Many people ask “What is a Certified Fraud Examiner, and how much does it pay?” A Certified Fraud Examiner, or CFE, is a financial advisor who is certified by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) to practice in the United States. As per the Annual Credit Report, a certified fraud specialist earns an annual average wage of $80,000. As compared to their non-certified counterparts, a CFE earns an average wage of nearly $90,000, which is nearly double the national median income. However, the wages of CFEs varies from state to state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a CFE makes about twice as much as an insurance agent.

To become a CFE, one needs to complete five steps, which are Education, Experience, Knowledge and Testimonials. The education and experience section consist of twelve credit hours, which is required of candidates who apply for Professional CFE status. In this section, candidates are evaluated on their knowledge of financial transactions, fraud awareness and legal issues, and their ability to interact competently with both customers and law enforcement officials. To be eligible for credit card exam activation key, candidates need to pass the eight core examinations approved by the NFCC. Candidates who successfully pass the exam earn a CFE credential, which is good for two years.

Candidates who fail to achieve a CFE certificate, or who fail to renew a certificate after two years, cannot re-apply for enrollment until they take a retake exam. Those who renew their certificate but are not successful the first time need not take the retest. However, they should contact the fraud prevention firm for advice on continuing education. An anti-fraud professional also provides important information on the four sections.

Taking the retest is the first step toward earning a CFE credential. Candidates can opt to take the exam online through the NFCC website. This enables them to log on at any time during the day or night, seven days per week. This also enables them to work while attending to other duties at home. Taking the exam online ensures that candidates take the entire course in the shortest period of time, and it enables them to pass the exams within a shortest period of time.

If you choose to take the online certification examination, then you need to ensure that you have taken the appropriate anti-fraud course as instructed. It is imperative that you read and understand all of the examination questions before you answer. Reading and understanding question types and procedures will allow you to prepare your answers and maximize your confidence level in answering questions on the exam. Taking the time to fully understand the material contained in the exam will increase your chances of passing the exam and earning a CFE credential.

The third and final step towards earning a CFE credential is to take the National Association of State Financial Crime Investigators (NASSIF) examination. Candidates who successfully passed the NASSIF exam will be able to show that they understand the nature of financial transactions, including fraud. Candidates who successfully pass the NASSIF exam will be able to show that they understand the nature of financial transactions, including fraud. Taking the time to fully understand the material contained in the exam will increase your chances of passing the exam and earning a CFE credential.

The final step in earning a CFE credential is to undergo training. There are many qualified and reputable organizations that provide training on fraud, scams and forensics. Many of these training programs are available for free or for a small fee. Taking the time to learn about the nature of financial transactions and how to effectively investigate and report fraudulent activity will ensure that you will be well-equipped to handle fraudulent activities on your own and will help you defend your business and yourself against potential scams.

Becoming a certified fraud investigator requires dedication and some work. However, if you have an honest, open mind and the skills necessary to be a successful fraud investigator, the job may be within your reach. There are many organizations that are willing to hire individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become an investigator. Do your research and find one that best suits your personality and needs. Remember to maintain a positive attitude and you will be much more likely to succeed. There is no better time than now to pursue a career as a fraud investigator.