Mission Statement

The mission of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners is to reduce the incidence of fraud and white-collar crime and to assist the Membership in its detection and deterrence.

To accomplish our mission, the Association

• Provides bona fide qualifications for Certified Fraud Examiners through administration of the Uniform CFE
• Sets high standards for admission, including demonstrated competence through mandatory continuing professional development
• Requires Certified Fraud Examiners to adhere to a strict code of professional conduct and ethics
• Serves as the international representative for Certified Fraud Examiners to businesses, law enforcement and the general public
• Provides leadership to inspire public confidence in the integrity, objectivity, and professionalism of Certified Fraud Examiners

Who we are

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, established in 1988, is based in Austin, Texas. The over 70,000 member professional organization is dedicated to educating qualified individuals (Certified Fraud Examiners), who are trained in the highly specialized aspects of detecting, investigating, and deterring fraud and white-collar crime. Each member of the Association designated a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) has earned certification after an extensive application process and upon passing the uniform CFE Examination.

Certified Fraud Examiners come from various professions, including auditors, accountants, fraud investigators, loss prevention specialists, attorneys, educators, and criminologists. CFEs gather evidence, take statements, write reports, and assist in investigating fraud in its varied forms. Most major corporations and government agencies employ CFEs, and others provide consulting and investigative services.

The Association sponsors approximately 150 local chapters worldwide. CFEs in over 125 countries on four continents have investigated more than 1,000,000 suspected cases of civil and criminal fraud.

Criminologist and former FBI agent Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, is Chairman and founder of the Association, as well as an advisory member of the Board of Regents. Mr. James D. Ratley is the Association's president. The Association serves its Members with a staff of approximately 60 dedicated professionals.

What we do

With over 75,000 Certified Fraud Examiners and Associate Members in 125 countries around the world, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners is dedicated to the single mission of reducing the incidence of fraud and white-collar crime through prevention and education.

Among the benefits and services offered by the Association are professional education products (self-study videos, workbooks, CD-ROMs, etc.), The White Paper (a bimonthly magazine), EthicsLine (a subscription-based company employee hotline), and numerous national and international seminars and conferences devoted to continuing education about fraud.