Certified Forensic Accountant, Cr.FA Program
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The Certified Forensic Accountant, Cr.FA program equips Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) with the recognition that they can provide competent and professional forensic accounting services in a multitude of arenas. Forensic accountants may be involved in both litigation support (providing assistance on a given case, primarily related to the calculation or estimation of economic damages and related issues) and investigative accounting (looking into illegal activities).
Why should you choose the Cr.FA credential?
The Cr.FA credential is distinct from other certifications in forensic accounting and fraud.
What sets our credential apart is:
- Requires a CPA license as a minimum qualification
- Uniquely prepares accountants to testify in court as a witness
- Diverse training that covers topics from fraud investigations to report writing for courts
Credential Content
Cr.FA covers all of the topics a CPA needs to expand their field of expertise. The credential goes beyond the traditional training a CPA receives. The materials include:
- History of forensic accounting
- Fraud auditing
- Asset misappropriation scams
- Alternate dispute resolution
- Preparation and courtroom tips
- Document retrieval and analysis
- Rules of evidence
- Government auditing techniques
- IRS Valuation Guidelines
How do I maintain the Cr.FA credential?
Individuals are expected to maintain membership and complete 15 hours of forensic-related continuing education credits per year to maintain their Cr.FA status. The initial Cr.FA course provides 15 CE credits, fulfilling this requirement.
Future CEs may be earned through ACFEI's Executive Summits and/or completing tests for the continuing education articles located in The Forensic Examiner®, provided in our online course catalog.
Steps to becoming a Certified Forensic Accountant, Cr.FA
- Be a member of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute.
Membership with the ACFEI is a requirement to obtain the Cr.FA.
- Currently hold the CPA designation.
Our certification in forensic accounting is one of the strictest in the field because it requires a CPA to apply for it.
- Must be registered with your State Board of Accountancy, if required by state law.
Prior to sitting for the examination you will be asked to provide photocopies of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and licenses.
- Must be in compliance with all local ordinances, state laws, and federal regulations.
You must have no record of disciplinary action from any state, province, or territory licensing or certification board during the past 10 years, nor currently be under investigation. You must also have no felony convictions.
- Submit three professional references.
References must be able to attest to your qualifications as an accountant.
- Complete the new member application to start the process and submit your payment via credit card.
ACFEI is now offering monthly payment plans to help make certification more affordable. We also offer auto dues renewal. Call Member Services for more information at 800.423.9737.
- Review the materials once your eligibility has been confirmed.
Materials can be accessed from your online course catalog once you receive your log-in information.
- Successfully pass the Cr.FA online exam.
You are allowed two retakes of the exam if you do not pass for $100 each in a calendar year.
- Once you have passed the Cr.FA exam, Member Services will mail you your certificate.
Your Cr.FA certificate will be mailed approximately 2-3 weeks after successful
completion of the Cr.FA exam and a final review of your application file.
