Be aware: all CFIAs are not the same

I am receiving an increasing number of enquiries from employers asking how they can get an Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS) award for their Counter Fraud Investigator apprentices, either while still on their apprenticeship programme or immediately after completion, through some form of ‘passporting’ or ‘top up’ training. There is clearly some confusion about this and as I know a thing or two about this subject, I thought I’d set out the current position as I understand it, in the hope of shedding some light on the situation.

·??????There are a number of training providers that offer the Counter Fraud Investigator Apprentice (CFIA) programme, including CIPFA

·??????CIPFA’s CFIA programme incorporates the ACFS award that’s accredited by the Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board (CFPAB). CIPFA can do this because it is a CFPAB Approved Training Provider (ATP) authorised to deliver its CFPAB accredited ACFS training course (you must be an ATP to deliver a CFPAB accredited course)

·??????While there is convergence of content between ACFS and CFIA there are also significant differences between the 2 but CIPFA has bridged these to provide CFI apprentices the opportunity to obtain an ACFS award while simultaneously undergoing their apprenticeship training. This is not novel for CIPFA as its accountancy apprenticeship programmes also simultaneously confer professional awards, right up to Chartered Accountant status

·??????To be clear, CIPFA’s CFIA programme is not accredited by the CFPAB, it is the integrated ACFS element that the CFPAB accredits

·??????Being able to offer the dual CFIA/ACFS model is not unique or restricted to CIPFA and is open to any training provider holding CFPAB ATP status with an accredited ACFS course

·??????For CIPFA, doing the ACFS as part of a CFIA is optional. It does involve additional study and assessment and there is a non-levy cost involved. Apprentices can therefore also undertake the CFIA on a standalone basis

·??????It is technically possible for an apprentice to switch from a standalone CFIA programme to a CFIA/ACFS programme but there are challenges involved in doing so and an important consideration must be the best interests of the apprentice and the level of disruption to their apprenticeship journey they would experience by switching programmes

·??????CIPFA can only submit its own apprentices to the CFPAB for ACFS accreditation and then only if they have successfully undertaken the ACFS elements of its programme

·??????CIPFA does not offer any ‘top up’ training or bridging course that would enable someone who has successfully completed a standalone CFIA to obtain an ACFS award. My understanding is that as things currently stand, the only option would be for the individual concerned to undertake and pass a full ACFS programme. I appreciate this is not ideal as it involves extra time, cost and further study – with an element of duplication – after having already done a long apprenticeship programme. ?Nevertheless, it’s how the market is at the moment and there are several ATPs out there providing ACFS courses, each with different price points

·??????CIFPA does not accredit the ACFS and it is not a regulator for the CFIA. Matters concerning passporting, award mutuality, comparability recognition - or however one might describe it - of the 2 programmes is not within CIPFA’s gift or remit

For some, the ACFS award doesn’t matter but for others it really does, as evidenced by the enquiries I keep getting and as mentioned above, it’s difficult to switch providers once on programme. So, if you are an employer contemplating participating in a CFIA programme then think carefully about what you want from it, not only from your perspective but from your budding apprentice’s perspective, too. Research the market, ascertain what the options are and talk them though with your prospective apprentice.

CFIAs are a great thing for the counter fraud sector and the nascent ‘profession’. It’s also good that there is competition and innovation in the market that provides choice for employers. ?However, not all CFIA programmes are the same and not choosing the right one can have negative consequences for employers, employees and training providers. These can be avoided if things are properly thought through early on.

Hoping the above helps. ??

Les Dobie??