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CFCS CERTIFICATIONhandbookREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION1
Table of Contents4The CFCS Candidate Handbook4How to Begin5Earning the CFCS Credential5 “Recertification”18Restrictions on Items During theExamination18The Proctored Examination Process19Security Measures Surroundingthe Examination19Unforeseen Cancellation of anExamination5No Discrimination Among Candidates5What the Examination Fee Provides You6Where to Turn in Your Application19Disclosure of Examination Score6Extensions196Compliance with Americans withDisabilities ActRe-examination Upon Failing to Receivea Passing Grade207CFCS Examination ApplicationAppeals for Exclusion from Examinationor Revocation of Certification9Eligibility Factors & Credits20Candidate Identity Management System(CIMS)10Professional Experience2013CFCS Examination ChecklistWhat Kryterion Does with theInformation It Collects13References20How Kryterion Uses the Information14Acknowledgment Signature15Request for a Special ExaminationAccommodations — Part I16Request for a Special ExaminationAccommodations — Part II18 Examination Policies18Policy on Rescheduling or Canceling anExamination Date18Procedures on the Day of the ExaminationREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION2
ACFCS & The CFCS CertificationACFCS is the first membership organization devoted to the professionalinterests of the entire financial crime community. Its mission is to enhancecompetence through a certification that is extended to candidates whosuccessfully 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 thebenefit of standing out from their peers, validating their expertise andadvancing their careers. ACFCS also provides high quality online and livetraining, connects ACFCS members with experts through various forumsto facilitate the exchange of ideas and solutions to problems, and producespractical, timely information.REGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION3
The CFCS Candidate HandbookThis handbook informs you of what is needed to register for the CFCS Examination. It explains eligibility factors,the examination process, an outline of the focus of the examination, application to take the examination and CFCSsupporting documentation section.HOW TO BEGIN1.Register for the exam via email, phone, ACFCS.org, or mail.2. You must provide your name, title, email, phone, address, billing address,and organization.3. Once your payment is processed you will have access to an electroniccopy of the CFCS Certification Examination Preparation Manual andaccess to the CFCS Exam Prep Webinar (live – held quarterly), the OnlinePrep Course, as well as other prep resources, and one year of membershipin ACFCS.4. You can complete the CFCS application showing your experience, workhistory and training before or up to 90 days after taking the CFCS exam.Until the application is approved you are considered a CFCS in waiting.5. You may take the examination from the comfort of your home using theOnline Proctored (OLP) network.Please note that you have one year fromthe date of your registration to sit for theCFCS examination. Extensions are possibleunder certain extenuating circumstances.See section "Extensions" for more details.REGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION4
EARNING THE CFCS CREDENTIAL60 qualifying credits in education, training andIn order to earn the CFCS credential, you must:professional experience obtained within the three-1.members of ACFCS in order to re-certify. Please seeSuccessfully complete the CFCS exam.2. Document at least 40 qualifying credits in financialcrime and closely related fields based on education,training, professional certifications and professionalexperience in the field (may be completed up to 90days after taking the CFCS exam).3. Provide two professional references. May beyear period. CFCS holders must also be activethe Recertification Handbook for more details.NO DISCRIMINATION AMONG CANDIDATESACFCS places no importance and does notdiscriminate based on age, gender, race, color, religion,national origin, disability or marital status.completed up to 90 days after taking the CFCSWHAT THE EXAMINATION FEE PROVIDES YOUexam).The examination fee not only admits you to theWhen you earn your CFCS credential, you areACFCS-Kryterion online proctored examination, butencouraged to use and display it in your professionalalso provides you access to the CFCS Certificationbiographical statements, business cards andExamination Preparation Manual, the CFCS Exampublic appearances.Prep Webinar (live – held quarterly), the Online Prep"RECERTIFICATION"To ensure that professionals are staying current in theCourse, online practice test and additional prepresources, and ACFCS Annual Membership.rapidly changing financial crime field, ACFCS requiresholders of the CFCS credential to re-certify everythree years.Recertification involves documenting and submittingREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION5
