Forensic CPA Global Academy
Choose the FCPA or FCA professional credential — or build focused expertise through six CPD-accredited certificate courses in forensic accounting, financial investigation and fraud examination.
Which path is right for you?
Select your professional background and the exact programme, certificate course or membership option that interests you.
Choose your path
Begin with the level of commitment and professional outcome that fits your current role.
For accountants, auditors and finance professionals pursuing broad forensic capability.
For investigators, analysts and compliance professionals building evidence-analysis expertise.
For professionals who need targeted training without beginning a complete credential.
For professionals and emerging practitioners who want to join the community before committing to a credential.
A clearer starting point
These recommendations are drawn from the Academy’s career and certification guides. Use them as a starting point, then speak with an adviser if you need help confirming eligibility.
Begin with Principles of Forensic Accounting, then move into Financial Statement Fraud Analysis.
Begin with fraud examination, then add corruption and bribery investigation skills.
Take one foundational certificate first and decide on a complete credential after gaining experience.
Build transaction-tracing and structured interviewing skills used in disputes and investigations.
Compare credentials
The decision information that matters most, before you leave this page.
| Decision point | FCPA Credential | FCA Credential | Certificate course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Accountants, auditors and finance professionals | Investigators, analysts and compliance professionals | Professionals seeking one focused skill |
| Main outcome | Broad forensic accounting capability | Investigative and analytical capability | Specialist subject competence |
| Study format | Flexible online study | Flexible online study | Flexible online study |
| Structure | Four courses + two proctored exams | Four courses | One self-paced course, 15–75 CPD hours |
| Accreditation | FCPA designation · CPD-accredited training | FCA designation · CPD-accredited training | CPD-accredited course certificate |
| Tuition | US$3,000 | US$2,500 | US$500 – US$925 per course |
| Payment plans | Pay once or 2 × US$1,500 | Pay once or 2 × US$1,250 | Split payment on selected courses |
| Next step | View the FCPA programme → | View the FCA programme → | Browse courses → |
Specialist certificate courses
Each course leads directly to its detailed learning outcomes and enrollment information on the Academy.
Detect schemes, plan investigations and document findings.
US$800 · 35 CPD hours · self-paced
Follow transactions, test explanations and develop the evidence trail.
US$925 · 65 CPD hours · self-paced
Identify manipulation patterns and explain reporting anomalies.
US$500 · 15 CPD hours · self-paced
Use structured, ethical questioning to obtain reliable information.
US$850 · 25 CPD hours · self-paced
Examine red flags, payment trails and corruption risk.
US$750 · 15 CPD hours · self-paced
Connect accounting evidence to disputes, losses and misconduct.
US$825 · 75 CPD hours · self-paced
Career possibilities
Build capabilities used across investigations, advisory services, compliance, law enforcement and dispute support.
Forensic Accountant · Forensic Auditor · Investigative Accountant · Investigative Auditor
Fraud Examiner · Fraud Investigator · Corporate Fraud Investigator · Procurement Fraud Investigator
Anti-Money Laundering Analyst · AML Investigator · Financial Crime Analyst · Transaction Monitoring Analyst
Compliance Analyst · Compliance Investigator · Regulatory Compliance Officer · Ethics and Integrity Officer
Litigation Support Accountant · Disputes Advisory Analyst · Economic Damages Analyst · Forensic Claims Accountant
Forensic Data Analyst · Fraud Analytics Specialist · Digital Forensics Analyst · Cyber Fraud Investigator
Government Forensic Accountant · Public-Sector Forensic Auditor · Police Financial Investigator · Tax Fraud Investigator
Forensic Valuation Analyst · Business Valuation Specialist · Insolvency Accountant · Bankruptcy Investigator
Program completion can support professional development and career advancement but does not guarantee employment, promotion or eligibility for regulated positions. Employment requirements vary by jurisdiction and employer.
Free Resources
Download practical tools and career guides developed by forensic accounting professionals. Each resource is delivered automatically to your inbox.
Accreditation
Forensic CPA Global Academy programmes and specialist certificate courses include CPD-accredited training, recognised with the CPD Standards Office educator trustmark.
Being Forensic CPA certified has benefited me tremendously in performance of many investigations. The learnings and techniques are applied to real-life instances, and now it has become a passion of mine. Attaining certification opened many professional doors, and I do not regret this decision and urge others to pursue this opportunity.
I completed the Forensic CPA certification in 2011. The Forensic CPA designation has elevated my career as a chartered accountant to a higher level. I found the course content to be extremely practical and relevant to financial and management functions. The knowledge I gained in areas such as fraud detection and internal control has enabled me to better design and implement internal control systems, formulate policies and procedures, and assist in preventing fraud. Over the past few years, I have used the knowledge and experience gained from the Forensic CPA certification to train staff within my organization. I have also taught and shared my expertise with students and professionals, focusing on fraud detection, corruption, financial statement manipulation, and company governance.
In 2021, I became a registered member of the Forensic CPA Society, marking an important milestone in my professional career. The structure of the Forensic CPA knowledge system has strengthened my ability to identify hidden issues and potential risks through analysis and insight, providing me with many new ideas in my daily work. Whether in team management or strategic decision-making, the Forensic CPA spirit has always inspired me — maintaining professionalism, professional skepticism, an international perspective, and a passion for continuous learning.
Because of my Forensic CPA designation, I have been able to participate in sensitive and complex cases related to corporate fraud and financial crime. I also assist clients around the world in identifying, tracing, and recovering assets.
Associate Membership
Become an Associate Member and stay connected with the Forensic CPA professional community.
There are no prerequisites to join. Associate Members receive workshops and webinars, discounts on credential programs and publications, and access to a global professional network.
FAQ
Forensic CPA Global Academy programs and certificate courses are designed for accountants, auditors, investigators, compliance and finance professionals, as well as graduates and career switchers.
Programs and courses are designed for working professionals with online access, using scenario-based learning rather than theory alone.
Duration depends on the credential or certificate you choose and your study pace — certificates typically take 4–8 weeks; the full credential, 6–12 months.
Choose an individual certificate course to develop a focused skill and earn CPD-accredited training. Choose the Forensic Certified Public Accountant Credential or the Forensic Certified Analyst Credential when you want a comprehensive professional credential.
For questions on curriculum, eligibility or enrollment, contact Diandra Grandison, Project & Communications Officer.
Select View Academy on this page and choose the program or certificate you are considering.
Two online, proctored parts of 120 multiple-choice questions each (3.5 hours per part). A 70% overall score passes, with both parts completed within one year of starting. Up to three attempts per exam are allowed.
Yes. The FCPA credential can be paid as 2 × US$1,500 and the FCA credential as 2 × US$1,250. Selected certificate courses offer a split payment at checkout, for example US$400 upfront and the balance three weeks later.
Yes. Each course is CPD-accredited on its own and stacks toward either credential, so starting with one course is never a dead end.
20 hours of CPE per year, at least 10 of them directly forensic-related, plus active membership.
Your next step
Compare programme requirements, review the curriculum and select the pathway that supports your professional goals.
