CFCS Candidate Handbook

A BARBRI Professional Association REGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/PAGE/CERTIFICATION

CFCS CERTIFICATION HANDBOOK 1

Table of Contents 4

The CFCS Candidate Handbook

4

How to Begin

5

Earning the CFCS Credential

5

"Recertification"

5

No Discrimination Among Candidates

5

What the Examina Examination tion Fee Provides You

6

Where to Turn in Your Applica Application tion

6

Extensions

6

Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act

7

CFCS Examination Application

9

Eligibility Factors & Credits

10

Professional Experience

13

CFCS Examination Checklist

13

References

14

Acknowledgment Signature

15

Request for a Special Examination Accommodations — Part I

16

Request for a Special Examination Accommodations — Part II

18

Examination Policies

18

Policy on Rescheduling or Canceling an Examination Date

18

Procedures on the Day of the Examination

18

Restrictions on Items in the Examination Room

18

The Proctored Examination Process

19

Security Measures Surrounding the Examination

19

Unforeseen Cancellation of an Examination

19

Disclosure of Examination Score

19

Re-examination Upon Failing to Receive a Passing Grade

20

Appeals for Exclusion from Examination or Revocation of Certification

20

Candidate Identity Management System (CIMS)

20

What Kryterion Does with the Information It Collects

20

How Kryterion Uses the Information

REGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/PAGE/CERTIFICATION

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ACFCS & The CFCS Certification ACFCS is the first membership organization devoted to the professional interests of the entire financial crime community. Its mission is to enhance competence through a certification that is extended to candidates who successfully 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 the benefit of standing out from their peers, validating their expertise and advancing their careers. ACFCS also provides high quality online and live training, connects ACFCS members with experts through various forums to facilitate the exchange of ideas and solutions to problems, and produces practical, timely information.


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The CFCS Candidate Handbook This 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 CFCS supporting documentation section.

HOW TO BEGIN

1. Register for the exam via email, phone, ACFCS.org, or mail.

Please note that you have one year from

2. You must provide your name, title, email, phone, address, billing address,

the date of your registration to sit for the

and organization. 3. Once your payment is processed you will have access to an electronic copy

of the CFCS Certification Examination Preparation Manual and access to

CFCS examination. Extensions are possible under certain extenuating circumstances. See section "Extensions" for more details.

the CFCS Online Exam Preparation Seminar (live and on-demand), as well as other prep resources and one year of membership in ACFCS. 4. You can complete the CFCS application showing your experience,

work history 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 at any one of more than 900 Kryterion

testing centers worldwide.


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EARNING THE CFCS CREDENTIAL

Recertification involves documenting and submitting 60

In order to earn the CFCS credential, you must:

qualifying credits in education, training and professional

1. Successfully complete the CFCS exam.

experience obtained within the three-year period. CFCS

2. Document at least 40 qualifying credits in financial

holders must also be active members of ACFCS in order

crime and closely related fields based on education,

to re-certify. Please see the Recertification Handbook for

training, professional certifications and professional

more details.

experience in the field (may be completed up to 90 days after taking the CFCS exam). 3. Provide two professional references. Professional

NO DISCRIMINATION AMONG CANDIDATES

ACFCS places no importance and does not discriminate

references should include name, title, organization and

based on age, gender, race, color, religion, national origin,

contact information (may be completed up to 90 days

disability or marital status.

after taking the CFCS exam). WHAT THE EXAMINATION FEE PROVIDES YOU

When you earn your CFCS credential, you are

The examination fee not only admits you to the

encouraged to use and display it in your professional

ACFCS-Kryterion examination location near you,

biographical statements, business cards and

but also provides you access to the CFCS Certification

public appearances.

Examination Preparation Manual, the CFCS Online Exam Prep Seminar (live and on-demand), online

"RECERTIFICATION"

practice test and additional prep resources, and ACFCS

To ensure that professionals are staying current in the

Annual Membership.

rapidly changing financial crime field, ACFCS requires holders of the CFCS credential to re-certify every

The CFCS Certification Package costs $1,695

three years.

(Government $1,345). You may pay by check (payable to ACFCS), credit card, wire transfer, or money order.


5

WHERE TO TURN IN YOUR APPLICATION

1. Applicants who have been out of work for at least six

Applications may be turned in up to 90 days after

months during the one-year certification

completing the CFCS exam. Send us the completed

window because of a layoff or childbirth or child

application that is found in this handbook, and mail or

care responsibilities.

email it, along with your other supporting documents, to:

2. Applicants who have spent a significant amount of

time caring for an ill family member or who have Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS)

Attention: ACFCS Certification Department

suffered illness themselves. 3. Applicants who are deployed to active duty in the

armed forces.

