Exam Construction Overview

The CFCS Certification Exam is constructed using recognized psychometric principles that guide other leading professional certifications.

To uphold the highest industry standards, a task force of distinguished financial crime prevention professionals, psychometricians, and certification experts contributed their time and expertise. Through a comprehensive global survey, in-depth live and virtual thought-leadership roundtables, they provided analysis, insights, and detailed feedback that helped shape the exam.

Who is the CFCS Exam best for?

The CFCS credential is grounded in international best practices and designed to serve professionals across both the public and private sectors. Holders of the CFCS designation include experts at 15 of the world’s 20 largest financial institutions, as well as professionals within regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and non-financial corporations. Today, CFCS-certified individuals span more than 80 countries and jurisdictions.

The certification is especially well-suited for professionals who require a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary understanding of financial crime, including analysts, investigators, and those working within financial intelligence units.

How to prep for the CFCS Exam?

We recommend dedicating approximately 40–50 hours to self-guided study, using all available preparation resources and spreading your study time over several weeks. Once you feel prepared, you can schedule your CFCS exam and take it from the comfort of your home through Kryterion’s Online Proctoring (OLP) network.

Click below to preview a sample of our study guide or explore our full exam preparation page!