CGSS vs CAFS: which ACAMS certification is right for you?
Both are specialist exams with the same length (100 questions, 175 minutes) and price. CGSS is about sanctions compliance, CAFS about fraud. Choose by the work you do. Neither is a prerequisite for the other.
CGSS vs CAFS at a glance
| CGSS | CAFS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | CGSS Certification Exam (Certified Global Sanctions Specialist) | CAFS Certification Exam (Certified Anti-Fraud Specialist) |
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions | 100 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions |
| Time | 175 minutes | 175 minutes |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 75 | Scaled score of 75 |
| Format | Closed book, computer-based | Closed book, computer-based |
| Cost | US$1,995 private sector / US$1,495 public sector package; ACAMS membership required | US$1,995 private sector / US$1,495 public sector package; ACAMS membership required |
| Languages | Arabic, English, French, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese | Arabic, English, French, Japanese, Simplified Chinese and Spanish |
| Where | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) |
| Level | Specialist | Specialist |
What each exam covers
CGSS
- Sanctions frameworks and governance (20%)
- Building a sanctions compliance program (50%)
- Detecting and investigating sanctions evasion techniques (30%)
CAFS
- Building a fraud risk management program
- Fraud schemes and typologies
- Prevention and detection controls
- Fraud investigations and response
Which should you take?
Both are specialist exams with the same length (100 questions, 175 minutes) and price. CGSS is about sanctions compliance, CAFS about fraud. Choose by the work you do. Neither is a prerequisite for the other.
Try both, free
Each free practice test takes about 10 minutes and shows your score by topic. No signup.
FAQ
What is the difference between CGSS and CAFS?
Both are specialist exams with the same length (100 questions, 175 minutes) and price. CGSS is about sanctions compliance, CAFS about fraud. Choose by the work you do. Neither is a prerequisite for the other.
Which is harder, CGSS or CAFS?
CGSS: 100 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions in 175 minutes. CAFS: 100 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions in 175 minutes. 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 CGSS and CAFS?
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 CGSS and CAFS?
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.