CFCS

Certification &
Recertification
Handbook

[Link]/CERTIFICATION ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
 TABLE OF
CONTENTS
03 THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS 13 Onsite Proctored Process
04 How to Begin Security Measures
04 Package Inclusions Unforseen Cancellation
05 Membership Disclosure of Results
05 Extensions Revocation
05 Reapplication Passing the Exam
05 Recertification 14 CIMS
05 Discrimination Statement What Kryterion Does with
the Information it Collects
05 Special Accomodations
15 CFCS RECERTIFICATION
06 Exam Application
16 Recertification Submission
07 Packages, Fees and Payment
17 Recertification Deadline
08 Eligibility Requirements
Supporting Documentation
09 Professional Experience History
Audit
11 Exam Checklist
Late Timeline
12 Exam Policies
Fees and Submission
Rescheduling
Denial of Recertification
Canceling
Extensions and Loss of
No-Shows CFCS Credential
Proceedures 18 Recertification Activity Matrix
Restricted Items 19 Recertification Application
Online Proctored Process 19 Affidavit
20 Contact info For More information
and Questions

[Link] 2 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
 CFCS CERTIFICATION
ACFCS is the first membership organization devoted to the
professional interests of the entire financial crime compliance
community. Its mission is to enhance competence through a
certification that is extended to candidates who successfully
complete a rigorous psychometrically-sound examination.

Successful candidates will earn the Certified Financial Crime

Specialist, or CFCS designation. The CFCS designation will
allow those who earn it the benefit of standing out from their
peers, validating their expertise, and advancing their careers.
ACFCS also provides high-quality online and live training,
connects ACFCS members with experts through various
forums to facilitate the exchange of ideas and solutions to
problems, and produces practical, timely information.

T H E C E R T I F I C AT I O N P R O C E S S
STEP
1 STEP
2 STEP
3 STEP
4
Qualify & Apply Purchase Package Preparation Exam Registration

Check eligibility (pg. 8) The CFCS package includes We recommend a minimum Candidates can schedule
and apply. Candidate must a host of study materials of 40-50 hours of preparation and sit for their exam from
complete and submit the including a comprehensive time utilizing all the study the convenience of their
CFCS application prior to study manual, an 11-hour online tools spaced out over a home through the online
scheduling their exam. course, adudio book and more. period of several weeks. testing platform.
 THE CFCS
CANDIDATE
HANDBOOK
This handbook walks candidates through
the steps required to register for the CFCS
certification and examination.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates will need to submit their completed application
HOW TO BEGIN and supporting documentation prior to registering for
the examination. All applications are reviewed by the
1. Select and purchase a certification ACFCS Certification Department. Approval of submitted
package online [Link]/certification. applications may take 1-2 weeks.

2. Complete and submit the certification Applications may be rejected due to the following:

application to certification@[Link]. • The application does not meet the required

40 eligibility credits.
3. Study for the exam with the various
preparation tools provided. • The application is missing supporting documentation,
necessary information, or the affidavit signature.
4. Schedule either an online or onsite exam
through our test provider Kryterion. CFCS PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
• One online proctored examination attempt
You have one year from the date
of your registration to sit for the
• Downloadable CFCS study manual
CFCS examination. Extensions are • Live CFCS preparation webinar
possible under certain extenuating
• Mobile-friendly CFCS online preparation course
circumstances. See section
“Extensions” for more details. Refunds • CFCS online practice questions
for the certification are not extended
• CFCS flashcards
to individuals after payment is
processed. • CFCS audiobook
Packages are available which include ACFCS membership
for those individuals who wish to become CFCS certified but
are not current ACFCS members.

