AFC Auditor vs AFC Investigator: which ACAMS certification is right for you?
Both are advanced 90-question exams with the same eligibility (60 credits or an active CAMS). The Auditor exam tests how you plan, run and report an AML audit. The Investigator exam tests how you run complex financial crime cases. Choose by job: assurance or investigations.
AFC Auditor vs AFC Investigator at a glance
| AFC Auditor | AFC Investigator | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | ACAMS Certified AFC Auditor Exam (formerly Advanced CAMS-Audit) | ACAMS Certified AFC Investigator Exam (formerly Advanced CAMS-FCI) |
| Questions | 90 multiple-choice questions (knowledge and scenario-based) | 90 multiple-choice questions (knowledge and scenario-based) |
| Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Passing score | Set by ACAMS (see the Candidate Handbook) | Set by ACAMS (see the Candidate Handbook) |
| Format | Closed book, computer-based | Closed book, computer-based |
| Cost | US$2,195 private sector / US$1,695 public sector package; eligibility: 60 credits or an active CAMS | ACAMS advanced certification package (check ACAMS for the current price); eligibility: 60 credits or an active CAMS |
| Languages | English (check ACAMS for other languages) | English (check ACAMS for other languages) |
| Where | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) |
| Level | Advanced | Advanced |
What each exam covers
AFC Auditor
- Corporate governance and the audit function
- Audit planning and scoping
- Fieldwork, testing and evaluation
- Reporting, recommendations and follow-up
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?
Both are advanced 90-question exams with the same eligibility (60 credits or an active CAMS). The Auditor exam tests how you plan, run and report an AML audit. The Investigator exam tests how you run complex financial crime cases. Choose by job: assurance or investigations.
Try both, free
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FAQ
What is the difference between AFC Auditor and AFC Investigator?
Both are advanced 90-question exams with the same eligibility (60 credits or an active CAMS). The Auditor exam tests how you plan, run and report an AML audit. The Investigator exam tests how you run complex financial crime cases. Choose by job: assurance or investigations.
Which is harder, AFC Auditor or AFC Investigator?
AFC Auditor: 90 multiple-choice questions (knowledge and scenario-based) in 3 hours. 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 AFC Auditor 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 AFC Auditor 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.
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Exam details are summarized from ACAMS' published information as of October 2026. Confirm with ACAMS before you book. AMLExamPrep is not affiliated with ACAMS.