How can I start a career and become a CFE (certified fraud examiner)?

Become a Certified Fraud Examiner

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is one of the best anti-fraud organisations that grant fraud investigator certifications to professionals. To start a career and become a certified fraud examiner in India, a professional must complete the following requirements as laid down by ACFE:

1. Become a member of the ACFE.

To be eligible for the certified examiner course and exam, a professional must become an associate member of ACFE and receive the associated certificate. ACFE members gain access to free webinars, training material discounts, unique job boards, and global networking possibilities.

2. Earn a bachelor’s degree to fulfil the educational qualifications

CFEs are required to have a bachelor’s degree in any subject from an authorised university. If you’re still deciding on a degree, accounting, finance, economics, law, or cybersecurity can forge a foundation for a fraud examiner career and also prepare you for the CFE exam as well as your future profession as a fraud investigator.

3. Gain two years of relevant experience

CFE candidates must have at least two years of experience in the identification or deterrent of fraud. Your work responsibilities may or may not be directly related to:

• Accounting and auditing
• Criminology and sociology
• Loss Prevention
• Law
• Fraud investigation

4. Examine the certified fraud examiner in India qualification point system

To determine eligible candidates, the ACFE employs a point system. You can apply for the CFE exam if you have at least 40 points. CFE certification requires at least 50 points and two years of related job experience. 

5. Prepare for the Certified Fraud Examiner Exam

While your education and professional experience will help you gain knowledge in these areas, the ACFE recommends enrolling in the CFE Exam Prep Course. The course includes practice exams that are designed to simulate the actual testing atmosphere. 

6. Register to take the CFE exam.

Through your ACFE account, you can apply to take the CFE exam. Check your application and include all supporting papers, such as professional recommendations and proof of education and work experience. The ACFE typically reviews applications and issues approval notices within five to seven business days. After receiving permission, you have two years to begin the CFE exam preparation procedure.

7. Take the CFE examination.

You can take the exam online or in person at a Prometric testing centre near you. Each of the four CFE exam sections takes roughly two hours to complete, but you can do so in any order as long as you finish all four sections within 60 days. There are no exclusions for sections based on job experience. Passing the exam requires 75% on each section, and candidates have three chances to pass each component.

8. Obtain your CFE certification.

When you pass your CFE exam, your scores, exam application, and supporting documentation are sent to the ACFE Certification Committee for final evaluation. Eligible candidates are notified when they are officially certified fraud examiners. It should be noted that the ACFE requires CFEs to adhere to the Code of Professional Ethics throughout their employment. CFEs must also pay annual membership fees and complete at least 20 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their certification.