[Link] 4 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
MEMBERSHIP REAPPLICATION
An active membership is required to sit for the CFCS Candidates who allow their certification package to lapse for
examination as well as to maintain the CFCS designation a period greater than 3 years must submit a new application
during the 3-year certification cycle. and supporting documentation once they have purchased
the $100 extension fee.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION
The application must be submitted and approved to register RECERTIFICATION
for the CFCS examination. Applications should be emailed ACFCS requires holders of the CFCS credential to recertify
to certification@[Link] with the necessary supporting every three years to ensure they are staying current with
documentation. Applications are considered active for 3 years changes in the financial crime field.
from the date of submission.
Recertification involves documenting and submitting
Please contact the Certification Department at 60 qualifying credits in education, training and professional
786-530-8231 with any questions. experience obtained within the 3-year period. CFCS holders
must also be active members of ACFCS to recertify. Please see
the recertification section of this handbook for more details.
EXTENSIONS
Candidates have one year from the date of purchase to sit for
the CFCS examination. Extensions are possible under certain DISCRIMINATION AMONG
extenuating circumstances, these include:
CANDIDATES
• Loss of employment ACFCS does not discriminate based on age, gender, race,
color, religion, national origin, disability, or marital status.
• Illness of either the applicant or an immediate
family member
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS
• Deployment for active duty in the armed forces ACFCS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and will ensure that individuals with disabilities have
A one-year extension is available; however, it can only be
the full opportunity to take the examination irrespective of a
granted once. The fee to request an extension is $100.
disability, as required and defined by the ADA.
Requests for extensions must be sent in writing 30 days prior
to the expiration of the one-year deadline. Once an extension Candidates with disabilities should request a special
is granted, candidates will have an additional year to sit for accommodation form by emailing certification@[Link].
the examination and access to the preparation material. The The information and documentation provided by candidates
extension of the certification does not include an extension of will be treated with strict confidentiality. Requests for special
the membership. Please remember, an active membership is accommodations may take up to 30 days to process.
required to sit for the CFCS examination.

[Link] 5 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
[Link] ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
CFCS EXAMINATION APPLICATION
Please complete all parts of this application and send it with supporting documents to certification@[Link].

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full Name

Organization Name Title

Street Address

City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country

Email Address

Daytime Phone Number Evening/Cell Number

CERTIFICATE ADDRESS
The CFCS certificate will be mailed to the address noted above. Please be advised that we are unable to mail certificates
to PO Boxes. If the mailing information changes, please let us know as soon as possible. If the mailing address for the
certificate is different from the one listed above, please list it here.

Street Address

City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country

Email Address

[Link] 6 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
PACKAGES, FEES AND PAYMENT
Please select a certification package from the options below. Payment should be made by credit card, check, cashier’s check,
wire transfer or money order.

CERTIFICATION + ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP

Private Sector Government Student

$1,245 $745 $745

CERTIFICATION + TWO YEAR MEMBERSHIP

Private Sector Government Student

$1,425 $860 $860

CERTIFICATION + THREE YEAR MEMBERSHIP

Private Sector Government Student

$1,585 $970 $970

Multi-year certification packages offer up to 20% off membership dues.

CERTIFICATION FOR EXISTING MEMBERS

Private Sector Government Student

$995 $600 $600

PAYMENT METHODS

⃣ Previously paid to ACFCS on this date _______________.

⃣ Bill my company and send to this email address. _______________________________.
⃣ Request an invoice Certification fees should
be received by ACFCS
This option is available for individuals paying with a credit card, check, cashier’s check, before scheduling the
wire transfer or money order. Payment details will be provided on the invoice. Please examination.
select a certification package from the options above.

[Link] 7 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have a minimum of forty (40) credits based on education, training, other professional certifications, and
professional experience in the financial crime field to qualify for the CFCS certification. Applicants will need to include the
completed eligibility matrix with their application.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE — Maximum 30 credits

10 credits will be granted for each full year of professional experience

1 YEAR 2 YEARS 3 YEARS

10 Credits 20 Credits 30 Credits

Professional Experience Total _________

TRAINING — Maximum 20 credits

All training must have been completed within the last 3 years. Supporting documentation for training must accompany
the application.

• 60 minutes of continuous “instructor-led” training is equivalent to one (1) credit.

• Training areas include all financial crime related training attended in-house, group-live, or online.
Training Total _________

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION — Maximum 5 credits

A qualified certification program must include a minimum of eight hours of professional instruction and passing a certification
exam. Examples Include: CPA, CPP, CRCM, CFE, CPE, NASD Series, CAMS, and other qualified certifications. Candidates may only
claim one certification for the 5 credits.

Professional Certification Total _________

EDUCATION — Maximum 20 credits

Choose only one degree as these are not cumulative. Documentation is not required for a high school or GED equivalent.
Otherwise, please provide supporting documentation for an Associate degree or higher.

