ACAMS Certified AFC Investigator Certification

What is the difference between an advanced certification and a specialist/associate certification?
Advanced certifications are designed for experienced professionals.  At this level, we recommend a minimum of five years of relevant AML experience, along with established proficiency in AML concepts, frameworks, and regulatory expectations. This level of knowledge can be attained through certifications including CAMS, professional development, and practical application in AML roles. 

What are the core topic areas of Certified AFC Investigator?

• Governance of an AFC Investigations Unit (20%)
• Leading Complex Investigations (30%)
• Financial Crime Typologies – Intermediate (30%)
• Reporting Suspicious Activity (20%)

What study materials are included?
The study materials include a study guide, e-learning courses, post-assessments, and a practice exam as well as an optional virtual classroom upgrade, which will consist of four to six two-hour sessions weekly. 

Can I access study materials after the Certified AFC Investigator course is finished?
The study materials are available on the ACAMS learning management system (LMS) for the duration of the course. Once you’ve completed the course and passed your exam, the materials will no longer be accessible via the LMS. You may download the study guide, which is in PDF format, to refer to after you’ve completed the Certified AFC Investigator course.

Why choose ACAMS for my training?
ACAMS is a leading global provider of anti-financial crime certification, training, and resources. Our certifications are designed by subject matter experts and are recognized globally by leading financial institutions and regulators. Earning the Certified AFC Investigator Certification proves your advanced financial crime investigation expertise to current and future employers and enables you to reach new professional heights.

Who is the Certified AFC Investigator certification for?
This advanced certification program is designed primarily and specifically for those who do, will, or wish to perform and/or supervise financial crimes investigations within regulated institutions. It is appropriate for additional personnel where advanced knowledge of financial crimes investigations is helpful.

How do I know if I am eligible for this certification?

Eligibility for ACAMS certifications is based on a combination of credits earned through your knowledge, professional experience, and education in anti-financial crime (AFC). Requirements vary by certification level, from foundational to advanced.

To better understand where you qualify, use the ACAMS Eligibility Calculator. It evaluates your background and shows which certification options you are currently eligible for, or what additional credits may be needed

The program is appropriate for those who:

• Work in a financial investigation unit
• Work as a law enforcement officer, regulator, or examiner
• Work in financial crime compliance and/or independent audit
• Supervise individuals who perform financial crime investigations
• Work as MLROs, BSA officers, or in any other role with high levels of responsibility for AML compliance programs
• Aid in the preparation of an institution for a regulatory examination
• Perform bank examinations from a regulatory perspective

What type of careers are there for Certified AFC Investigator professionals?
Earning an advanced level anti-financial crimes certification can help you take the next steps in your career. As an advanced-level course, this certification can help you cement the knowledge needed to perform and supervise complex financial crime investigations. Financial crime investigation career paths exist in government, law enforcement, and in the private sector.

How do I apply?
Start by selecting and purchasing your ACAMS Certified AFC Investigator certification package – this includes your study materials and exam access. Once you’ve completed your learning path, submit your application online. You’ll need to meet ACAMS’ 60 credit eligibility requirement, which is based on your education, experience, certifications, and training. If you’re still earning credits, you can save your progress and return to the application later. You may also request special accommodations during the process. 

After your application is approved (typically within 5 business days), you’ll receive an email with instructions to schedule your exam. 

Do I need to login to apply? 
Yes. You’ll need an ACAMS account to access the application form. If you already have one, log in using your registered email and password. If you’re new to ACAMS, create a free account here. Note: This account is separate from ACAMS membership, which is required to apply for certification. 

Do I pay and apply at the same time, or do I do these separately? 
You’ll purchase your certification package first, which includes your learning materials and exam access. At this point, you can submit your application before or after completing your learning path. ACAMS will then verify your eligibility and approve your application before you can schedule the exam. 

How long do I have to take the exam once I submit my application?  
You have six months from the day your application is approved. Once you receive the email with the authorization to test, you can schedule your test by logging on to the Pearson VUE exam scheduling system directly from the email. You can also go to the ACAMS website and access the Pearson VUE exam scheduling platform from your user account. 