WHERE TO TURN IN YOUR APPLICATIONApplications may be turned in up to 90 days aftercompleting the CFCS exam. Send us the completedapplication that is found in this handbook, and mail oremail it, along with your other supporting documents, to:ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED FINANCIALCRIME SPECIALISTS (ACFCS)suffered illness themselves.3. Applicants who are deployed to active duty in thearmed forces.Extensions must be requested in writing at least 30days prior to the deadline to take the exam. If approved,the deadline to take the CFCS exam will be extendedone year from the date the extension is granted.Attention: ACFCS Certification Department444 Brickell Avenue, P60Miami, FL 33131Phone: dates have one year from the date of purchaseto take and pass the CFCS exam. But occasionally,extenuating circumstances, such as prolongedunemployment or serious illness of the candidate or aclose family member, may prevent professionals fromCOMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANSWITH DISABILITIES ACTACFCS complies with the Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA) and will ensure that individuals withdisabilities have the full opportunity to take theexamination irrespective of a disability, as requiredand defined by the ADA.Special testing arrangements may be approvedfor these persons if an appropriate request foraccommodation is submitted to ACFCS with thetaking the exam. One-year extensions of the deadlineexamination application.can be requested under such circumstances.A special accommodations form, which is included inThe extension may be granted only once. The fee tothis handbook, must be signed by a professional andrequest an extension is 100. These are examples ofpersons who may be eligible for an extension:1.Applicants who have been out of work for at leastsubmitted with the examination application. If you arealready approved for special accommodations, pleasecontact ACFCS at certification@ACFCS.org or call us at866-596-7702 to schedule your examination.six months during the one-year certificationwindow because of a layoff or childbirth or childcare responsibilities.2. Applicants who have spent a significant amount oftime caring for an ill family member or who haveREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION6
CFCS Examination ApplicationPlease complete all parts of this application and send it with supporting documentsto certification@ACFCS.org, or by444 Brickell Avenue, P60 Miami, FL 33131PERSONAL INFORMATIONFull NameOrganization NameTitleStreet AddressCityState/ProvinceZip/Postal CodeCountryEmail AddressDaytime Phone NumberEvening/Cell NumberWe will send your CFCS Certificate to the address listed above. Please let us know if this informationchanges. If you would like your CFCS certificate mailed to a different address, please list it here.Street AddressCityState/ProvinceZip/Postal CodeCountryEmail AddressREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION7
CFCS Examination ApplicationPAYMENT AND FEESYou may pay by credit card, check, cashier’s check or money order.PAYMENT METHODSBill my Company (the fee must be received by ACFCS before Scheduling your examinationI previously paid ACFCS on (date)Charge my Credit Card:American ExpressDiscoverMastercardVisaCREDIT CARD INFORMATIONName on Card (Please Print)Credit Card NumberExp. DateCVV Code*Zip/Postal CodeCountryCard Holder SignatureCard Holder Email AddressCard Holder Billing Address (No P.O. Boxes)CityState* The CVV, Credit Verification Value, code is usually a 3-digit code located on the back of your card, inside thesignature area. On AMEX cards, it is a 4-digit code located on the front above the account number. Orderswithout the CVV code will cause processing delays. Visit ACFCS.org for our cancellation/refund policy.REGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION8
ELIGIBILITY FACTORS & CREDITSAfter purchasing the CFCS-certification exam you are immediately eligible to sit for the exam. However, in addition topassing the exam you must have a minimum of 40 qualifying credits based on education, training, other professionalcertification, and professional experience in the financial crime field in order to earn the CFCS credential. You have up to90 days after successfully completing the CFCS exam to turn in your documentation supporting the 40 qualifying credits.1. Professional Experience (Maximum 30 credits allowed)10 credits will be granted for each full year of professional experience up to 3 years maximum(Years - max 3) x 10 Credits2. Training (Maximum 30 credits allowed)One credit will be granted for each hour of attendance at a live or online training event on the topic of financialcrime (see description below*) up to a maximum of 30 credits.