Accepted Types of CPE

An unlimited amount of participant CPE credits can be claimed each year. Participant credit is defined as instruction in a formal, in-person class or online setting (e.g., virtual seminar or webinar).

To qualify for CPE credit, the instruction must meet the following requirements:

• The instruction must be delivered by one or more subject-matter experts.
• The presentation must have been created by or for the instructor specifically for educational purposes. (For example, the showing of a commercial film or television program would not qualify for CPE.)
• Attendance at the event is recorded.
• You received a certificate of completion that includes the following:
  • Name of attendee
  • Course description
  • Name of sponsoring organization
  • Number of CPE credits earned
  • Date of course

Courses taken at an accredited college or university can be claimed and computed at the rate of 15 CPE credits for each semester hour completed.

You must receive transcripts stating the course name and the number of credit hours earned to claim College or University Course CPE credit.

In-house training is acceptable for CPE credit if it is offered in a formal setting and meets the criteria for participant credit. Informal, on-the-job training cannot be claimed.  

You must receive a certificate of completion to claim in-house training CPE credit.

Self-study courses (including online and printed/workbook courses) are accepted for CPE credit, provided they meet the following criteria:

• The individual must pass a final examination to receive CPE credit.
• The course content must have been created specifically for educational purposes. (For example, the watching of a commercial film or television program or the reading of a book would not qualify for CPE.)
• You must receive a certificate of completion that includes the following to claim self-study CPE credit:
  • Name of attendee 
  • Course description 
  • Name of sponsoring organization 
  • Number of CPE credits earned
  • Date of course 

View self-study courses offered by the ACFE. 

Instructors can claim CPE credit for the number of hours spent presenting a topic that would qualify for CPE credit under these rules, subject to the following:

• The instructor can claim credit for the time spent presenting the class, regardless of how many times the class is taught.
• The instructor can claim up to 2 hours of preparation time for each hour of the presentation (i.e., up to 2 times the number of CPE that participants earn). The instructor can claim preparation credit the first time the presentation is given but cannot claim preparation credit for any subsequent classes.
• A maximum of 10 CPE credits per compliance period of Instructor CPE credit is accepted, including initial preparation time and presentation time.
• The instructor must have a written confirmation from the organization hosting the course that states the name and time frame of the class taught. For higher education classes, the instructor must keep a detailed class agenda or course brochure to claim Instructor CPE credit.

Time spent preparing articles and books related to approved fields of study will be accepted for a maximum of 10 CPE credits per year.

You must keep a detailed description of the article or book to claim Author CPE credit. 

Members of the ACFE Editorial Advisory Committee can claim 0.5 CPE credits for every Fraud Magazine submission reviewed, with a maximum allowable credit of 5 CPE credits per year. This credit only applies to the review of Fraud Magazine manuscripts and is only available to duly appointed members of the Editorial Advisory Committee.

You must submit a completed manuscript evaluation form to the Fraud Magazine editor-in-chief prior to the publication of each respective submission to claim Editorial Advisory CPE credit.

Credit can be claimed for participation in working groups established by the Board of Regents to review proposed changes to the ACFE’s rules of conduct, including the ACFE Bylaws, the ACFE Code of Professional Ethics, the CFE Code of Professional Standards and the Disciplinary Procedures. The number of CPE credits will be calculated based on your actual participation during working group meetings and in preparation of such meetings, with up to 3 credits per meeting (up to 2 credits for attending the meeting and up to 1 credit for preparation of the meeting).

Up to 10 CPE credits per compliance period can be claimed under the ACFE Working Group Credit. You should keep track of how much time is spent toward the above activities. Claims should be submitted to the ACFE Legal Department at Legal@ACFE.com. CPE certificates will be awarded as appropriate.

Credit can be claimed for participation in activities directly related to the development and continuous improvement of the CFE Exam. Accepted categories include:

• ACFE-led item writing and review workshops
• Item authoring (1 CPE credit per approved item) and review (.2 CPE credits per item reviewed) 
• Participation in a job analysis task force, standard-setting study or related activities (e.g., meetings and surveys) 

Up to 10 credits can be claimed in each category during the compliance period for which it is being claimed, with a maximum of 20 total credits allowed per compliance period. You must receive a certificate of completion that includes the number of CPE credits attained to claim CFE Exam Development credit.

Complete 5 online Fraud Magazine quizzes within a single year's online quiz set (published within the past 2 years). If you pass all 5 quizzes, you will receive 10 credits toward your CPE requirements.

Online Fraud Magazine quizzes are available for purchase here. You must receive a certificate of completion to claim Fraud Magazine CPE credit.

Credit can be claimed for the successful completion of an ACFE-approved certification program. The certification or designation must be earned during the compliance period for which it is being claimed and will only be recognized during the year of initial completion. Credit can only be claimed for 1 certification program during each compliance period.

You must keep transcripts, certificates and any other documentation that states the name of the credential and the original issue date.