High School or GED Equivalent 5 credits

Associate Degree 7 credits

Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent 15 credits

Postgraduate or Juris Doctorate Degree 20 credits

Education Total _________ 0

TOTAL CUMULATIVE CREDITS _________

Need additional credits?

Please contact sales@[Link]

[Link] 8 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
To be completed for each year of professional experience in the financial crime prevention field. ACFCS may contact
employers for verification purposes. In lieu of completing the Professional Experience section, you may provide a copy of your
most recent resume with your application.
PROFESSOINAL EXPERIENCE #1

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________
Dates of Employment: FROM MM/YYYY TO MM/YYYY Type of Business

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Employer

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address Country

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Position/Title/Rank Total Months in this Assignment or Position

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name & Title of Immediate Supervisor Business Telephone

Summary of Work Assignment

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________
PROFESSOINAL EXPERIENCE #2

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________
Dates of Employment: FROM MM/YYYY TO MM/YYYY Type of Business

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Employer

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address Country

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Position/Title/Rank Total Months in this Assignment or Position

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name & Title of Immediate Supervisor Business Telephone

Summary of Work Assignment

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________

[Link] 9 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
To be completed for each year of professional experience in the financial crime prevention field. ACFCS may contact
employers for verification purposes. In lieu of completing the Professional Experience section, you may provide a copy of your
most recent resume with your application.
PROFESSOINAL EXPERIENCE #1

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________
Dates of Employment: FROM MM/YYYY TO MM/YYYY Type of Business

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Employer

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address Country

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Position/Title/Rank Total Months in this Assignment or Position

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name & Title of Immediate Supervisor Business Telephone

Summary of Work Assignment

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________
PROFESSOINAL EXPERIENCE #2

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________
Dates of Employment: FROM MM/YYYY TO MM/YYYY Type of Business

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Employer

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address Country

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Position/Title/Rank Total Months in this Assignment or Position

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name & Title of Immediate Supervisor Business Telephone

Summary of Work Assignment

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________

[Link] 10 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
CFCS EXAMINATION CHECKLIST
Ensure the personal information section of the application is filled out including the mailing address for the
CFCS certificate.

Complete the eligibility matrix.

Include supporting documentation, such as copies of degrees, diplomas, licenses, and certifications.

If not providing a copy of of your resume, complete the professional experience section.

Ensure the Affidavit is signed and dated prior to submitting the application.

Ensure the certification package has been selected and purchased prior to scheduling the CFCS examination.

AFFIDAVIT
I certify that I have read all portions of the CFCS Candidate Handbook. I certify that the information submitted in this application

is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand if the information I have submitted is found to
be incomplete or false, my application may be rejected, my examination results may be delayed or voided, not released, or
invalidated by ACFCS, or if certified, the “Certified Financial Crime Specialist®” designation may be revoked.

I certify that I have never been convicted of a felony. I certify that I have never had a professional license or certification denied,
suspended, or revoked, and that I have never been censured or disciplined by any professional organization.

I certify that I understand collusion and testing misconduct of any type is not allowed by ACFCS. If I am found guilty of either
collusion or testing misconduct, I will have my designation revoked and my examination invalidated.

I understand that any false statement, misrepresentation, or concealment or material omission of the information I have provided
or failed to provide on my application and attachments may be grounds for rejection of my application.

Please type your full name in the “Signature” space below, serving as your digital signature.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature Date

Send the completed application and supporting documentation to the ACFCS Certification Department
via email to certification@[Link].

[Link] 11 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
ABOUT THE EXAM PROCEDURES ON THE DAY OF THE
The CFCS exam is 145 questions in length with 20 unscored EXAMINATION
beta items included. Candidates are provided with 240mins
Candidates testing at a Kryterion test center or online are
to complete the exam. It is recommended that all questions
required to show a current, authentic government-issued
are answered prior to submission. Only questions answered
identification with photograph and signature. The name on
correctly count towards the overall score.
the identification must match the name on the examination
registration. Appropriate identification documents
EXAMINATION POLICIES include driver’s license, passport, military identification,
and identification cards issued by federal state or local
ACFCS partners with test administration provider Kryterion
government.
to deliver the CFCS examination through the online test
delivery platform Webassessor. Candidates will need to have Candidates testing at a Kryterion test center will be provided
a functioning desktop or laptop camera to test online. An with a test taker authorization code which can be found in
external webcam is also acceptable. the examination confirmation email. The code is required to
launch the exam on the day of the test event. Candidates
Additional software and hardware requirements can be
taking the exam online are not required to provide a test
found here.
taker authorization code on the day of the test event.
System Readiness Check