880 Blue Gentian Road, Suite 140 Eagan, MN 55121

Extensions must be requested in writing at least 30 days

Phone: 866-596-7702

prior to the deadline to take the exam. If approved, the

certifi[email protected]

deadline to take the CFCS exam will be extended one year from the date the extension is granted.

EXTENSIONS

Candidates have one year from the date of purchase to take and pass the CFCS exam. But occasionally,

COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

extenuating circumstances, such as prolonged

ACFCS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act

unemployment or serious illness of the candidate or a

(ADA) and will ensure that individuals with disabilities have

close family member, may prevent professionals from

the full opportunity to take the examination irrespective

taking the exam. One-year extensions of the deadline

of a disability, as required and defined by the ADA.

can be requested under such circumstances. Special testing arrangements may be approved for these The extension may be granted only once. The fee to request an extension is $ 295. These are examples of

persons if an appropriate request for accommodation is submitted to ACFCS with the examination application.

persons who may be eligible for an extension: A special accommodations form, which is included in this handbook, must be signed by a professional and submitted with the examination application. If you are already approved for special accommodations, please contact ACFCS at certifi[email protected] or call us at 866-596-7702 to schedule your examination.


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CFCS Examination Application Please complete all parts of this application and send it with supporting documents to certifi[email protected], or by mail to 880 Blue Gentian Road, Suite 140, Eagan, MN 55121.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full Name

Organization Name

Title

Street Address

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Email Address

Daytime Phone Number

Evening /Cell Number

We will send your CFCS Certificate to the address listed above. Please let us know if this information changes. If you would like your CFCS certificate mailed to a different address, please list it here.

Street Address

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Email Address


7

CFCS Examination Application PAYMENT AND FEES

You may pay by credit card, check, cashier’s check or money order.

PAYMENT METHOD S

Bill my Company (the fee must be received by ACFCS before scheduling your examination) I previously paid ACFCS on (date) Charge my Credit Card:

American Express

Discover

Mastercard

Visa

CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

Name on Card (Please Print) Credit Card Number

Exp. Date

CVV Code*

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Card Holder Signature

Card Holder Email Address

Card Holder Billing Address (No P.O. Boxes)

City

State

* The CVV, Credit Verification Value, code is usually a 3-digit code located on the back of your card, inside the signature area. On AMEX cards, it is a 4-digit code located on the front above the account number. Orders without the CVV code will cause processing delays. Visit ACFCS.org for our c ancellation/refund policy.


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ELIGIBILITY FACTORS & CREDITS

After purchasing the CFCS-certification exam you are immediately eligible to sit for the exam. However, in addition to passing the exam you must have a minimum of 40 qualifying credits based on education, training, other professional certification, and professional experience in the financial crime field in order to earn the CFCS credential. You have up to 90 days after successfully completing the CFCS exam to turn in your documentation supporting the 40 qualifying credits. 1. Professional Experience (Maximum 20 credits allowed)

A. Calculate the percentage of time you spent on financial crime compliance, enforcement, regulation or related activities in a professional capacity prior to submission of the CFCS application. % x 20 Credits Total Credits for Experience

2. Training (Maximum 25 credits allowed)

Supporting documentation must accompany your application. All Training must be within the last 3 years. A. One (1) credit is equivalent to 60 minutes of continuous training at one event. B. Includes all financial crime or related training attended in-house, external, live or online. C. Professional certifications related to the financial crime field are 5 credits each, with a maximum of two allowed. Total Credits for Training

3. Education (Maximum 15 credits allowed)

Choose only one degree as these are not cumulative. For high school or GED equivalent, a diploma or transcript is not required; otherwise please include supporting documentation with your application. A. High school or GED equivalent 5 credits B. Associate degree or equivalent 7 credits C. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 10 credits D. Post-graduate or Juris Doctorate degree 15 credits Total Credits for Education Total Cumulative Credits

Do you need additional credits? Visit ACFCS.org for information on financial crime training courses.


