High School

A good foundation for future fraud investigation work includes classes in mathematics, business, economics, government, communications, and English. Take computer classes to build your skills in various software programs. 

Postsecondary Education

Most employers prefer to hire fraud examiners, investigators, and analysts with a bachelors degree. The degree may be in any number of areas, such as business administration, accounting, and law, or in criminal justice, economic crime, or fraud management. Coursework covers business law, professional ethics, mathematics, finance, fraud detection and prevention, and interviewing techniques.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificates in criminal justice, finance, forensic accounting, and related topics. For example, Seton Hill University offers a graduate certificate in forensic and fraud examination, which can be earned by completing the following classes: Financial Transactions & Schemes, Forensic & Fraud Legalities, Forensic & Fraud Investigation, and Fraud Prevention & Deterrence. Contact schools in your area to learn more about available programs. 

Other Education or Training

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators, National Association of Legal Investigators, and other organizations offer continuing education classes, webinars, and workshops that will help fraud professionals keep their skills up to date. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Some states may require fraud examiners, investigators, or analysts to be licensed as private investigators. Investigators who are conducting internal investigations for their employer are usually not required to be licensed. Check with the state in which you plan to work to find out the licensing requirements.

Certification enhances professional skills and knowledge and boosts job prospects. Fraud examiners may receive certification from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). To qualify, candidates must be an associate member of the ACFE, have a bachelors degree or the equivalent and have at least two years of work-related experience, and pass the certification exam. Find details at http://www.acfe.com/cfe-qualifications.aspx.

The National Association of Legal Investigators and International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators also offer voluntary certification. Contact these organizations for more information. 

Three or more years of prior work-related experience, such as in accounting or law enforcement, is usually required to work as a fraud examiner, investigator, and analyst. They receive on-the-job training that may last from several weeks to several months.

The job requires strong analytical and research skills; much of the work entails gathering information through observing and interviewing people, studying written documentation, and analyzing data. Examiners, investigators, and analysts have strong written and oral communication skills, and inductive reasoning abilities. They are detail oriented, persistent, have integrity, and are dependable. They are knowledgeable about laws and regulations in the areas in which they work. This type of work also requires strong knowledge of software programs for analyzing and processing information and data.