[Link] RESTRICTED ITEMS DURING THE

EXAMINATION
System Requirements
There are several items which are not permitted during the
[Link] examination. These include a variety of electronic devices
Requirements?language=en_US and other items, including any type of mobile device, digital
watches, calculators, purses, bags, and coats. If a jacket or coat
ACFCS is not responsible for compatibility issues related to is required, it must be worn at all times. Candidates testing
online testing. Candidates must ensure their testing device online will need to clear their workspace of any restricted
meets the hardware and software requirements outlined by items.
Kryterion prior to registering for the certification.

Under special circumstances, candidates have the option of ONLINE PROCTORED EXAMINATION
testing at one of Kryterion’s testing centers worldwide. For
more details, please contact certification@[Link].
PROCESS
Please be aware of the following instructions for the
proctored examination.
EXAMINATION RESCHEDULING,
1. Candidates may take up to four (4) hours to complete
CANCELING AND NO-SHOWS the examination.
Changes of any kind to the examination appointment
must be done no less than 72 hours prior to the scheduled 2. Candidates are not allowed to leave the room during
examination date and time. Changes to the examination the examination.
appointment within 72 hours of the scheduled date and time 3. Candidates should not ask the proctor any questions
will incur a charge of $175 to reschedule the examination. concerning the examination content.
No-shows will incur a charge of $175 to reschedule the
examination. 4. Candidates should not leave any question unanswered.
It is better to guess than to leave a question blank.
Questions regarding rescheduling the examination should
be sent to certification@[Link]. The proctor has the right to dismiss a candidate from the
examination if the person’s admission is not authorized or if
the candidate:

[Link] 12 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
1. Is abusive or uncooperative.
UNFORESEEN CANCELLATION OF
2. Gives or receives help on the examination or is EXAMINATION
suspected of doing so.
If an emergency forces cancellation by ACFCS of an
3. Is found or suspected of being in possession of examination, all scheduled candidates will receive instructions
a communication or recording device. concerning the rescheduling of the examination. In such
circumstances, ACFCS will do everything possible to minimize
the inconvenience of scheduled CFCS certification candidates.
ONSITE PROCTORED EXAMINATION
PROCESS
DISCLOSURE OF EXAMINATION
Please be aware of the following instructions for the
proctored examination. RESULTS
Candidates will receive their score instantaneously at the
1. Candidates may take up to four (4) hours to complete
conclusion of the CFCS examination and electronically via
the examination.
email. No examination results will be provided by telephone.
2. Candidates should listen to the proctor for additional If a company, government agency, or other entity has paid
instructions. for the examination of an individual, the entity may submit a
written request to ACFCS to furnish it with the examination
3. Candidates must receive permission from the test proctor
to leave the examination room. result of the candidate. The examination results will be
delivered in a pass or fail format. If a candidate has self-
4. Candidates should not ask the proctor any questions funded the CFCS certification, they may request in writing to
concerning the examination content.
have their result kept confidential.
5. Candidates should not leave any question unanswered.
It is better to guess than to leave a question blank.
EXAMINATION UPON FAILING TO
The proctor has the right to dismiss a candidate from the RECEIVE A PASSING SCORE
examination if the person’s admission is not authorized
If a candidate does not receive a passing score, they may
or if the candidate:
retake the examination once they have paid the retake fee of
1. Is abusive or uncooperative. $175 and waited the mandatory 60-day period. A candidate
may sit for the examination up to, but no more than three
2. Gives or receives help on the examination or is times within a 12-month period.
suspected of doing so.

3. Is found or suspected of being in possession of a Candidates should email certification@[Link] or call

communication or recording device. (786) 530-8231 to schedule a retake.

SECURITY MEASURES REVOCATION OF THE

SURROUNDING THE EXAMINATION CERTIFICATION
ACFCS implements strict security measures to assure the Revocation of an individual’s certification can be appealed.
integrity of the CFCS examination, including the placement The affected individual must initiate the appeal by written
of a proctor to enforce compliance with all proper procedures request to ACFCS within 30 days of the appealable event.
and rules. ACFCS also ensures the examination event is Failure to achieve a passing score on the examination is not
recorded as an additional security measure. grounds for an appeal.

