The CFCS exam from ACFCS is broad rather than deep: AML is only one of several areas. The challenge is covering everything without getting lost in detail.
What you're preparing for
- 135 scenario-based multiple-choice questions in 4 hours (per ACFCS's FAQ).
- Online with webcam proctoring (Kryterion/Webassessor) or at a Kryterion test centre.
- ACFCS says the exam covers 12 key topics across financial crime detection, prevention and compliance.
How long to study
6–10 weeks for most candidates. Allocate time by your experience: if you're an AML specialist, give fraud, corruption, cyber and tax extra hours.
What to master
- Money laundering and terrorist financing: stages, typologies, FATF, beneficial ownership.
- Fraud: the fraud triangle, payment fraud, business email compromise, internal fraud, Ponzi schemes.
- Sanctions: primary vs secondary, screening, evasion.
- Bribery and corruption: FCPA, UK Bribery Act (including failure to prevent bribery and facilitation payments), third-party risk.
- Cyber-enabled crime: phishing, account takeover, ransomware, money mules.
- Tax evasion and transparency: FATCA, CRS, evasion vs avoidance.
- Investigations and compliance programmes across all of the above.
Study method
- Take the free CFCS diagnostic.
- Make a one-page summary per risk area: definition, key laws, red flags, controls.
- Practise connections: how corruption proceeds are laundered, how fraud funds move through mules.
- Use CFCS flashcards for laws and terms.
- Sit a full 4-hour mock: stamina matters.
Exam day
Install Kryterion's secure browser before the day if you test online, check your webcam and room, and keep two valid IDs ready.
Find out where you stand
Free 10-question CFCS test, scored by exam domain. No account needed.
Independent guide, not affiliated with ACFCS. Facts checked November 2026; always confirm on the official website.