As the risk of fraud increases, professionals and organizations must find ways to stop criminals in their tracks. Educating yourself on fraud prevention, detection, and response strategies will help you implement robust fraud controls, safeguard customer assets, and mitigate losses.
About the Program
ACAMS’ new certification, Certified Anti-Fraud Specialist (CAFS), is dedicated to providing fraud professionals with a comprehensive and balanced learning framework.
CAFS uniquely addresses the specific challenges faced by banks and non-bank financial institutions today. From authorized push payments to account takeovers, our program reviews both well-known and emerging fraud typologies, equipping professionals with the specialized knowledge and skills required to effectively combat emerging fraud schemes.
The CAFS program covers key topics across the spectrum of prevention, detection, and response, including fraud analytics, using technology to combat fraud, and completing successful fraud investigations.
Benefits of Obtaining CAFS
For professionals
Whether you currently work in an anti-fraud role, or are looking to diversify your skillset, becoming a Certified Anti-Fraud Specialist can take your career to new heights.
For organizations
CAFS helps you safeguard your organization and your customers from the threat of fraud. Training and certifying your fraud team in CAFS strengthens your organization’s defenses in combating fraud through prevention, detection, and effective response, using technology and automation to build efficient controls.
Building a CAFS-certified team empowers your organization to:
- Demonstrate your commitment to combating fraud and protecting customer and stakeholder assets
- Create a robust fraud risk program to foster trust and confidence in the marketplace
- Unleash the power of analytics and prevent fraud, minimizing losses and the reputational damage associated with its aftermath
- Enable speedy resolution of suspected fraud cases, reducing operational disruption and enhancing customer experience
- Standardize and enhance the skills and knowledge of your fraud professionals globally
Audience
The CAFS Certification is tailored for professionals at financial institutions and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) who are currently working in or considering fraud-related roles. It’s also suitable for those in anti-financial crime (AFC) positions looking to enhance their fraud expertise.
This certification is especially beneficial for professionals directly involved in executing or overseeing fraud controls. In addition, CAFS provides valuable knowledge for personnel in related functions such as cyber-crime, information security, and AFC, who can benefit from an understanding of fraud dynamics.
Program Components
The CAFS certification is structured in a modular format, comprising five distinct modules, or certificate courses, that provide practical, real-world applications of the concepts learned. This design ensures a comprehensive understanding of the material through both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The five modules are:
- Building a Fraud Risk Management Program
- Fraud Detection and Analytics
- Fraud Investigations
- Technologies to Combat Fraud
- Fraud Case Studies
To earn the Certified Anti-Fraud Specialist Certification, candidates must complete all five certificates as part of their learning program and pass the proctored CAFS exam.
Certificates can also be purchased separately.
Credits received for the completion of CAFS courses will apply to your eligibility. The CAFS course provides 17 credits, and the Virtual Classroom Series provides an additional 12 credits.
CAFS Exam Packages
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Standard Package
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Virtual Classroom Bundle
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| Guía de estudio electrónica (PDF) |
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| Curso de aprendizaje electrónico |
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| Preguntas de repaso |
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| Flashcards |
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| Examen de práctica |
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| Seis clases en línea de 2 horas en línea |
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| The CAFS Exam |
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| Sector privado |
US$1,995
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US$2,395
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| Sector público |
US$1,495
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US$1,995
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CAFS Virtual Classroom Series Schedule
Virtual Classroom is a live, web-based study course that includes two-hour virtual classes every week, over a six-week period. It provides candidates with additional guided instructions to help them retain and reinforce key concepts covered in the CAFS Study Guide.
Jan 28 - Mar 4, 2025, US 12 PM ET - English
Apr 2 - May 7, 2025, APAC EMEA 6 PM HKT/11 AM BST - English
Jun 3 - Jul 8, 2025, US 6 PM ET - English
Jul 31 - Sep 4, 2025, APAC EMEA 6 PM HKT/11 AM BST - English
Oct 6 - Nov 10, 2025, US 12 PM ET - English
Anti-Fraud Resources
If you’re looking to upskill your fraud team or cross-train AFC professionals, CAFS is a vital addition to your company’s training program.
Alongside achieving certified status, ACAMS’ anti-fraud resources can enable your team to keep their knowledge up to date. In addition to our CAFS Certification, we offer fraud-related certificate courses, webinars, publications, articles, fraud alerts, and special features. There are a full range of options for professionals at different stages of their careers – from entry level to advanced expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Certification
Intended Audience and Eligibility
Application Process
The Exam
Practice Exams
Recertification
Copyright and Exam Non-Disclosure
Request a Consultation
If you would like to arrange a complimentary consultation to learn more about CAFS and ACAMS’ anti-fraud resources, fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.