Financial Crime · CFDP

Fraud Detection & Prevention Practitioner

A practical qualification covering fraud risk assessment, red flags, preventive controls, detection techniques, investigation support and organisational response.

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Overview

What This Certification Covers

The Fraud Detection & Prevention Practitioner (CFDP) certificate gives professionals the knowledge, tools and practical skills needed to identify, investigate and mitigate fraud risk within organisations. With financial crime, digital fraud and regulatory requirements all increasing, organisations need professionals who can protect assets proactively, ensure compliance and maintain stakeholder trust.

The programme provides a comprehensive framework for fraud risk management, covering fraud schemes, red flags, detection methodologies, forensic audit techniques, internal controls and compliance mechanisms. Participants gain the expertise to carry out fraud risk assessments, develop effective prevention strategies and conduct investigations that meet regulatory and ethical standards.

Like every ACS credential, the CFDP is awarded only after a formal assessment of defined qualification outcomes — evaluating understanding, application and professional judgement, not attendance alone.

Learning Outcomes

What You Will Be Able to Do

  • Understand the core concepts of fraud, including its types, causes and impact on organisations and sectors
  • Identify fraud red flags and detect suspicious patterns and behaviour using early-detection methodologies
  • Assess fraud risk within the organisation by applying risk assessment methodologies and tools and prioritising risks
  • Design and implement effective internal controls and preventive procedures that reduce opportunities for fraud
  • Apply forensic audit principles to collect and analyse financial and digital evidence in support of investigations
  • Conduct professional fraud investigations in line with best practice and professional standards, with due regard to legal and ethical considerations
  • Use modern technologies and tools for fraud detection, data analysis and digital financial crime
  • Strengthen organisational compliance by aligning anti-fraud programmes with regulatory requirements and internal policies
  • Prepare professional investigation reports setting out findings, evidence and recommendations
  • Help build an organisational culture of integrity and transparency through fraud awareness and prevention programmes
Curriculum

The CFDP Programme in 6 Modules

01Principles of Fraud and Financial Crimes4 topics
  • The nature, scope and impact of fraud on organisations
  • Types of fraud: financial statement fraud, asset misappropriation, corruption and cyber fraud
  • The fraud triangle and behavioural indicators of fraud
  • International anti-fraud standards and global professional frameworks
02Fraud Detection Tools and Methodologies5 topics
  • Red flags, anomalies and early warning signs of fraud
  • Data analytics for fraud detection: Benford’s Law, ratio analysis and trend analysis
  • Continuous auditing and continuous monitoring systems
  • Technology in fraud detection: artificial intelligence, machine learning and forensic analysis software
  • Case studies of fraud detection successes and failures
03Fraud Prevention and Internal Controls5 topics
  • Designing and implementing strong anti-fraud internal controls
  • Preventive, detective and corrective controls
  • Building fraud risk management frameworks linked to governance
  • The role of whistleblowing systems and integrity hotlines
  • Promoting a fraud-prevention culture within the organisation
04Fraud Investigation and Forensic Techniques5 topics
  • The investigation process: planning, scoping and gathering evidence
  • Forensic accounting methodologies and document examination
  • Digital evidence and cyber investigations
  • Interviewing techniques for suspects and witnesses
  • Preparing investigation reports and presenting findings to committees or courts
05Compliance, Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Fraud5 topics
  • Global anti-fraud regulations and compliance requirements
  • Anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CFT) and sanctions compliance
  • Anti-bribery and corruption frameworks: the FCPA and the UK Bribery Act
  • Ethical challenges in fraud investigation and prevention
  • Working with regulators, law enforcement and audit committees
06Emerging Trends and Future Risks5 topics
  • Cyber fraud: phishing, ransomware and identity theft
  • Risks in FinTech, digital payments and cryptocurrencies
  • ESG-related fraud: greenwashing and manipulation of sustainability reporting
  • The role of blockchain and artificial intelligence in fraud prevention
  • Preparing organisations for emerging global fraud risks
Who Can Apply

Built for These Roles

  • Internal and external auditors
  • Fraud examiners and investigators
  • Risk and compliance officers
  • Financial controllers and accountants
  • Security and forensic finance specialists
  • Anti-money laundering (AML) specialists
  • Governance and internal control officers
  • Regulatory and law-enforcement staff working on financial crime
Assessment

How the CFDP Is Assessed

  1. 01

    Minimum passing score: 70%

  2. 02

    Available in several languages

  3. 03

    Examination duration: 3 hours

Unless otherwise stated, candidates must achieve a minimum assessment score of 70%. Full entry requirements and the certification process are listed on the Certifications.

Register

Start the CFDP Certification

Registration opens on a rolling basis through ACS or an authorised ACS centre. Reach out and our team will walk you through eligibility, registration and assessment windows.

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