How long is the exam?
The exam consists of 90 questions and is three hours long. 

What is the structure of the exam?
The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions covering both theoretical knowledge and practical scenario-based problems. It is a timed, computer-based test lasting 3 hours, designed to evaluate your understanding and application of anti-financial crime principles related to audit.

Are the test results disclosed to third parties? Are the test results public?
Candidates receive their exam results immediately (pass or fail) at the conclusion of the test. If an organization pays for a candidate’s exam, they may ask for the result. If the candidate does not want this information released to their organization, they must notify ACAMS of their wish in writing.

Should I take a practice exam?
Our practice exams set you up for success. Developed to the same quality standard as the certification exam, the practice exam:

• Exposes you to samples of certification exam questions
• Builds your confidence in readiness for the certification exam
• Helps you study in an interactive e-learning environment
• Covers the topic areas included in the actual exam

What is the difference between a practice exam and the certification exam?
The practice exam questions match the question types and topics included in the actual certification exam.*

The practice exam questions follow the same format as the certification exam. There are two versions of the practice exam:

• Practice exam (no answers): one version without answers revealed
• Practice exam (show answers): the same version with answers immediately available

None of the practice exam questions will appear on the certification exam.

*Please note the practice exam is hosted in the ACAMS Learning Management System (LMS), which differs from the environment where the actual certification exam is administered – through our partnership with Pearson VUE.

What is the difference between a post-assessment and a practice exam?
Post-assessments are a set of review questions designed to help you assess your knowledge after studying the training materials. Practice exams enable you to practice real-type exam questions to prepare for your certification exam.

Where can I find my practice exam?
Practice exams are part of your study materials. Once you’re registered, log into the LMS, find and click on your course, under the “My Courses” section. Scroll and choose the practice exam. You can access it at any time during your certification program enrollment period.

How many times can I take the practice exam?
You can retake both versions of the practice exam as many times as you wish, even if you score 100% of the questions.

How long is my certification valid?
Three years.

What are the recertification requirements?
To recertify, you will need show evidence of required recertification credits. Credits can be earned for professional experience and participation in continuing education. A minimum number of these credits must be earned from ACAMS training or events. You will also need to hold an active ACAMS membership. Refer to the Candidate Handbook for details about recertification requirements. 

Do credits earned in the same year I became certified count toward my recertification?
Yes, as long as the credits were earned after passing the exam.

Will ACAMS Certified AFC Investigator give me credits to put toward another certification or recertification?
Yes, the training component of the program is worth 12 ACAMS credits and participation in the Virtual Classroom series will earn you additional credits. 

How do I recertify my Advanced CAMS-FCI certification? 
For details about how to recertify your Advanced CAMS-FCI certification visit the ACAMS Recertification Page.  

‘’All examinations and the exam materials are the copyright of ACAMS and may not be published, shared, reproduced, or otherwise distributed or disseminated without the express written consent of ACAMS. You will maintain the confidentiality of, and not distribute, share, or disclose any exam materials. You agree not to discuss the content of an examination with anyone, and that you will not record, copy, or disclose any examination question or answers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in any form or by any means whatsoever. Additionally, you represent that you have not received Examination questions or answers from others.

Disclosing exam materials or information about exam materials may result in a lawsuit that may result in paying monetary damages or in you being subject to other court-enforced penalties, criminal penalties, cancellation of your test scores, revocation, or suspension of any of your current certifications, and/or revocation or suspension of your ACAMS memberships.

ACAMS is the final authority that determines in its sole discretion whether you have the privilege of maintaining your membership or any certification, sitting for an examination, and whether any score you receive is satisfactory. Initial receipt of a satisfactory score or certificate does not waive ACAMS’ right and discretion to deem a score non-satisfactory in the event ACAMS determines there were test taking irregularities or that the score may have been obtained by way of unfair advantage (e.g., evidence of cheating). In such an event, your memberships and certificate(s) may be suspended or revoked. In the event ACAMS determines that a certification or examination result was obtained by way of irregularities or unfair advantage, no refunds for examination or membership fees will be provided.’’