Top 11 Financial Examiner Certifications

Certifications are important for a financial examiner in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Financial examiners must have strong technical skills as well as the ability to analyze complex financial situations. Having a certification from an accredited organization proves to employers that the candidate has the necessary qualifications and experience to handle the job. Additionally, certifications can help financial examiners stand out among other applicants by highlighting their specialized skills and knowledge in areas such as auditing, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Finally, certifications can also provide financial examiners with access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities that may not be available without them.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Financial Examiners and explains how they can help to advance a financial examiner's career.

What are Financial Examiner Certifications?

Financial Examiner Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the expertise and skills of individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in financial examination and related activities. The certification program is administered by the Association of Certified Financial Examiners (ACFE), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in financial examination.

The ACFE's Financial Examiner Certification Program helps ensure that qualified professionals are performing financial examinations and related activities with the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, objectivity, and proficiency. It also provides employers with an objective measure of an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities in this area.

In order to become certified as a Financial Examiner, individuals must meet certain educational requirements and pass a comprehensive examination. Once certified, Financial Examiners must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their certification status.

Being certified as a Financial Examiner can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and provide employers with evidence that they possess specialized knowledge in this field. Additionally, it can help them stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions within the field or related fields. Finally, it can provide opportunities for career advancement by helping them establish credibility among their peers and employer organizations.

Pro Tip: When seeking financial examiner certification, be sure to research the certifying organization and verify that their credentials are reputable. Additionally, it is important to understand the requirements for certification and make sure you meet them before applying.

Related: What does a Financial Examiner do?

Top 11 Financial Examiner Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Financial Examiners today.

1. Certified Financial Examiner (CFE)

Certified Financial Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the financial examination and investigation of fraud. The CFE credential is issued by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), a global leader in anti-fraud training and education.

To become a CFE, candidates must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and adhere to the ACFE Code of Professional Ethics. The educational requirements include a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, or equivalent work experience. Candidates must also have at least two years of professional experience in fraud prevention, detection, or investigation.

The CFE exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as fraud prevention, detection, investigation techniques, legal elements of fraud, and reporting methods. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is offered year-round at various testing centers around the world.

The cost of the CFE exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $450 to $550 USD. Additionally, there is an annual fee for maintaining your certification which is currently set at $125 USD per year.

2. Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)

A Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) is a professional certification for individuals who specialize in the prevention of money laundering and other financial crimes. The CAMS certification is offered by the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS). It is recognized as the global standard for anti-money laundering specialists and is highly sought after by employers and financial institutions worldwide.

It usually takes between 3 to 6 months to complete the CAMS certification program, depending on your background knowledge and experience. To become certified, you must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as anti-money laundering laws and regulations, risk management, financial crime trends, and suspicious activity monitoring. After passing the exam, you will need to submit a portfolio of work experience or educational accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise in anti-money laundering compliance.

The cost of obtaining the CAMS certification varies depending on where you take the exam and whether you are a member of ACAMS or not. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 to $2,000 USD for non-members and $750 to $1,500 USD for members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or travel expenses.

3. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the detection and deterrence of fraud. The CFE credential is highly sought after by employers, as it demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of fraud examination.

It takes approximately six months to complete the process of becoming a CFE. This includes completing online coursework, passing an exam, and submitting a professional portfolio for review.

To become a CFE, you must first join the ACFE as a member. Membership fees vary depending on your location and profession, but typically range from $250 to $500 annually. After joining the ACFE, you must complete their online coursework which covers topics such as fraud prevention, investigation techniques, and legal aspects of fraud examination. Once you have completed all coursework requirements, you can then register for the CFE Exam which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. Finally, you must submit a professional portfolio for review by the ACFE Board of Regents which includes evidence of your experience in fraud examination or related fields.

The cost for taking the CFE Exam is $550 USD for members of the ACFE and $850 USD for non-members. Additionally, there are additional costs associated with preparing your professional portfolio including any necessary travel expenses or fees associated with obtaining supporting documents from third parties such as law enforcement agencies or financial institutions.

4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation that is awarded by the CFA Institute to individuals who have demonstrated mastery of a broad range of investment and financial analysis skills. It is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious credentials in the finance industry.

