The three advanced certifications
| Certified AFC Auditor | Certified AFC Investigator | Certified AFC Risk Manager | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formerly | Advanced CAMS-Audit | Advanced CAMS-FCI | Advanced CAMS-Risk Management |
| For | Internal and external AFC auditors | Financial crime investigators and FIU staff | Senior AFC and risk leaders |
| Core topics | Governance and the audit function; planning and scoping; fieldwork and evaluation; reporting and follow-up | Complex investigations, evidence and OSINT, advanced typologies, case building, working with law enforcement | Risks and threats; financial crime risk assessment; sustainable AFC risk programs; case studies |
| Exam | 90 Q, 3 hours | 90 Q, 3 hours | 90 Q, 3 hours |
| Package price | US$2,195 private / US$1,695 public | Check ACAMS | US$2,195 private / US$1,695 public |
Eligibility
You need an active ACAMS membership and either 60 eligibility credits or an active CAMS. Holding one advanced certification also qualifies you for the others.
Certified AFC Auditor
Built for auditors who test anti-financial crime programs. Expect questions on independence, risk-based audit planning, testing design and operating effectiveness, sampling, evidence, writing findings and validating remediation.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free AFC Auditor practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Certified AFC Investigator
Built for people who run complex investigations. Expect case-style questions on planning, sources and their reliability, information sharing (such as US 314(a) and 314(b)), trade-based laundering and professional laundering networks, analysis techniques and reporting.
Certified AFC Risk Manager
Built for people who own financial crime risk at an enterprise level. Expect questions on threat assessment, the enterprise-wide risk assessment, risk appetite, KRIs, governance and the lessons from major enforcement cases.
How to prepare
- Pick the certification that matches your current job, not the one you might do later.
- Study the ACAMS courses and study guide, then practice scenario questions under time pressure.
- Advanced questions often have several plausible answers. Practice choosing the most complete, risk-based one.
- Take at least two full 90-question timed simulations before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need CAMS for an advanced ACAMS certification?
No, but it's the easiest route. You need either 60 eligibility credits or an active CAMS.
Is Advanced CAMS still available?
The same certifications continue under new names: Certified AFC Auditor, Investigator and Risk Manager.
How long is the advanced exam?
90 multiple-choice questions in about 3 hours.
Which advanced certification is most popular?
It depends on the role. The Auditor fits audit teams, the Investigator fits investigations and FIU work, and the Risk Manager fits senior risk and compliance leaders.
Official sources
Practice tests for these certifications
ACAMS Certified AFC Auditor Exam (formerly Advanced CAMS-Audit)
ACAMS' advanced certification for internal and external auditors who test anti-financial crime programs.
ACAMS Certified AFC Investigator Exam (formerly Advanced CAMS-FCI)
ACAMS' advanced certification for financial crime investigators, FIU staff and investigation managers.
ACAMS Certified AFC Risk Manager Exam (formerly Advanced CAMS-RM)
ACAMS' advanced certification for senior AFC and risk professionals.
This guide is general information, checked October 2026, not legal advice. Certification rules change; confirm with ACAMS before you apply.
