CFCS Certification

A credential for progress

CFCS Certification

A credential for progress

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ACFCS is working with professionals that want to make a lifelong impact on their careers. Our mission is to advance your career and to make the world a safer place from financial crime. Join thousands of CFCS-certified professionals globally who have made the commitment to stopping financial crime.

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Woman studying to become a Certified Financial Crime Specialist

BENEFITS OF BEING CFCS CERTIFIED

CFCS FOR ORGANIZATIONS

Leaders are looking to innovate in their financial crime training and credentialing programs by breaking down silos between teams and driving new initiatives. The CFCS credential is built for this purpose, to support: 

  • Cross-Training - enables institutions to cross-train compliance teams across the spectrum of financial crime. 

  • Information Sharing - improving communication, coordination, and cooperation among different financial crime teams. 

  • Regulatory Response - regulators increasingly expect institutions to have training and credentialing on a full range of financial crime threats. 

  • Enterprise Support – additional benefits to ensure adoption of the certification across organization. 

CFCS FOR INDIVIDUALS

Professionals need to demonstrate knowledge and skills required to effectively manage their responsibilities. The CFCS credential signals to organizations and regulators strong competence to support: 

  • Career Advancement - enables individuals to rise in their careers with a forward-thinking credential. 

  • New Opportunities - opens new avenues in other fields by providing a baseline of skills in multiple financial crime disciplines. 

  • Broader Knowledge and Skills – fulfill job roles more effectively and share actionable insights with relevant departments by learning 12 core areas of financial crime topics in one complete program. 

  • Networking and Community – a global network of credentialed professionals who share a common purpose to build a stronger financial crime community. 
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The CFCS credential is based on international best practices and designed to benefit both the public and private sectors. Professionals at the world’s largest financial institutions hold the CFCS credential, along with regulatory agencies, law enforcement and non-financial corporations. There are CFCS-certified individuals in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions.
The certification is designed for any role with financial crime prevention responsibilities, such as:

  • Compliance Officers
  • Law Enforcement
  • Regulators
  • Auditor
  • Analysts
  • Investigators
  • FIU Roles
  • Fraud Risk Roles
  • Cyber Security and Cyber Risk Roles
  • Consultants

Individuals wanting to become CFCS certified must be a member and may purchase the CFCS package at any time.

Prior to scheduling the exam, candidates must submit their application with supporting documentation and demonstrate they meet the 40 CE requirement.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Membership with ACFCS
  • Proof of 40 earned credits

Download the Handbook in the steps below. Not sure if you qualify? We’re here to help. Contact Us.

The CFCS exam covers 12 key content areas and candidates should be prepared for questions on a wide range of topics. Topics covered in the CFCS certification include:

  • AML
  • Compliance Programs
  • International Standards
  • Terrorist Financing
  • Fraud
  • Sanctions
  • Cyber Security
  • Asset Recovery
  • Investigations
  • Tax Evasion
  • Corruption
  • Ethics

  • CFCS EXAM INFO

    The CFCS exam was designed and created by a group of over 60 fincrime thought leaders from a wide range of institutions and regulatory bodies to meet the needs of professionals seeking a holistic understanding of financial crime. The Exam tests your ability to apply core concepts of financial crime into real-world scenarios across AML, Fraud, Risk, Investigations, and more.

  • Exam:

    135-Scenario Based Multiple Choice Questions

    Duration:

    4-Hours

    Passing Score:

    88/135

    Exam Delivery:

    Online or Testing Center Proctored through Kryterion 

HOW TO GET CFCS CERTIFIED?

STEP 1

Purchase

The CFCS package includes a host of study materials including a comprehensive study manual, online course, audio book and more. Please verify eligibility prior to purchase.  

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STEP 2

Apply

Check eligibility (pg. 7) and apply. Candidates must complete and submit the CFCS application prior to scheduling their exam.

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STEP 3

Prepare

We recommend a minimum of 40-50 hours of preparation time utilizing all the study tools spaced out over a period of several weeks.
Sample
STEP 4

Test

Candidates can schedule and sit for their exam from the convenience of their home through the online testing platform.
Testing

TWO PATHS TO EXAM PREP

We offer two options for exam prep, Self Study and the Accelerator. Depending on your personal learning style and schedule, you can choose the option best suited to helping you achieve your certification.

Need help with credits or have questions, please contact sales at sales@acfcs.org.

