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CFE Certified Fraud Examiner Practice Test

140 questions available

Fraud examination certification covering financial transactions, fraud schemes, investigation, legal elements, and fraud prevention for anti-fraud professionals.

Certification exam
400 Exam questions
Practice bank
140 Practice Questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
Start Practice
The bank 140 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners140 practice questionsBank updated 2026-05-06

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes

An employee buys office supplies from a real vendor, routes the same goods through an entity he secretly owns, and has the employer pay a 35 percent markup. Which scheme is most likely?

Investigation

A fraud team builds a timeline of emails, approvals, invoices, payments, and interviews. What is the main investigative benefit?

Investigation

An investigator needs corporate officers, registered agents, liens, judgments, and UCC filings. Which source category is most useful?

Investigation

An examiner finds a handwritten approval note. The author denies writing it. What should happen before relying on it?

Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes

Accounts receivable detail shows Customer 1 payment applied to Customer 2, Customer 2 payment applied to Customer 3, and write-offs delayed until the clerk returns from vacation. What scheme should be suspected?

Why This Certification Opens Doors

In a global economy where organizations lose an estimated 5% of revenue annually to fraud, the practical value of the CFE credential is immense. It equips professionals with the forensic accounting techniques, legal knowledge, and investigative methodologies to directly combat financial crime. CFEs are instrumental in recovering assets, supporting litigation, strengthening internal controls, and fostering ethical corporate cultures. Their work protects organizational resources, deters criminal activity, and contributes to financial system integrity, making the credential a critical asset for both public and private sector entities.

Exam Details ACFE-CFE

Exam Code ACFE-CFE
Vendor Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Exam questions 400

Frequently Asked Questions

How much professional experience is required before I can sit for the exam?

You can sit for the CFE exam at any time. However, to be awarded the credential, you must meet the ACFE's experience requirement, which is a minimum of two years of professional experience in a field directly or indirectly related to the detection, investigation, or deterrence of fraud. The ACFE provides detailed guidelines on qualifying experience.

Is the CFE exam heavily focused on U.S. law, and is it relevant for international candidates?

The Law section does have a substantial focus on U.S. legal principles, as the ACFE is U.S.-based. However, the credential is globally recognized and valued. The core concepts of fraud schemes, investigation techniques, and prevention are universally applicable. International candidates should dedicate specific study time to U.S. legal terminology and procedures for the exam, while recognizing the other three sections have direct global relevance.

What is the best study resource for the exam?

The ACFE's official CFE Exam Prep Course and the accompanying Fraud Examiners Manual are the most authoritative and comprehensive resources. They are specifically designed to align with the exam content and are strongly recommended. Supplementing with study groups and the ACFE's online practice tests can further enhance preparation.

How is the exam structured, and what is the passing score?

The exam is divided into four sections corresponding to the core domains. It is a computer-based test consisting of 500 multiple-choice questions (125 per section). A score of 75% or higher is required to pass each individual section. You have the flexibility to take the sections in any order and can retake individual sections if necessary.

How long does it typically take to prepare for the CFE exam?

Preparation time varies based on prior knowledge and experience. A common recommendation is 80-120 hours of dedicated study. Many successful candidates follow a 8-12 week study plan, allocating consistent weekly hours to cover all four sections thoroughly, with time for review and practice exams.