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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

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 Employer

Address

Country

Position/Title/Rank Total Months in this Assignment or Position

Name & Title of Immediate Supervisor Business

Telephone

No. Personnel at All Locations Under Your Supervision

Major Product or Service of This Employer

Summary of Work Assignment or Position


10

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE �CONTINUED�



Name of Employer

Address

Country



Telephone





11

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE �CONTINUED�



Name of Employer

Address

Country



Telephone





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CFCS EXAMINATION CHECKLIST

Consult the eligibility table Include supporting documentation, such as copies of degrees, diplomas, licenses and certifications Include two (2) professional references Complete the professional experience section Include payment with application, if applicable Include your signature and date on the application

REFERENCES

Please list (2) Professional Business references: (Name, Title, Phone and Email)

Full Name

Company

Title

Phone Number

Email Address

Full Name

Company

Title

Phone Number

Email Address


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ACKNOWLEDGMENT SIGNATURE

I certify that I have read all portions of the CFCS Candidate Handbook and application. I certify that the information submitted in this application is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand if the information I have submitted is found to be incomplete or false, my application may be rejected, my examination results may be delayed or voided, not released, or invalidated by ACFCS, or if certified, the “Certified Financial Crime 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 or certification 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 understand that any false statement, misrepresentation, or concealment or material omission of the information I have provided or failed to provide on my application and attachments may be grounds for rejection of my application.

Signature

Date

Email or mail completed application AND supporting documentation, degrees, licenses, diplomas and certifications to support the required 40 eligibility credits to: Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS)

Attention: ACFCS Certification Department 880 Blue Gentian Road, Suite 140 Eagan, MN 55121 Phone: 866-596-7702 certifi[email protected]


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Request For a Special Examination Accommodations – Part I CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Name

Organization

Address

City

State/Province

Country

Zip/Postal Code

Email Address

Daytime Phone Number

Evening/Cell Number

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Please describe your disability.

Please provide (check all that apply):

Special seating or other physical accommodation

Extended examination time

Large Text/Magnified screen for examination

Separate testing area

Reader

Other special accommodations (Please specify)

Comments

Signature


Date

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Request For a Special Examination Accommodations – Part II If you have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please complete this form and the Documentation of Disability-Related Needs so your accommodations for testing can be processed efficiently. The information you provide and any documentation regarding your disability and your need for accommodation in testing will be treated with strict confidentiality. This request may take up to 30 days to process. DOCUMENTATION OF DISABILITY�RELATED NEEDS

Please 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 DOCUMENTATION

I have known

since

/

/

in my

capacity as a

Examination Candidate

Professional Title

Date

The candidate discussed with me the nature of the examination to be administered. It is my opinion that, because of this candidate’s disability described below, he/she should be accommodated by providing the special arrangements listed on Part I of this form.

Description of Disability


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Request For a Special Examination Accommodations – Part II

Signature

Printed Name

Title

Address

Telephone Number

Fax Number

Date

License # (if applicable)

Return this form with your examination application and fee to: Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS)

Attention: ACFCS Certification Department 880 Blue Gentian Road, Suite 140 Eagan, MN 55121 Phone: 866-596-7702 certifi[email protected]


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EXAMINATION POLICIES

PROCEDURES ON THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATION

ACFCS partners with test administration provider

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to

Kryterion to deliver the CFCS examination at more than

allow time for pre-examination procedures. Tardiness may

900 secure testing centers worldwide.

prevent your admission to the examination.

If there is not a testing center in your area, ACFCS also

You will be required to show a current, authentic

offers the option of having your exam online proctored

government-issued identification with photograph and

via a webcam. In order to conduct online proctoring,

signature. The name on the identification must match

candidates will need to obtain a webcam from ACFCS,

the name on the examination registration. Appropriate

set it up on their computer, and download software to

identification documents include driver’s license, passport,

support it.

military identification, and identification cards issued by federal state or local government. You must also

There is a $75 fee for online proctored exams. This is also

bring your CFCS examination confirmation email which

generally a more difficult and time-consuming option, so

includes your test taker authorization code. Without this

if possible we recommend taking the exam at a testing

form you will not be able to take the exam.

center. For more details on remote proctored exams, contact [email protected]

RESTRICTIONS ON ITEMS IN THE EXAMINATION ROOM

Below are additional details on examination logistics

There are several items that are not permitted in the

and policies.

examination room. These include a variety of electronic devices and other items, including iPhone, Blackberry’s,

POLICY ON RESCHEDULING OR CANCELING AN EXAMINATION DATE

cellular telephones, digital watches, PDAs, calculators,

Refunds are not extended to persons who request to

coat, you must wear it at all times. Lockers are provided to

withdraw from an examination after they have registered

safe-keep purses, coats and other personal belongings.

and purses, bags and coats. If you are wearing a jacket or

for it. Persons who wish to change their examination date or time or cancel or postpone their appointment

THE PROCTORED EXAMINATION PROCESS

must do so no less than 72 hours before the scheduled

A certification candidate may take up to four hours to

examination date. If you cancel or reschedule an

complete the examination. Candidates must receive

examination less than 72 hours before the examination,

permission from the test proctor to leave the examination

or do not appear for your exam, ACFCS will charge

room. The candidate should read the directions on

you a $125 administrative fee. We will be happy to

the examination carefully and listen to the proctor for

answer questions about retaking the examination at

additional instructions. The candidate should not ask any

certifi[email protected] or by telephone

questions concerning the content of the examination.

at 866-596-7702.

