What is the CFF credential?

Do I have to be an AICPA member to apply for the credential?
Yes. Members in good standing can only use the CFF credential, which the AICPA exclusively grants.

Do I need an active CPA license to practice public accounting to become a CFF?
No. You must hold a valid and unrevoked CPA certificate issued by a legally constituted state authority and meet other prescribed requirements. You do not need to have an active CPA license.

You do not need to have an active CPA license. You must hold a valid and unrevoked CPA certificate issued by a legally constituted state authority and meet prescribed requirements.

Do I need to be an FVS Section member to apply to become a CFF credential holder?
No. You need to be an AICPA member in good standing and meet the valid and unrevoked CPA certificate requirement. CFF credential holders receive complimentary FVS Section membership.

If I don’t meet the requirements to become a CFF credential holder, is there another way to get information about forensic accounting?
Yes. You may join the FVS Section — the only requirement is AICPA membership in good standing.

What is the initial pricing for the CFF credential?
Current pricing is listed on the membership dues page.

What are some examples of qualifying experience?
Forensic accounting services as described under the Business Experience Requirement section of the CFF Handbook.

The following examples qualify to fulfill the experience requirement:

• Experience performing forensic accounting services as an employee of an accounting or financial services firm (i.e., a consulting firm, litigation support firm, private equity firm, investment bank, government agency, business and industry, etc.)

• Experience performing forensic accounting services for litigation and arbitration (including bankruptcy, commercial litigation, marital dissolution, etc.)

Does a CPA or CFF (or equivalent credential holder) need to review the analysis and work product of the candidate need to qualify to fulfill the experience requirement?
The work product of a sole practitioner, partner or someone else in a role that does not require the review of a direct supervisor does not need to be reviewed by another qualified CFF. The candidate qualifies if they have completed the required level of experience stated in the Business Experience Requirement section of the CFF Handbook.

Note: candidates should be aware that applications are selectively audited to ensure compliance with the CFF credential requirements.

Can I take the CFF Exam before I complete the education and experience requirements for the CFF credential?
Yes. There is no time limit in terms of when you complete the exam and when you apply for the CFF credential. However, when you do apply, only /CFF-related education and experience in the last five years can be used to meet the education and experience requirements for the CFF credential.

After I complete the CFF Exam, how long do I have to apply for the credential?
You can apply for the credential any time after completing the CFF Exam. We would encourage you to apply as soon as you qualify.

Will calculators be admitted into the examination room?
No. There are no complex questions that require calculators.

Do I still receive any credit for having another forensic accounting credential?
The exam requirement is not waived for a person holding any other credential.

How do I register and when will I be able to take the exam?
Registration is available online. Registrants will receive a Notice to Schedule via email. The CFF Exam is administered continuously throughout the year either online or at Kryterion test centers throughout the United States and Canada.

Where are the test centers located for the CFF Exam?
The CFF Exam is hosted online or at Kryterion test centers throughout the United States and Canada.

Do exam results include numerical scores or just pass/fail results?
Numerical score results are not included in results letters. Results are issued as either “pass” or “fail,” indicating whether the exam-taker meets this minimum threshold.

The CFF Exam is designed to psychometrically assess whether candidates have a sufficient base level comprehension of the CFF Body of Knowledge.

How long is the grading process and when do exam candidates find out if they passed or failed?
The CFF Exam results are available immediately upon completion of the exam.

What materials does the AICPA recommend to study for the CFF Exam?
We recommend that candidates do not rely on a single resource to prepare for the exam. Instead, they should use a variety of materials to build the knowledge and skills needed to become a CFF credential holder. Below is a list of resources the AICPA recommends to help candidates prepare thoroughly for the CFF Exam.

• CFF Exam Content Specification Outline (CSO) — Also known as the CFF Body of Knowledge, the CSO defines the specialized forensic accounting knowledge, skills, and practice areas assessed on the CFF exam. It serves as a blueprint for the competencies required for the CFF credential and guides candidates on the topics they need to be familiar with when preparing for the exam.

• CFF Learning Pathway — Provides candidates with 72.5 hours of self-study forensic accounting CPE aligned with the CFF Exam Content Specification Outline, delivering a structured and comprehensive learning experience. It addresses key knowledge areas tested on the CFF Exam, helping candidates develop a strong understanding of forensic accounting concepts, methodologies, and applications to support effective exam preparation and enhance their professional capabilities.

• CFF Exam Review Course – This 20-hour self-study CPE course offers a targeted and efficient review to help candidates prepare for the CFF Exam. Ideal for those with a solid foundation in forensic accounting, it reinforces essential concepts and supports focused, exam-specific preparation. Designed as a review tool, it is most effective when paired with additional learning and practical experience.

• Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting Certificate Program — This comprehensive online CPE program provides participants with a solid understanding of financial forensics. Covering AICPA’s entire body of knowledge on this topic, this program will help you become familiar with the forensic accountants’ professional responsibility and provide fundamental knowledge of the legal system, gathering information, discovery, reporting, providing expert testimony and more.

