CAMS vs AFC Auditor: which ACAMS certification is right for you?
CAMS is the foundation. The AFC Auditor certification is an advanced credential for people who audit AML programs, and it requires 60 credits or an active CAMS. Most candidates take CAMS first, then the Auditor exam once they work in internal audit or assurance.
CAMS vs AFC Auditor at a glance
| CAMS | AFC Auditor | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | CAMS Certification Exam (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) | ACAMS Certified AFC Auditor Exam (formerly Advanced CAMS-Audit) |
| Questions | 120 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions | 90 multiple-choice questions (knowledge and scenario-based) |
| Time | 3.5 hours (210 minutes) | 3 hours |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 75 | Set by ACAMS (see the Candidate Handbook) |
| Format | Closed book, computer-based | Closed book, computer-based |
| Cost | US$2,095 private sector / US$1,595 public sector package (study materials + exam); ACAMS membership required | US$2,195 private sector / US$1,695 public sector package; eligibility: 60 credits or an active CAMS |
| Languages | Arabic, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese (the updated CAMS program launched in English first, with translations rolling out in 2026) | English (check ACAMS for other languages) |
| Where | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) |
| Level | Specialist | Advanced |
What each exam covers
CAMS
- Understanding financial crime risks and methods
- Global AFC frameworks, governance and regulations
- Building an AFC compliance program
- Tools and technologies to fight financial crime
AFC Auditor
- Corporate governance and the audit function
- Audit planning and scoping
- Fieldwork, testing and evaluation
- Reporting, recommendations and follow-up
Which should you take?
CAMS is the foundation. The AFC Auditor certification is an advanced credential for people who audit AML programs, and it requires 60 credits or an active CAMS. Most candidates take CAMS first, then the Auditor exam once they work in internal audit or assurance.
Try both, free
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FAQ
What is the difference between CAMS and AFC Auditor?
CAMS is the foundation. The AFC Auditor certification is an advanced credential for people who audit AML programs, and it requires 60 credits or an active CAMS. Most candidates take CAMS first, then the Auditor exam once they work in internal audit or assurance.
Which is harder, CAMS or AFC Auditor?
CAMS: 120 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions in 3.5 hours (210 minutes). AFC Auditor: 90 multiple-choice questions (knowledge and scenario-based) in 3 hours. The longer exam covers more ground, but the harder one is the one further from your daily work. Take both free practice tests to see where you stand.
Can I hold both CAMS and AFC Auditor?
Yes. ACAMS certifications are separate credentials and many professionals hold more than one. Each has its own exam and recertification.
How do I prepare for CAMS and AFC Auditor?
Start with the free practice test for each, then study by topic. All-Access ($147 a month) covers every ACAMS exam on one plan, so you can prepare for both without paying twice.
More comparisons
Exam details are summarized from ACAMS' published information as of October 2026. Confirm with ACAMS before you book. AMLExamPrep is not affiliated with ACAMS.