Proctors are required to file the appropriate paperwork if

they see irregularities during the examination with details of
PASSING THE EXAM
each incident. Candidates who receive a passing score will be provided
with an e-certificate as well as a printed copy by mail 4-5
weeks from the date of examination completion. ACFCS has

[Link] 13 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
partnered with Framing Success to provide candidates with for the performance of their examination duties. Kryterion
framing options for the CFCS certificate. Please visit our page employs technical measures to protect the confidentiality of
on the Framing Success website for purchase options. the examination content.

When you earn your CFCS, you are encouraged to use and
display the credential in your professional biographical WHAT KRYTERION DOES WITH THE
statements, business cards and public appearances. INFORMATION IT COLLECTS
In the performance of its psychometric and testing duties for
CANDIDATE IDENTITY ACFCS, Kryterion gathers and processes information about
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CIMS) candidates including identification data, profile information
such as age, gender, country of residence, banking, and
The psychometric firm employed by ACFCS, Kryterion, has
payment information, etc., and products or services ordered
taken steps to protect the personal and examination data that
and delivered.
it receives and collects from CFCS certification candidates. It
does not retain this information longer than is required to
perform its examination services or as required by law. Only
authorized employees of Kryterion have access to this data

[Link] 14 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
 CFCS
RECERTIFICATION
The financial crime compliance field is in a state of
constant change, and financial criminals are always
adapting their methods and techniques. As a result,
it is essential that Certified Financial Crime Specialists
stay informed and hone their abilities on an ongoing
basis. Your willingness to recertify demonstrates your
dedication to high standards in financial crime
detection and prevention.

The recertification process is intended to ensure that

Certified Financial Crime Specialists continually enhance
their knowledge and skill through the duration of their
CFCS designation. To do so, professionals who hold
the CFCS credential are required to earn qualifying
continuing education credits through experience,
training, and education.
CFCS
RECERTIFICATION

APPLICATION SUBMMISSION CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

• Applicants must submit a completed application with REQUIREMENT
signed affidavit. Certified professionals must recertify every three (3) years
after obtaining the CFCS credential. Completion of Sixty (60)
• The recertification fee of $150 should be paid online
continuing education credits is required within the 3-year
through the member portal by logging in through
period. The recertification activity matrix contained in this
[Link]. Members may also request an invoice by
handbook will assist applicants in determining their credits
sending an email to certification@[Link].
for recertification. It also provides guidance on acceptable
• An active ACFCS membership is required for the duration experience, training, and education as well as the number of
of the member’s certification cycle and at the time of credits assigned to each activity.
recertification. Please note that the recertification fee
and membership fee are separate. Candidates are only able to earn credits towards recertification
for training activities completed after the date CFCS was
obtained. All applicable continuing education credits must
be earned prior to the recertification deadline.

[Link] 16 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
RECERTIFICATION DEADLINE LATE RECERTIFICATION TIMELINE,
The CFCS recertification deadline is December 31 on the FEES AND SUBMISSION
3rd year from when the CFCS credential was earned. 1. ACFCS will accept recertification applications up to three
Recertification candidates are required to submit a (3) months after the recertification deadline has passed.
completed recertification application and recertification fee
no later than the December 31 deadline. The recertification 2. The recertification fee for late submissions is $200.
Payment can be made online or through an account
process is complete when:
representative.
• A completed application with the 60-credit requirement
and signed affidavit is submitted for approval to 3. Applicants may contact the Certification Department
certification@[Link]. with questions at (786) 530-8231.

• The corresponding fee has been paid. Email completed forms to the Certification Department at
certification@[Link]. Please allow up to two (2) weeks for
• An approval email is generated by our certification the review and response of an application.
department.