The CFA Program consists of three levels, each taking approximately 12 months to complete. Level I focuses on ethical and professional standards, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income investments, derivatives investments and alternative investments. Level II focuses on portfolio management techniques and asset valuation. Level III focuses on wealth planning.

To become a CFA charterholder, you must meet certain requirements such as having four years of qualified work experience in an investment-related role or having passed all three levels of the CFA exam within four years. You must also be a member in good standing with the CFA Institute and agree to abide by its Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

The cost for the entire program can vary depending on your location but typically ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 USD including registration fees for all three exams plus study materials such as textbooks and practice exams.

5. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the internal audit profession. The CIA designation is recognized worldwide as the premier certification for internal auditors.

To get the CIA, you must complete an application process that includes passing a three-part exam and meeting certain educational and experience requirements. The exam consists of three parts: Part 1 – Internal Audit Basics; Part 2 – Practice of Internal Auditing; and Part 3 – Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. Each part has multiple-choice questions, as well as written communication tasks.

The entire process typically takes about six months to complete, depending on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exams. You must also meet certain educational and experience requirements before being eligible to take the exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Internal Auditor varies depending on where you are taking the exam, but it typically ranges from $800 to $1,200 USD. This cost includes all three parts of the exam, plus any additional fees associated with registration or preparation materials.

6. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It is a globally recognized credential for management accountants and finance professionals. It recognizes their expertise in financial reporting, strategic planning, risk management, performance management, and other areas.

The CGMA designation requires passing an exam administered by the AICPA and CIMA. The exam consists of three parts: Financial Reporting, Strategic Business Analysis, and Risk & Performance Management. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of relevant work experience or a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.

It typically takes around 6-9 months to prepare for the CGMA exam. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests and reviewing study materials.

In order to get the CGMA designation, applicants must first register with the AICPA/CIMA website and pay a registration fee. After registering, applicants can then purchase study materials from either organization’s website or from third-party providers. Once registered and prepared for the exam, applicants can then schedule their test date through Pearson VUE testing centers located throughout the world.

The cost of obtaining the CGMA designation varies depending on which study materials are purchased and where they are purchased from. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000-$2,000 USD to obtain the CGMA designation including registration fees and study materials.

7. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program sponsored by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and competency in the field of government financial management. The CGFM program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of government financial management, including budgeting, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and internal control.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three levels of the CGFM exam. To become certified, applicants must pass all three parts: Government Environment, Government Accounting and Financial Reporting; and Government Financial Management and Control.

The cost for taking the CGFM exam varies depending on whether you are an AGA member or non-member. For members, it costs $195 per part or $585 for all three parts. Non-members pay $250 per part or $750 for all three parts.

To register for the CGFM exams, you must first create an account with AGA's online portal My AGA Portal. Once your account is created, you can log in to register for the exam(s). You will need to provide payment information at this time as well as select a testing center location where you would like to take your exam(s).

8. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met certain educational and experience requirements set forth by the state in which they practice. CPAs are licensed by their respective state boards of accountancy, and must adhere to strict ethical standards.

In order to become a CPA, individuals must first pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). This exam tests knowledge in areas such as auditing, taxation, financial accounting and reporting, business law and ethics. After passing the exam, applicants must also meet state-specific requirements for education and experience before becoming eligible for licensure.

The amount of time it takes to become a CPA varies depending on each individual's educational background and work experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one year to several years to complete all of the necessary requirements.

In order to become a CPA, individuals must first obtain an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related field from an accredited college or university. After completing their degree program, they must then pass the Uniform CPA Examination. Once they have passed this exam, they must also meet any additional requirements set forth by their respective state board of accountancy in order to be eligible for licensure. These requirements may include obtaining additional education or experience credits through continuing professional education courses or working with an established firm as an intern or employee for a specified period of time.

The cost associated with becoming a CPA varies depending on each individual's situation but typically includes fees for application processing, examination registration and licensing fees. Additionally, some states may require applicants to pay for continuing professional education courses or other specific training programs in order to qualify for licensure.

9. Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) is a professional designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services. It is designed for financial professionals who wish to specialize in comprehensive financial planning and wealth management strategies.