It does not help the candidate to leave a question unanswered. It is better to guess than to leave a question blank.


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The proctor has the right to dismiss a candidate from the

DISCLOSURE OF EXAMINATION SCORE

examination if the person’s admission is not authorized or

At the conclusion of the CFCS examination, the

if the candidate:

candidate will receive the score electronically and

1. Is disturbing others, is abusive, or uncooperative

instantaneously at the testing center. No examination

2. Gives or receives help on the examination, or is

results will be provided by telephone, fax. If a company,

suspected of doing so 3. Attempts to remove examination materials or notes

from the examination room 4. Is found in possession of a communication or

recording device

government agency or other entity has paid for the examination of an individual, the entity may submit a written request to ACFCS to furnish it with the examination score of the candidate. ACFCS shall furnish the score to the candidate’s employer unless the individual candidate, in writing, has requested that it not do so and

SECURITY MEASURES SURROUNDING

the entity has not paid for the examination.

THE EXAMINATION

ACFCS implements strict security measures to assure

RE�EXAMINATION UPON FAILING TO

the integrity of the CFCS examination, including the

RECEIVE A PASSING GRADE

placement of a proctor to assure compliance with all

If a candidate does not receive a passing grade on the

proper procedures and rules. ACFCS also assures that

examination, she or he may reschedule the examination

there are video cameras or audio recording devices in

not earlier than two days after receiving the score,

and around the examination site of the testing center to

but must wait at least two months before retaking the

prevent improper examination assistance to candidates.

examination. Persons who apply to retake an examination

Proctors are required to file a Center Problem Report if

after one year has elapsed from the time of the original

they see irregularities during the examination with details

application must resubmit a full application, with the

of each incident.

required documentation and the examination fee. A candidate may take the examination as often as he or

UNFORESEEN CANCELLATION OF

she may wish for an additional fee of $125.

AN EXAMINATION

If an emergency, such as a weather calamity, forces

To schedule a re-taking of the examination a

cancellation by ACFCS of an examination at a test

person should email certifi[email protected] or

center, all scheduled candidates will be contacted and

call 866-596-7702.

receive notification concerning the rescheduling of the examination and instructions for reapplying. In such circumstances, ACFCS will do everything possible to minimize the inconvenience of scheduled CFCS certification candidates.


19

APPEALS FOR EXCLUSION FROM EXAMINATION

banking and payment information, such as credit card

OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION

account information, etc., products or services ordered

If a candidate is denied admission to an examination or his

and delivered, video and sound recordings and test

or her certification is revoked, ACFCS offers appeals to

information gathered while providing online testing or

such persons. The affected person must initiate the appeal

billing, including, the time spent on the test. Kryterion

by written request to ACFCS within 30 days of the

shall not sell, rent, trade or transfer any personal and

appealable event. The failure to achieve a passing grade on

test data to any third party without a candidate’s explicit

an examination is not a ground for appeal.

permission, unless it is required to do so by law or order of a competent authority.

CANDIDATE IDENTITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM �CIMS�

HOW KRYTERION USES THE INFORMATION

The psychometric firm employed by ACFCS, Kryterion,

Kryterion’s primary purpose in collecting this information

has taken steps to protect the personal and examination

is to provide CFCS certification candidates with a

data that it receives and collects from CFCS certification

safe, smooth, efficient, and customized experience in

candidates. It does not retain this information longer

connection with:

than is required to perform its examination services or as

1. Providing testing services through the Kryterion

required by law. Only authorized employees of Kryterion

Webassessor™ software and for customer support

have access to this data for the performance of their

and problem-solving

examination duties. Kryterion employs technical measures to protect the confidentiality of the examination content.

2. Comparing information for accuracy and to

verify identity 3. Improving Kryterion software, products and websites.

WHAT KRYTERION DOES WITH THE INFORMATION IT COLLECTS

In the performance of its psychometric and testing duties for ACFCS, Kryterion gathers and processes information about candidates, including identification data, profile information, such as age, gender, country of residence,

© Copyright 2015. Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists, Miami USA 33131


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A Step Ahead. JOIN TODAY AT ACFCS.ORG

A BARBRI Professional Association REGISTER ONLINE AT ACFCS.ORG/PAGE/CERTIFICATION

21

CFCS Candidate Handbook

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