Short answer: to keep the CFE credential you need 20 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every 12 months, of which at least 10 must relate to fraud and at least 2 to ethics, and you must keep your ACFE membership active by paying the annual dues. You certify your CPE compliance to the ACFE each year.
Sources and limits. The CPE rule comes from the ACFE's CPE requirements page. Older ACFE material describes a different (24-month) cycle, so make sure you read the current page. Third-party guides say the CPE year ends with your membership anniversary month and that some extra credits can be carried over; confirm both on acfe.com.
The rules in short
| Item | Requirement (per ACFE) |
|---|---|
| CPE | 20 credits every 12 months |
| Fraud-related | At least 10 of the 20 |
| Ethics | At least 2 of the 20 |
| Membership | Active ACFE membership; annual dues (about US$195–225 depending on membership type) |
| Reporting | You certify CPE compliance to the ACFE; keep proof in case you are audited |
Where CPE comes from
- ACFE events, seminars, webinars and self-study courses
- Training from other providers, if it is relevant to fraud examination or your profession
- Courses that count for other credentials (CPA, CIA, CAMS and so on), within the ACFE's rules
- Ethics courses: the ACFE offers ethics CPE aimed at CFEs
Keep certificates of completion with the date, provider, topic and credits.
If you hold more than one credential
Fraud-related training often counts for several bodies at once. A course on fraud in financial institutions may count for the CFE and towards CAMS recertification or CFCS recertification, as long as each body's rules are met. Check each body's rules before you assume a course counts twice.
If you fall behind
Contact the ACFE before your deadline. Credentials can be suspended if CPE or dues are not kept up. The ACFE's CPE pages describe the current procedure.
Not certified yet? See how to prepare for the CFE exam or start with the free CFE practice test.
Find out where you stand
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Independent guide, not affiliated with ACFE. Facts checked November 2026; always confirm on the official website. How we check facts.