Review the content outline. Before taking the CFE Exam, spend some time reviewing the CFE Exam Content Outline to ensure that you have the knowledge you need to succeed on the exam.

Learn about the different ways to take the exam. There are two primary ways to take the CFE Exam: (1) through remote proctoring at a location of your choice or (2) at a Prometric Testing Center. Visit Prometric’s website for more information on these testing methods. Alternatively, consider taking a written exam at an in-person CFE Exam Review Course.

Review technology requirements. When deciding between taking the CFE Exam at a testing center or through remote proctoring, make sure that your computer is compatible with Prometric’s technology.

Do a system check. Before deciding to take the CFE Exam through remote proctoring, confirm your computer and network’s compatibility with Prometric’s software. Keep in mind that permissions and security settings might also affect your ability to test successfully.

Consider using a testing center. To ensure the integrity of the CFE Exam, Prometric conducts very strict security and environmental checks for remote proctoring appointments. If you are concerned that your testing area is too cluttered, are unable to ensure privacy, or feel uncomfortable for any reason, then it might be best to travel to a testing center. But remember, there is an additional $10 fee for each testing center appointment.

Consider language barriers. If you have difficulty understanding spoken English, then it might be best to take the CFE Exam at a local testing center. All security and environmental checks for remote proctoring are conducted in English.

Give plenty of notice for exam accommodations. The ACFE is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities or special needs. Since accommodations require advanced review and coordination with Prometric, contact ExamAccommodations@ACFE.com 30–60 days before you plan on taking the CFE Exam.

Schedule your exam appointments at least a month ahead of time. To make sure you get the date and time you want for each exam, check Prometric’s scheduler as soon as possible. Spots fill up fast, so it is best to schedule early! This is even more important if you are a CFE Exam Review Course attendee and want to take your exams the week of your class.

Review the reschedule/cancelation policy. Before scheduling your exam appointments with Prometric, read about what to do if you need to cancel or reschedule. Because there are fees involved, it is very important to understand Prometric and the ACFE’s policies. Learn more on the ACFE’s Exam FAQs web page.

Know what to expect. When you schedule an exam appointment, Prometric will send you a confirmation email with many important details. (Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don’t receive anything in your inbox!) Review this email at least a few days ahead of your exam date to make sure you are prepared for the security and environmental checks.

Check your ID. At the time of your appointment, you will be required to show a government-issued photo ID. Make sure that your ID is not expired and that the name you used to set up your appointment is an exact match. Contact the ACFE before your appointment to make any necessary name changes.

Find an appropriate testing location. If you are testing through remote proctoring, then make sure you have access to a room with a door and four walls. The space should be free of clutter, study materials, and wall hangings with writing.

Test at a table or desk. Make sure that your computer is on a hard, flat surface. Prometric will likely ask you to move locations if you attempt to test on a bed or couch.

Assess your environment. If you choose to test through remote proctoring, then scan your testing area for anything that might be problematic, such as whiteboards with writing, messy bookshelves, and desk clutter. Preparing your workspace ahead of time can save you a lot of stress.

Clear your workspace. If you are testing through remote proctoring, then it is important to remove any papers, books, and clutter from your testing area ahead of your appointment. If your space is too messy, then you might be asked to close the ProProctor application and log back in after you have cleaned up or changed locations.

Have blankets or sheets available when testing remotely. Your security agent might ask you to cover anything in your testing environment that seems problematic, such as bookshelves. The fastest way to resolve any issues is to have some coverings nearby just in case. Make sure that the coverings do not have writing on them to avoid any additional problems.

Ensure that you won’t be interrupted. If you choose remote proctoring, then you must be alone in a room during your entire exam appointment. Make sure to test in an environment where you will not be bothered by pets, family members, coworkers, or any other individuals. Prometric might terminate your exam if someone else enters your testing space.

Test on a personal computer. Many corporate computers have security settings that prevent Prometric’s ProProctor software from launching correctly. Since incompatibilities cannot always be detected through a system check, we recommend using a personal computer to ensure a smooth exam experience. You might have to pay a rescheduling fee if you try to test on a corporate computer or through a VPN and are not successful.

Adjust your computer settings. Prometric’s ProProctor system check is not capable of verifying that a computer’s firewall, permissions, and security settings are compatible with the application. Before taking a remotely proctored exam, take steps to ensure that your PC or Mac is set up correctly. Prometric does not recommend testing on a corporate computer, but if you do choose to do so, make sure to follow those instructions as well.

Check your Internet connection. If you are testing through remote proctoring, then make sure you have a strong and stable Internet connection in your desired testing location. You might have to reschedule your appointment if you get disconnected during your exam.

Make sure you have access to a 360-degree web camera. If you choose remote proctoring, then you will need to have access to a laptop or external web camera that can be used to show the entire testing room, including all four corners of the ceiling.

Get plenty of rest the night before. You will perform better on the exam if you get at least 8 hours of sleep. A full night of rest will ensure that you are fresh and well-rested for the CFE Exam.

Go to the bathroom/lavatory ahead of time. You will not be allowed any scheduled breaks during the CFE Exam. If there is an emergency during a remotely proctored exam, you will be allowed one unscheduled break, but it will use up exam time and you will also have to go through all the security checks again. If you don’t make it back in time, Prometric will terminate your exam session.

Put away study materials. The CFE Exam is a closed-book exam, which means that you cannot use any notes or reference materials while testing. Make sure to clear your testing area of all papers, books, and devices before your exam appointment.

Put away all devices. Make sure to remove phones, smartwatches, tablets, and any other electronics from your testing area before beginning a remote proctoring appointment. Security agents might also ask you to disconnect or cover any televisions in the room. The only thing you should have in your testing area is your ID and a clear bottle of water, if necessary.

Remove extra monitors. You are only allowed to take the CFE Exam using one screen. If testing through remote proctoring, then make sure to disconnect additional monitors and take them out of your testing area before your appointment.

Remove watches and jewelry before your appointment. As part of the security check process, you will be asked to take off any bracelets, rings, earrings, and watches and to show the front and back of your hands, arms, and ears. This is to ensure that you do not have any hidden devices or study aids.

Have your ID available. You must show a valid, government-issued photo ID to take the CFE Exam. Remember to bring it to your appointment!

Have your confirmation number available. When you schedule an exam appointment, Prometric will email you a confirmation number. This number is unique to each appointment, and you will not be able to launch the CFE Exam without it. Make sure to bring the number with you to your appointment.

Arrive to your appointment early. Whether testing in-person or remotely, give yourself plenty of time. Security checks can take a while, and you might have to wait 20 minutes or more for a security agent or proctor if testing online. To reduce stress, show up at least 15 minutes early and try not to schedule anything immediately after your appointment just in case you get a late start.

Have support information available. If you are testing through remote proctoring, then make sure to bookmark Prometric’s troubleshooting guidance and FAQs, and have support phone numbers nearby just in case you experience any problems using the ProProctor software.

Reach out to the ACFE with concerns about your testing experience. Prometric takes exam security very seriously. Since there are more opportunities for misbehavior in remote settings, the security and environmental checks are very strict. While this is necessary for exam integrity, please contact the ACFE immediately if you feel you have been treated inappropriately or with cultural insensitivity.