If the recertification application and fees are not DENIAL OF RECERTIFICATION,

submitted by the deadline, the CFCS credential will lapse.
Individuals who have allowed their certification to lapse
EXTENSIONS AND LOSS OF CFCS
and are seeking to recertify will have to do so by retaking CREDENTIAL
and passing the exam. An exam retake fee of $175 will be If a CFCS-certified member fails to submit their application
assessed in addition to the recertification application fee by the recertification deadline or has not maintained an
of $150. active ACFCS membership through the duration of their
certification cycle, their application will be denied. The
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION applicant must retake the CFCS examination to recertify.
The only exceptions are for extenuating circumstances.
Applicants will need to provide information regarding their
Extenuating circumstances include:
earned credits through the recertification activity matrix.
Applicants do not need to include supporting documentation • Loss of employment
with the recertification application but are advised to retain • Illness of either the applicant or an immediate family
copies of their supporting documents, should ACFCS request member
them as part of the recertification audit which takes place • Deployment for active duty in the armed forces
each cycle. Please contact the Certification Department to discuss
PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL an extension due to extenuating circumstances. Applicants
EXPERIENCE TRAINING CERTIFICATION
who have been granted an extension will be provided with
Current CV Certificate of Copy of Certificate
a 12-month grace period to recertify. Applicants who have
letter from Participation letter Letter from been denied the recertification and do not recertify through
employer from event certifying body
organizer examination must discontinue using the CFCS credential.

EMAIL REMINDERS
RECERTIFICATION AUDIT As a professional courtesy, ACFCS will send at least four email
ACFCS will select a random group of applicants each cycle reminders to all CFCS-certified members leading up to the
as part of the recertification audit. These individuals will be recertification deadline.
asked to provide supporting documentation for their claimed • One reminder six months prior to the deadline.
credits. Any applicant who is unable to provide adequate
• One reminder three months prior to the deadline.
supporting documentation will have their application denied
• Two reminders the month of the deadline.
and will lose the CFCS designation. Following are acceptable
forms of documentation for each activity.
ACFCS will send reminders to the email address on file.
It is very important that ACFCS be notified of any changes in
contact information.

[Link] 17 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
RECERTIFICATION ACTIVITY MATRIX
Sixty (60) continuing education (CE) credits must be earned within the three-year recertification cycle. Please refer to the table
below for guidance on applicable continuing education activities and the credits earned for each activity.

ACTIVITY CREDITS CREDIT LIMIT TOTAL

ACFCS Membership
Uninterrupted ACFCS membership over the three-year
recertification cycle. Members are encouraged to actively engage
3/year 9
in member benefits including reading member-only content,
attending events, and participating in other learning and
networking benefits.

Professional Experience
Professional experience in fields related to financial crime 10/year 30
compliance.

Training
Attendance at a conference, workshop, seminar, web seminar, 1/60mins Unlimited
symposium, education, or training session on financial crime topics.

Professional Certification
Professional certification earned within the 3-year recertification 5/license 10
cycle. These include CAMS, CFE, CIA, or similar credentials with a
connection to the financial crime compliance field.

ACFCS Chapter Board

Active participation on an ACFCS Chapter Executive Board. 2/year 6

Event Speaker
Participation as a speaker at an ACFCS conference, seminar, 1/60mins Unlimited
webinar, or workshop.

Authoring Content
Authoring an article or other content for ACFCS publications, 2/publication Unlimited
products, or initiatives.

ACFCS Task Force/Committee

Participation on a Task Force or Committee supporting ACFCS 2/engagement Unlimited
projects and programs.

TOTAL CREDITS EARNED 0

[Link] 18 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
RECERTIFICATION FEE
The recertification fee should be paid online via the ACFCS store.
Please login to the member portal ([Link]/learn) on the
ACFCS homepage to access the store.

AFFIDAVIT
I hereby certify that I have completed a minimum of sixty (60) approved continuing education
credits within the prior three (3) years, referred to as the recertification cycle. I understand that
no supporting documentation of the continuing education credits is required to be submitted
with the CFCS Recertification Application, and that ACFCS reserves the right to request and
review documentation to confirm and verify, if necessary, the information submitted on the
CFCS Recertification Application is accurate. In the event my recertification is not approved,
the recertification fee, less $25 for administrative handling, will be refunded.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature Date

Please type your full name in the “Signature” space above serving as your digital signature and send the
completed application to the ACFCS Certification Dept. via email to certification@[Link].

[Link] 19 ©2021 Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialist. All Rights Reserved.
A STEP
AHEAD
ACFCS is passionate about delivering professional resources
that enable better performance when failure is not an option.
ACFCS: the association for the era of convergence in financial
crime compliance, investigations, regulation and enforcement.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

& TO BECOME A MEMBER
visit us at [Link]

QUESTIONS
786-530-8231
customerservice@[Link]