Passing the Certified Financial Examiner (CFE) exam is a significant milestone for any financial professional. The CFE exam tests your knowledge and expertise in the field of financial examining, investigation, and analysis. It is designed to assess your understanding of various financial principles, laws, regulations, and standards that are essential in your work as a financial examiner.
Exam Objectives:
The CFE exam objectives cover a wide range of topics that are vital in the field of financial examining. The main exam objectives are:
- Legal and regulatory environment
- Accounting principles and practices
- Financial analysis and investigation
- Financial institutions and markets
- Credit and loan analysis
- Risk management and control
- Information technology
The exam is divided into two parts, and candidates must pass both parts to earn their CFE certification.
Exam Details:
The CFE exam is a computer-based test that consists of 250 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have four hours to complete each part of the exam, and there is a 15-minute break between the two parts. The exam is offered in English and is delivered by Prometric testing centers worldwide.
The cost of the CFE exam is $795 for ACFE members and $995 for non-members. The passing score for each part of the exam is 75%. Candidates who fail the exam may retake it up to two times within 12 months of their original exam date.
Who should take the exam?
The CFE exam is designed for financial professionals who specialize in financial examining, investigation, and analysis. This includes professionals who work in government agencies, banks, credit unions, insurance companies, accounting firms, and other financial institutions.
There are no specific prerequisites or qualifications for taking the CFE exam. However, candidates are expected to have a strong background in financial examining, investigation, and analysis, as well as a solid understanding of financial principles, laws, regulations, and standards.
Related Books:
The following books can help candidates prepare for the CFE exam:
- Financial Statement Analysis and Security Valuation by Stephen H. Penman
- The Essentials of Risk Management by Michel Crouhy, Dan Galai, and Robert Mark
- Bank Management and Financial Services by Peter Rose and Sylvia Hudgins
- Credit Risk Assessment by Clark Abrahams and Mingyuan Zhang
- Financial Markets and Institutions by Frederic S. Mishkin and Stanley G. Eakins
- Principles of Risk Management and Insurance by George E. Rejda and Michael McNamara
Preparing for the CFE exam requires a combination of self-study and review courses, as well as practical experience in financial examining, investigation, and analysis. Candidates should dedicate ample time and effort to studying and practicing to ensure they are fully prepared to take and pass the exam.