To become a ChFC, you must complete eight college-level courses and pass two exams. The courses cover topics such as investments, insurance, taxation, retirement planning, estate planning, and risk management. Each course takes approximately 30 hours to complete, so it typically takes about 240 hours of study time to earn the ChFC designation.

To get the ChFC designation, you must first apply for admission to The American College of Financial Services and pay the application fee. After that, you can register for the exams and begin studying for them. You will also need to pay exam fees when you register for each exam. In total, it costs around $2,000-$2,500 to get your ChFC designation from The American College of Financial Services.

10. Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)

Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). It is designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of treasury professionals in areas such as cash management, risk management, investments, and financial analysis. The CTP designation is one of the most respected certifications in the finance industry.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the requirements for obtaining the CTP designation. First, you must have at least two years of experience in a treasury related role. You must then pass an exam that covers topics such as cash management, investments, risk management, financial analysis, and global finance. Finally, you must submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates your ability to apply what you have learned from the exam.

The cost for obtaining the CTP designation varies depending on whether or not you are a member of AFP. For non-members, it costs $1,200 for registration and exam fees; members pay $750. Additionally, there are study materials available from AFP which can range from $100-$400 depending on what type of materials you purchase.

Overall, obtaining the CTP designation requires dedication and hard work but it can be well worth it in terms of career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

11. Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC).

Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) is a professional designation that recognizes financial counselors who have met certain standards of education, experience, and knowledge in the field of personal finance. The AFC designation is offered by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE).

The AFC certification requires that applicants have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as finance, economics, or accounting. In addition, applicants must have at least three years of experience working in the financial counseling field. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the AFCPE to demonstrate their knowledge of financial counseling topics.

It typically takes about six months to complete the process of obtaining the AFC certification. During this time, applicants must complete all required coursework and pass the exam.

To get started on the path to becoming an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), applicants must first register with the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE). Registration includes completing an application form and paying a registration fee. After registering, applicants will receive access to online courses and materials needed to prepare for the exam.

The cost of getting certified as an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) varies depending on which courses are taken and how many times you take the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD to become certified as an AFC.

Do You Really Need a Financial Examiner Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For some, a Financial Examiner Certificate can be an important step in advancing in their current career or taking on new roles within the finance industry. A Financial Examiner Certificate may be necessary for certain positions that require specialized knowledge and expertise in financial analysis and auditing. It is also useful for those looking to expand their understanding of the financial industry and become better prepared for more complex tasks.

Having a Financial Examiner Certificate can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions. It demonstrates your knowledge and experience in financial analysis and auditing, which can be beneficial when working with clients or other professionals in the finance industry. Additionally, having a certificate may make you more attractive to potential employers as it serves as proof of your commitment to learning about the field of finance.

In short, whether or not you need a Financial Examiner Certificate depends on your own goals and circumstances. If you are interested in advancing your career within the financial sector, then obtaining such a certificate could be beneficial. However, if you are just starting out in the field or don’t have any specific plans to move up within finance, then it may not be necessary at this time.

Related: Financial Examiner Resume Examples

FAQs About Financial Examiner Certifications

1. What certifications do Financial Examiners need?

Answer: Financial Examiners typically need a combination of professional certifications, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

2. How long does it take to become a certified Financial Examiner?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become a certified Financial Examiner depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and how much experience you have in the field. Generally, it can take up to two years to complete the necessary coursework and exams for any one certification.

3. What is the cost associated with becoming a certified Financial Examiner?

Answer: The cost of becoming a certified Financial Examiner will vary depending on the type of certification you pursue and whether or not you choose to take any additional courses or seminars related to financial examination. Generally, costs may range from $500-$5,000 USD depending on the type and number of certifications sought after.

4. Is there an age requirement for becoming a certified Financial Examiner?

Answer: There is no strict age requirement for becoming a certified Financial Examiner; however, most employers prefer applicants who are at least 18 years old and have some experience in the financial services industry.

5. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining a financial examiner certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require continuing education credits in order for their members to maintain their certifications. This may include attending seminars or conferences related to financial examination or taking online courses related to finance topics.