American College of Forensic Examiners International^SM

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About the Certified Forensic Accountant, Cr.FA® program

Forensic accountants are professionals who use a unique blend of education and experience to apply accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to uncover truth, form legal opinions, and assist in investigations. 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).

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"With the rigid qualifications and high standards of achievement required for this credential, the Cr.FA helps to distinguish designees in terms of experience, knowledge, competence, and prestige...With the Cr.FA credential, accountants show they not only have the ability to work with numbers but also the ability to use their accounting experience professionally and accurately in a legal setting."

—As written in Forensic and Investigative Accounting by D. Larry Crumbley, Lester E. Heitger,
G. Stevenson Smith

What the Cr.FA program does for you

The Cr.FA course will prepare and educate you on the following tasks

What are the requirements?

Applicants must currently hold the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Any accountant making application for the credential Certified Forensic Accountant, Cr.FA^®, must first be registered with his/her State Board of Accountancy if required by state law. No one may make application for Certified Forensic Accountant, Cr.FA, unless they are first in compliance with all local ordinances, state laws, and federal regulations.

Prior to sitting for the examination(s) you will be asked to provide photocopies of degrees, diplomas, certificates, licenses, and three professional references. In addition, 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.

Please note, this certification is designed for individuals with existing knowledge in the area of forensic accounting.

International professionals who wish to become a Certified Forensic Accountant must hold a designation that is equivalent to the CPA in the United States. Applicants must submit a portfolio of supporting documentation to include a photo ID, photocopies of any licenses/certificates, and copy of your current resume to provide verification of the equivalent designation. Supporting documentation must be in English in order to be reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum qualifications to be a Cr.FA^®?

The applicant must have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, a current CPA License, 3 Professional References, and forensic accounting background; the Cr.FA is not an entry-level course, some experience is required.

What is a Forensic Accountant?

Forensic accountants are professionals who use a unique blend of education and experience to apply accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to uncover truth, form legal opinions, and assist in investigations. 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).

How long is the exam?

The exam is comprised of 100 multiple choice and true-or-false questions.

How soon can I begin using the Cr.FA^® designation?

As soon as you have received confirmation that you passed the exam, you may use the designation. It is not necessary to wait to receive the documentation.

What happens if I fail?

If you were to fail the exam, you would be allowed to re-take the exam, up to twice, at a reduced rate of $100 per attempt.

Am I able to take the Cr.FA^® if I am not a CPA?

Yes, for a Certificate of Completion only. In order to receive the actual designation, you must fulfill the minimum requirements and pass the exam.

How and where is the Cr.FA^® exam offered?

The Cr.FA^® exam is offered through our website and, at this time, is solely an online test. Once you feel you are prepared to take the exam, click on the "Final Exam" tab on the navigation bar on the left-side of your screen.

How do I submit the required documentation?

You can mail the documentation to: 2750 E. Sunshine St. Springfield, MO 65804, Attn: Cr.FA; Fax the documentation to 417.881.4702, Attn: Cr.FA; or e-mail Member Services.

How many Continuing Education credits (CE's) is the Cr.FA^® worth?

The Cr.FA^® is worth 15 CE's.

How long will it take for me to receive my certificate after passing the exam?

Upon submission of all required documentation and passing of the exam, you will receive your certificate within 3-5 weeks.

Can the Cr. FA^® designation be earned through reciprocity?

Currently, the Cr.FA^® can only be earned upon submission of appropriate documentation and successful completion of the exam.

What does the $495 certification price include?

The $495 includes the exam and study material. If you wish to purchase the book, you must do that on your own.

What must my professional references include?

We only require you to provide ACFEI with the names and phone numbers of 3 professional references, letters of recommendation are not necessary.

What will I receive upon successful completion of the Cr.FA^®?

You will receive an official certificate from ACFEI, 15 CE credits, and a press release stating your achievement.

How do I find out what I scored on the exam?

Unfortunately, it is ACFEI's policy to only give pass or fail verdicts. We do not provide scores.

For more information call toll free (800) 423-9737.