* Most financial crime associations’ credits areaccepted such as ABA, ACAMS, ACFE, etc. Contact us, we are happy to confirm if your training is valid.3. Professional Certification (10 credits allowed)A qualified certification program must include a minimum of eight hours of professional instruction and passinga certification exam. Examples Include: CPA, CPP, CRCM, CFE, CPE, NASD Series, CAMS and other qualifiedcertifications. You may only claim one certification for the 10 credits.4. Education (Maximum 20 credits allowed)Choose only one degree as these are not cumulative. For high school or GED equivalent, a diploma or transcriptis not required; otherwise please include supporting documentation with your application.A. High school or GED equivalent 5 creditsB. Associate degree or equivalent 7 creditsC. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 15 creditsD. Post-graduate or Juris Doctorate degree 20 creditsTotal Credits for EducationTotal Cumulative CreditsDo you need additional credits? Visit ACFCS.org for information on financial crime training courses.REGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION9
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCETo be completed for each year of professional experience in the financial crime field.(Use spaces provided and attach additional pages, if necessary).Dates of Employment: from (Mo./Yr.) to (Mo./Yr.)Name of EmployerAddressCountryPosition/Title/Rank Total Months in this Assignment or PositionName & Title of Immediate Supervisor BusinessTelephoneNo. Personnel at All Locations Under Your SupervisionMajor Product or Service of This EmployerSummary of Work Assignment or PositionREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION10
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)To be completed for each year of professional experience in the financial crime field.(Use spaces provided and attach additional pages, if necessary).Dates of Employment: from (Mo./Yr.) to (Mo./Yr.)Name of EmployerAddressCountryPosition/Title/Rank Total Months in this Assignment or PositionName & Title of Immediate Supervisor BusinessTelephoneNo. Personnel at All Locations Under Your SupervisionMajor Product or Service of This EmployerSummary of Work Assignment or PositionREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION11
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)To be completed for each year of professional experience in the financial crime field.(Use spaces provided and attach additional pages, if necessary).Dates of Employment: from (Mo./Yr.) to (Mo./Yr.)Name of EmployerAddressCountryPosition/Title/Rank Total Months in this Assignment or PositionName & Title of Immediate Supervisor BusinessTelephoneNo. Personnel at All Locations Under Your SupervisionMajor Product or Service of This EmployerSummary of Work Assignment or PositionREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION12
CFCS EXAMINATION CHECKLISTConsult the eligibility tableInclude supporting documentation, such as copies of degrees, diplomas, licenses and certificationsInclude two (2) professional referencesComplete the professional experience sectionInclude payment with application, if applicableInclude your signature and date on the applicationREFERENCESPlease list (2) Professional Business references: (Name, Title, Phone and Email)Full NameCompanyTitlePhone NumberEmail AddressFull NameCompanyTitlePhone NumberEmail AddressREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION13
ACKNOWLEDGMENT SIGNATUREI certify that I have read all portions of the CFCS Candidate Handbook and application. I certify that the informationsubmitted in this application is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand if theinformation I have submitted is found to be incomplete or false, my application may be rejected, my examinationresults may be delayed or voided, not released, or invalidated by ACFCS, or if certified, the “Certified FinancialCrime 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 orcertification denied, suspended or revoked (other than for lack of minimum qualifications or failure of examination),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 guiltyof 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 Ihave provided or failed to provide on my application and attachments may be grounds for rejection of my application.SignatureDateEmail or mail completed application AND supporting documentation, degrees, licenses,diplomas and certifications to support the required 40 eligibility credits to:Association of Certified FinancialCrime Specialists (ACFCS)Attention: ACFCS Certification Department444 Brickell Avenue, P60Miami, FL 33131Phone: 786-530-8231certification@ACFCS.orgREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION14
Request For a Special ExaminationAccommodations – Part ICANDIDATE ceZip/Postal Code CountryEmail AddressDaytime Phone NumberEvening/Cell NumberSPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONSPlease describe your disability.PLEASE PROVIDE (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY):Special seating or other physical accommodation*Extended examination timeLarge Text/Magnified screen for examinationSeparate testing area*ReaderOther special accommodations (Please specify)CommentsSignatureDate*Testing center onlyREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION15
