detect FraudChallenges of Using Data Analytics to Detect Fraud
- Identify the benefits and challenges of using data analytics
- Explain why data analytics is used for fraud detection
The Data Analysis Process
The Planning PhaseThe Preparation PhaseThe Testing and Interpretation PhaseThe Post-Analysis Phase
- Categorize the four phases of the data analysis process
- Explain the key activities within each phase
Data Analysis Techniques for Specific Fraud Schemes
Basic Analytical ProceduresData Analytics and Scheme-Specific Frauds OverviewBilling SchemesCheck Tampering SchemesPayroll SchemesExpense Reimbursement SchemesTheft of Cash Receipts SchemesNoncash Asset SchemesCorruption SchemesFinancial Statement Fraud SchemesFinancial Statement AnalysisBenford's LawTextual Analytics Introduction
- Recognize common red flags for data that appears to be suspicious or fraudulent
- Distinguish various data analysis techniques that can be applied based on the type of fraud scheme(s) under investigation
- Apply basic analytical procedures to identify fraud indicators
- Understand Benford's Law and its application to fraud detection
2
Textual Analytics
20%
Foundations of Textual Analytics
What Is Data Analysis? (Textual Context)Types of DataWhat Is Textual Analytics?Benefits of Using Textual AnalyticsChallenges Faced When Performing Textual Analysis
- Determine how textual analysis can be used in the prevention and detection of fraud
- Identify the various attributes of data used for textual analysis
- Recognize the benefits and challenges associated with using textual analytics
Textual Analysis Techniques and Applications
Preparing Data for Textual AnalysisText MiningKeywords and the Fraud TriangleSentiment AnalysisTextual Analytics and EmailTextual Analytics and Social MediaCombining Textual Analysis TechniquesDisplaying ResultsData Privacy and SecurityUsing Textual Analytics to Conduct Fraud Risk Assessments
- Differentiate textual analysis techniques and how they can be used to assess fraud risk
- Apply text mining and sentiment analysis techniques to unstructured data
- Use keyword-based monitoring aligned with the fraud triangle
3
Uncovering Fraud with Advanced Financial and Ratio Analysis
40%
Ratio Analysis and Fraud Detection Fundamentals
Introduction to Advanced Financial AnalysisRatio Analysis and Fraud Detection
- Determine the fraud detection capabilities of traditional horizontal, vertical and ratio analyses
- Recognize the different financial analyses aimed at detecting specific types of fraud schemes
Financial Ratios for Fraud Detection
Financial Ratios - Part 1Financial Ratios - Part 2Financial Ratios - Part 3
- Calculate and interpret financial ratios relevant to fraud detection
- Apply micro-level composition ratios and spending ratios
Advanced Multi-Factor Analysis
Using Multiple-Ratio Scores to Detect FraudOther Types of Financial and Ratio AnalysisUsing Nonfinancial Data in Fraud Detection
- Apply complex ratios and other multiple-factor analyses
- Plan targeted ratios that combine nonfinancial data with financial data
- Identify financial anomalies, including duplicate transactions and violations of Benford's Law
How do I earn this certification?
Passing FA-CERT earns the Fraud Analytics Certificate certification. It sits in the Anti-Fraud Analytics track.
Next Level Options
CFE - Certified Fraud ExaminerThe premier fraud examination credential covering Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes, Law, Investigation, and Fraud Prevention and Deterrence
Alternative Paths
- CFE - Certified Fraud Examiner ExamFull professional credential for fraud examiners; broader scope than any single certificate
- CAMS - Certified Anti-Money Laundering SpecialistComplementary credential from ACAMS focused on financial crime and AML analytics
Practice with Precision
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How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for FA-CERT 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: 2025-12-01
Updates
- Benford Subset Divergence Analysis (BSDA) AI-enhanced Benford's Law technique that extends traditional digit analysis; likely to appear in future course updates • Release date: 2024-11-01
- AI and Machine Learning in Fraud Detection Growing integration of AI tools with traditional analytics; ACFE increasingly covering AI applications in fraud detection resources
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by CFEs or professionals with extensive anti-fraud training seeking to market proficiency in fraud analytics and Anti-fraud professionals not yet ready for the CFE Exam.
- Fundamental knowledge of data analytics
- Fundamental knowledge of data analysis procedures (for Textual Analytics course)
- Solid understanding of the creation of and relationships between an organization's financial statements and records (for Advanced Financial and Ratio Analysis course)
Related practice tests
- AFC-CERTAnti-Fraud Controls Certificate Program
- AFFAnti-Fraud Fundamentals Certificate Program
- CFECertified Fraud Examiner
- cfe-investigationCertified Fraud Examiner - Investigation
- cfe-fraud-preventionCFE - Certified Fraud Examiner: Fraud Prevention and Deterrence Section