Note: the level of preparation may vary by individual based upon the level of education and experience a candidate already has.

If I am a CFF, do I automatically become a Forensic & Valuation Services Section member?
No. The FVS section and the CFF credential section are now separate memberships.

I have applied for the CFF credential. What happens next?
Please allow up to two weeks for your CFF application to be reviewed. Once the application has been approved and payment has been accepted, our new CFF members are issued a welcome letter with instructions for accessing your digital/printable CFF Credential.

Currently:

• Members are not authorized to use the CFF credential until they receive notice of the rules of the state in which they practice.

• At the applicant’s request, their state society will be notified so the information can be promoted in state society newsletters.

• Information will be sent to the successful candidate about a digital badge that can be used and instructions on how to download and print a certificate.

Note: in some cases, applicants may be required to provide additional information in support of their application.

Does the AICPA audit CFF applications?
All approved applications are subject to random audit at any time. False or incorrect applications may result in suspension or revocation of CFF eligibility and/or credential.

How does the CFF credential differ from other forensic accounting credentials?
The CFF credential is the only forensic accounting credential that is maintained by the AICPA, the membership organization for CPAs. Individuals holding the CPA certificate are perceived to be highly qualified, ethical and well-trained professionals within the financial services industry and the overall business community.

People who hold both the CPA and the CFF offer the business and legal community confidence in the services they provide and a perceived advantage over competing valuation credentials.

What is required to maintain the CFF credential?

To maintain the CFF credential, please review the recertification requirements information.

What happens if my job changes or other professional or personal circumstances precludes me from meeting the recertification requirements promptly?
Credential holders may request in writing to be placed on inactive status. The Accreditations Department will review all requests on a case-by-case basis and a final determination made.

Under what conditions may a CFF credential holder request Inactive Status?
Following are examples of the conditions under which inactive status may be granted:

• The credential holder is not working due to retirement, unemployment or a medical condition.

• The credential holder is no longer providing forensic accounting services, but intends to resume practice in the area later.

• Or other circumstances as agreed upon by the Accreditations Department and the individual.

Your CFF certification will be revoked if recertification requirements are not met within the specified time period. This excludes the examination that must be met again to regain the credential.

Credential holders may request to be placed on inactive status. Such a request must be submitted in writing. The Accreditations Department will review all requests on a case-by-case basis and a final determination made.

What is the effect of being on Inactive Status?
Following are the effects of being on Inactive Status:

• Inactive CFF credential holders need not meet the work experience and continuing education requirements during the period in which their credential is inactive. However, they must maintain a valid state CPA license and be an AICPA member in good standing.

• Inactive CFF credential holders cannot hold themselves out as a CFF credential holder and will not be included in any geographic listing of CFF holders.

• Inactive CFF credential holders will not receive special offers accorded those holding the CFF credential.

How do you determine if continuing professional education (CPE) is related?
Related CPE adds to the credential holder’s knowledge, understanding and skills to perform forensic accounting engagements. The CFF Credential Committee requires that the CPE be directly related to the conduct of a forensic accounting engagement and are considered to be part of a section of the body of knowledge as outlined in the CFF Content Specification Outline.

When does the initial three-year period for recertification begin?
The period begins at the end of the year you attained the CFF credential (not the date of the exam).

For example, if you received the CFF credential Dec. 12, 2021, you would need to complete the continuing education and membership renewal requirements by Dec 31, 2022. You will be required to attest to your re-certification qualifications when renewing annually online.

What is the correct use of the CFF credential?
The use of CFF on letterheads, business cards and other marketing materials is governed by the rules of the board of accountancy in the state(s) in which you practice. The AICPA does not currently have a prescribed format for the credential.

Most state accountancy laws are silent on whether CPAs can use the specialty credential. In 1994, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the Ibanez case, which held that states couldn’t prohibit a CPA from using a specialty credential, such as the CFF credential unless there is factual proof of real or potential harm. If you check with your state board and run into a problem in using the credential, email us at cff@aicpa.org.

May I use the credential CFF by itself behind my name?
Under the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct, utilizing the credential by itself would not cause a member to violate Rule 102 — Integrity and Objectivity (misrepresenting facts) or Rule 502 — Advertising or Solicitation. Please check with your state board of accountancy as state accountancy rules may impose other restrictions.

Can a firm include the credential “Certified in Financial Forensics” or CFF on its letterhead and in marketing materials?
The CFF is an individual credential and not a firm credential. It is permissible under AICPA Ethics Rule 502 for a firm to hold itself out as Certified in Financial Forensics and to use the CFF credential on its letterhead and in marketing materials only if all partners or shareholders of the firm have the CFF credential.

An individual member who holds the credential may use it after his or her name. CPA firms, please check with your state board of accountancy as state accountancy rules may impose other restrictions (if applicable).

If I am no longer a member of the AICPA, can I still use the CFF credential?
No. If your AICPA membership is terminated, you will no longer be able to use the CFF credential.