Man preparing for CFCS Certification Exam on a Laptop

CFCS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM DATES

Program Start Date

Registration Opens

Registration Closes

February 19, 2025

NOW OPEN

February 12, 2025

May 14, 2025

February 12, 2025

May 7, 2025

August 6, 2025

May 7, 2025

July 30, 2025

October 22, 2025

July 30, 2025

October 15, 2025

COST AND PRICING OPTIONS

Swipe to see packages.

  Inclusions

Self Study

Accelerator

Timeframe to Take Exam

Candidates have 6 -12 months to sit for the exam depening on the program they select. Both programs require approximately 40 - 50 hours of preparation time.

12 months

6 months

Video Library

Dive into our engaging animated videos, where complex topics come to life through real-world scenarios and dynamic visuals. Each video offers an easy-to-follow review of essential content, making study sessions effective and entertaining.

Duration : 5 hours

Digital Study Manual (PDF)

Prepare for the examination with the study manual that covers the 12 key content areas. The study manual is your primary preparation resource.

Podcast Library

Essential topics and concepts are explored through engaging insights. Each episode provides a clear, in-depth review of key content, making it easy to learn anytime, anywhere. Prepare with confidence as you listen to discussions designed to enhance understanding and retention, setting you up for exam success.

Online Question Bank

Identify topics and areas that may require further study. There is no limit to the number of times you can go through the questions.

Expert-Led Training Videos

Review key concepts with our expert-led training videos. From practical examples to expert insight on the 12 key content areas covered on the exam.

Duration: 9 hours

Scenario-Based Training

Remote Online Testing

Test Center Testing

9 Week Virtual Classroom

Immersive virtual classes, where industry experts skillfully navigate candidates through exam content offering practical examples, real-life case studies, answering questions and testing their knowledge along the way.

Structured Study Plan

Designed to guide candidates through their learning journey with clarity and focus on the end goal of passing the exam.

Homework Assignments

Developed to challenge candidates through real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Exam Tips

Valuable tips and strategies for success in preparing for the exam.

Classroom Recordings

A convenient way to review and revisit lessons for continued preparation.

Complimentary Exam Retake

Enjoy the confidence of a complimentary exam retake, our assurance of your path to success.

 

  CFCS Certification for Individual

 

 

Self-Study Pricing

 

 

Accelerator Pricing

 

Accelerator Add-On

(Membership and certification is required for purchase.)

Not Available

 
Sold out

CFCS Certification, Current ACFCS Member
Sold out

 

Purchase Add-On

 

CFCS Certification, Non-Member - Includes 1 Year of ACFCS Membership
Sold out

 

Purchase Add-On

 

 

  CFCS Certification for Government

 

 

Self-Study Pricing

 

 

Accelerator Pricing

 

Accelerator Add-On

(Membership and certification is required for purchase.)

Not Available

 
Sold out

CFCS Certification, Current ACFCS Member
Sold out

 

Purchase Add-On

 

CFCS Certification, Non-Member - Includes 1 Year of ACFCS Membership
Sold out

 

Purchase Add-On

 

Swipe to see packages.

See What Certified Financial Crime Specialists Are Saying

"The CFCS tests the skills necessary to fight financial crime. It's comprehensive. Passing it should be considered a mark of high achievement, distinguishing qualified experts in this growing specialty area."

KENNETH E. BARDEN 

(JD, Washington)

"It's a vigorous exam. Anyone passing it should have a great sense of achievement."

DANIEL DWAIN

(CFCS, Official Superior

de Cumplimiento Cidel

Bank & Trust Inc. Nueva York)

"The exam tests one's ability to apply concepts in practical scenarios. Passing it can be a great asset for professionals in the converging disciplines of financial crime."

MORRIS GUY

(CFCS, Royal Band of

Canada, Montreal)

"The Exam is far-reaching. I love that the questions are scenario based. I recommend it to anyone in the financial crime detection and prevention profession."

BECKI LAPORTE

(CFCS, CAMS Lead Compliance

Trainer, FINRA, Member Regulation

Training, Washington, DC)

"This certification comes at a very ripe time. Professionals can no longer get away with having siloed knowledge. Compliance is all-encompassing and enterprise-driven."

KATYA HIROSE
CFCS, CAMS, CFE, CSAR
Director, Global Risk
& Investigation Practice
FTI Consulting, Los Angeles

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CFCS CERTIFICATION?

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