200+ Free CFE Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CFE Exam
75%
Passing Score Required
~375/500 correct
500
Exam Questions
4 sections of 125
85,000+
CFEs Worldwide
ACFE 2025
$450
Exam Fee
Plus ACFE membership
25-30%
Salary Premium
For CFE-certified professionals
60 days
Testing Window
Complete all 4 sections
The CFE exam consists of 500 questions across four sections (125 each), administered at Prometric centers. Candidates have 60 days to complete all sections after exam approval. The exam is untimed but each section typically takes 2-3 hours. There are over 85,000 CFEs worldwide. CFEs earn 25-30% more than non-certified peers in fraud-related roles.
About the CFE Exam
The CFE credential is the premier certification for fraud prevention, detection, and investigation professionals. The exam covers four domains: Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes, Law, Investigation, and Fraud Prevention and Deterrence. It's recognized globally and essential for auditors, investigators, compliance officers, and forensic accountants.
Questions
500 scored questions
Time Limit
Untimed (must complete within 60 days)
Passing Score
75%
Exam Fee
$450 (ACFE / Prometric)
CFE Exam Content Outline
Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes
Asset misappropriation (billing, payroll, expense fraud), corruption (bribery, conflicts of interest), financial statement fraud, revenue recognition, inventory schemes, cash larceny, skimming, check tampering
Law
Evidence law, criminal and civil law, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, FCPA, money laundering laws, securities regulations, RICO, legal privileges, expert testimony, jurisdiction, extradition
Investigation
Fraud risk assessment, investigation planning, evidence gathering, digital forensics, data analysis, interview techniques, surveillance, tracing transactions, hidden assets, report writing
Fraud Prevention and Deterrence
COSO framework, internal controls, fraud risk management, ethics programs, whistleblower hotlines, corporate governance, fraud detection methods, deterrence strategies, compliance programs
How to Pass the CFE Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 75%
- Exam length: 500 questions
- Time limit: Untimed (must complete within 60 days)
- Exam fee: $450
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CFE Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CFE exam pass rate?
ACFE estimates the pass rate at approximately 50-60%. The 75% passing threshold requires answering approximately 375 questions correctly across all 500 questions. Success rates are higher for candidates who complete the CFE Exam Prep Course and have relevant professional experience in auditing, investigation, or fraud prevention.
How many questions are on the CFE exam?
The CFE exam contains 500 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections of 125 questions each: Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes, Law, Investigation, and Fraud Prevention and Deterrence. The exam is untimed, allowing candidates to work at their own pace within the 60-day testing window.
How long do I have to complete the CFE exam?
Candidates have 60 days from exam approval to complete all four sections. Each section is taken separately at Prometric testing centers or via online proctoring. You must pass all four sections within the 60-day window. If you don't complete all sections in time, you'll need to reapply and pay the exam fee again.
How long should I study for the CFE exam?
Most successful candidates study 80-120 hours over 6-10 weeks. ACFE recommends approximately 2-3 months of preparation. Study time should be distributed across all four domains proportionally. Candidates with CPA, CIA, or law enforcement backgrounds may require less preparation time.
What is the hardest section of the CFE exam?
Many candidates find the Law section challenging due to the breadth of legal topics including evidence law, criminal statutes, and federal regulations (SOX, FCPA). The Investigation section can also be difficult due to scenario-based questions requiring practical judgment. Financial Transactions is typically considered the most straightforward for those with accounting backgrounds.
Is CFE certification worth it?
The CFE credential is widely recognized as the gold standard in fraud examination. CFEs typically earn 25-30% more than non-certified professionals in similar roles. The certification is valued across accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and law enforcement. There are over 85,000 CFEs in 180 countries, making it a globally recognized credential.