Request For a Special ExaminationAccommodations – Part IIIf you have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please complete this form and theDocumentation of Disability-Related Needs so your accommodations for testing can be processed efficiently. Theinformation you provide and any documentation regarding your disability and your need for accommodation intesting will be treated with strict confidentiality. This request may take up to 30 days to process.DOCUMENTATION OF DISABILITY-RELATED NEEDSPlease have this section completed by an appropriate professional (education professional, physician, psychologist,psychiatrist) to ensure that Kryterion is able to provide the required test accommodations.PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTATIONI have knownSince / /in capacity as aExamination CandidateProfessional TitleDateThe candidate discussed with me the nature of the examination to be administered. It is my opinion that, because ofthis candidate’s disability described below, he/she should be accommodated by providing the special arrangementslisted on Part I of this form.Description of DisabilityREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION16
Request For a Special ExaminationAccommodations – Part IISignaturePrinted NameTitleAddressTelephone NumberFax NumberDateLicense # (if applicable)Return this form with your examination application and fee to:Association of Certified FinancialCrime Specialists (ACFCS)Attention: ACFCS Certification Department444 Brickell Avenue, P60Miami, FL 33131Phone: 786-530-8231certification@ACFCS.orgREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION17
EXAMINATION POLICIESthe scheduled examination date. If you cancel or"ACFCS partners with test administration providerreschedule an examination less than 72 hours beforeKryterion to deliver the CFCS examination through thethe examination, or do not appear for your exam,Online Proctored (OLP) testing network.ACFCS will charge you a 195 administrative fee. WeCandidates will need to have a functioning integratedthe examination at certification@ACFCS.org or bycamera on their desktop or laptop in order to testwill be happy to answer questions about retakingtelephone at 866-596-7702.online. An external webcam is also acceptable.Additional software and hardware requirements canPROCEDURES ON THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATIONbe found here.You will be required to show a current, authenticSpeed r/System /article/Online-government-issued identification with photograph andsignature. The name on the identification must matchthe name on the examination registration. Appropriateidentification documents include driver’s license,passport, military identification, and identificationcards issued by federal state or local government. Youmust also have your CFCS test taker authorizationTesting-Requirements?language en UScode which can be found in your examinationUnder special circumstances candidates have theable to take the exam.confirmation email. Without this code you will not beoption of testing at one of Kryterion's 900 testingcenters worldwide. For more details, please contactcustomerservice@acfcs.org. "RESTRICTED ITEMS DURING THEEXAMINATIONThere are several items that are not permittedBelow are additional details on examination logisticsduring the examination. These include a varietyand policies.of electronic devices and other items, includingPOLICY ON RESCHEDULING OR CANCELING ANwatches, PDAs, calculators, and purses, bags andEXAMINATION DATERefunds are not extended to persons who requestiPhone, Blackberry’s, cellular telephones, digitalcoats. If you are wearing a jacket or coat, youmust wear it at all times.to withdraw from an examination after they haveregistered for it. Persons who wish to change theirexamination date or time or cancel or postpone theirappointment must do so no less than 72 hours beforeREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION18
THE PROCTORED EXAMINATION PROCESSUNFORESEEN CANCELLATION OFA certification candidate may take up to four hoursAN EXAMINATIONto complete the examination. Candidates mustIf an emergency forces cancellation by ACFCS of anreceive permission from the test proctor to leave theexamination at a test center, all scheduled candidatesexamination room. The candidate should read thewill be contacted and receive notification concerningdirections on the examination carefully and listen tothe rescheduling of the examination and instructionsthe proctor for additional instructions. The candidatefor reapplying. In such circumstances, ACFCS will doshould not ask any questions concerning the contenteverything possible to minimize the inconvenience ofof the examination. It does not help the candidate toscheduled CFCS certification candidates.leave a question unanswered. It is better to guess thanto leave a question blank.The proctor has the right to dismiss a candidatefrom the