CAMS vs AFC Investigator: which ACAMS certification is right for you?
CAMS is the foundation. The AFC Investigator certification is an advanced credential for financial crime investigators and FIU staff, and it requires 60 credits or an active CAMS. Take CAMS first, then the Investigator exam once you run investigations.
CAMS vs AFC Investigator at a glance
| CAMS | AFC Investigator | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | CAMS Certification Exam (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) | ACAMS Certified AFC Investigator Exam (formerly Advanced CAMS-FCI) |
| 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 | ACAMS advanced certification package (check ACAMS for the current price); 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 Investigator
- Investigation planning and management
- Evidence, data and open-source intelligence
- Advanced typologies and complex structures
- Analysis, interviews and case building
- Reporting and working with law enforcement
Which should you take?
CAMS is the foundation. The AFC Investigator certification is an advanced credential for financial crime investigators and FIU staff, and it requires 60 credits or an active CAMS. Take CAMS first, then the Investigator exam once you run investigations.
Try both, free
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FAQ
What is the difference between CAMS and AFC Investigator?
CAMS is the foundation. The AFC Investigator certification is an advanced credential for financial crime investigators and FIU staff, and it requires 60 credits or an active CAMS. Take CAMS first, then the Investigator exam once you run investigations.
Which is harder, CAMS or AFC Investigator?
CAMS: 120 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions in 3.5 hours (210 minutes). AFC Investigator: 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 Investigator?
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 Investigator?
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.