Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. Will the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation (FAFI) Short-Course Certificate Series prepare me to sit for the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or Cr.FA (Certified Forensic Accountant) exams?
  2. How do I find out more about the CFE and Cr.FA exams?
  3. Is the CMU FAFI certificate series a workshop type experience?
  4. Can I register for the FAFI courses separately?
  5. Are Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits offered?
  6. Is there a text or reference material for the short-course certificate series?
  7. How will I get a copy of the text?
  8. How much reading is required for the FAFI Certificate Series?
  9. Are there exams in the certificate series?
  10. Who is teaching the Certificate Series?
  11. Can I take the certificate series if I have let my CPA license expire?
  1. Will the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation (FAFI) Short-Course Certificate Series prepare me to sit for the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or Cr.FA (Certified Forensic Accountant) exams?

    The certificate series should further your knowledge in the field of forensic accounting and fraud examination which should aid your performance, along with the CFE review course offered through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), or the Cr.FA review course offered through American College of Forensic Examiners Institute of Forensic Science (ACFEI), in preparing for the respective exams.
     
  2. How do I find out more about the CFE and Cr.FA exams?
    Visit the Association websites at:
  3. Is the CMU FAFI certificate series a workshop type experience?
    Yes, the series has elements of a workshop. While there are readings to be completed prior to each course, you will find the in-class experience to be like a workshop with an emphasis on knowledge development, problem-solving and case studies that involve exchange of ideas among participants.
     
  4. Can I register for the FAFI courses separately?
    The integrity of the FAFI learning experience requires individuals to register for all four courses in the certificate series, rather than individually. Courses are designed to be taken sequentially as content builds from one course to the next.
     
  5. Are Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits offered?

    Yes. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits will be awarded. Each course will earn 8 hours, with 32 total credits earned for the certificate.

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  6. Is there a text or reference material for the short-course certificate series?
    Yes, upon registering for the series, you will be sent the text book. CMU will host an online site in its online learning system called Blackboard (Bb). Pre-readings will be posted at the Bb site.
     
  7. How will I get a copy of the text?
    Upon receipt of your registration, you will be mailed the text along with directions to access Bb to view chapter reading designations.
     
  8. How much reading is required for the FAFI Certificate Series?
    Readings are designed to give you a baseline of knowledge about Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation. Throughout the four-course certificate series, there will be a combination of readings from the text and Internet links, along with review of text case studies for discussion in the courses. View text reading list.
     
  9. Are there exams in the certificate series?
    The Certificate Series is exam-free. Pre-course readings and case study discussions are designed to help you develop your knowledge about forensic accounting and fraud investigation.
     
  10. Who is teaching the Certificate Series?
    The certificate series has been designed by Dr. Thomas Weirich. Dr. Weirich is a faculty member in the School of Accounting within the College of Business at Central Michigan University. Dr. Weirich has worked in consultation with experts in the field. He was a member of the Technical Working Group, which assisted the U. S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs in authoring the National Institute of Justice Special Report Education and Training in Fraud and Forensic Accounting: A Guide for Educational Institutions, Stakeholder Organizations, Faculty, and Students. He has recruited experts in the field to facilitate each course in the certificate series. Information about course facilitator are posted at www.cel.cmich.edu/fa/bios.html.
     
  11. Can I take the certificate series if I have let my CPA license expire?

    Yes. You do not need to be a licensed CPA to practice Forensic Accounting. However, if you want to practice Forensic Accounting as a CPA, you would need to have an active CPA license.
     

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