examination if the person’s admission is notauthorized or if the candidate:1.Is abusive, or uncooperative2. Gives or receives help on the examination, or issuspected of doing so3. Is found or suspected of being in possession of acommunication or recording deviceSECURITY MEASURES SURROUNDINGTHE EXAMINATIONACFCS implements strict security measures toassure the integrity of the CFCS examination,including the placement of a proctor to enforcecompliance with all proper procedures and rules.ACFCS also ensures the examination event isrecorded as an additional security measure.Proctors are required to file the appropriatepaperwork if they see irregularities during theexamination with details of each incident.DISCLOSURE OF EXAMINATION SCOREAt the conclusion of the CFCS examination, the candidatewill receive the score electronically and instantaneously.No examination results will be provided by telephone,fax. If a company, government agency or other entityhas paid for the examination of an individual, the entitymay submit a written request to ACFCS to furnish it withthe examination score of the candidate. ACFCS shallfurnish the score to the candidate’s employer unless theindividual candidate, in writing, has requested that it notdo so and the entity has not paid for the examination.RE-EXAMINATION UPON FAILING TORECEIVE A PASSING GRADEIf a candidate does not receive a passing gradeon the examination, she or he may reschedule theexamination not earlier than two days after receivingthe score, but must wait at least two months beforeretaking the examination. Persons who apply to retakean examination after one year has elapsed fromthe time of the original application must resubmita full application, with the required documentationand the examination fee. A candidate may take theexamination as often as he or she may wish for anadditional fee of 125.REGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION19
To schedule a re-taking of the examination aincluding, the time spent on the test. Kryterion shallperson should email certification@ACFCS.org ornot sell, rent, trade or transfer any personal and testcall 784-530-8231.data to any third party without a candidate’s explicitAPPEALS FOR EXCLUSION FROM EXAMINATIONOR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATIONpermission, unless it is required to do so by law ororder of a competent authority.If a candidate is denied admission to an examination orHOW KRYTERION USES THE INFORMATIONhis or her certification is revoked, ACFCS offers appealsKryterion’s primary purpose in collecting thisto such persons. The affected person must initiate theinformation is to provide CFCS certification candidatesappeal by written request to ACFCS within 30 days ofwith a safe, smooth, efficient, and customizedthe appealable event. The failure to achieve a passingexperience in connection with:grade on an examination is not a ground for appeal.1.Providing testing services through the KryterionCANDIDATE IDENTITY MANAGEMENTWebassessor software and for customer supportSYSTEM (CIMS)and problem-solvingThe psychometric firm employed by ACFCS,Kryterion, has taken steps to protect the personaland examination data that it receives and collectsfrom CFCS certification candidates. It does not retainthis information longer than is required to perform2. Comparing information for accuracy and toverify identity3. Improving Kryterion software, products andwebsites.its examination services or as required by law. Onlyauthorized employees of Kryterion have access to thisdata for the performance of their examination duties.Kryterion employs technical measures to protect theconfidentiality of the examination content.WHAT KRYTERION DOES WITH THE INFORMATIONIT COLLECTSIn the performance of its psychometric andtesting duties for ACFCS, Kryterion gathers andprocesses information about candidates, includingidentification data, profile information, such as age,gender, country of residence, banking and paymentinformation, such as credit card account information,etc., products or services ordered and delivered,video and sound recordings and test informationgathered while providing online testing or billing,REGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION20
A Step Ahead.ACFCS is passionate about delivering professionalresources that enable better performance when failureis not an option. ACFCS: the association for the era ofconvergence in financial crime compliance, investigations,regulation and enforcement.For more information and to become a member todayvisit us at ACFCS.org.QUESTIONS: 786-530-8231 oremail at customerservice@acfcs.orgREGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/CERTIFICATION21
1. Successfully complete the CFCS exam. 2. Document at least 40 qualifying credits in financial crime and closely related fields based on education, training, professional certifications and professional experience in the field (may be completed up to 90 days after taking the CFCS exam). 3. Provide two professional references. May be
