Getting Started to Become a CFE

Explore how to begin your Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program, including the core components and ways to earn CFE credits through CFE-approved learning, then start the CFE application process to becoming a CFE Today. This section also provides details on how to renew your CFE and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

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Receiving Your CFE Designation

Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Program Overview

Highly regarded and widely recognized as a symbol of leadership and accomplishment throughout the franchise community, the CFE is IFA’s flagship certification program. Pursuing and maintaining CFE certification is a commitment to mastering the highest level of skills and knowledge in franchising.

Use this guide to navigate the application process, program requirements, and available course resources.

CFE Application Fees

  • IFA Member: $499
  • Non-Member: $915
    Candidates have up to three (3) consecutive years from enrollment to complete the program.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online CFE application form.
  2. Submit your application fee via the online portal.
  3. Applications are processed within 3 business days.

Important: To receive the IFA member rate, add your company affiliation at member.franchise.org:

  • Go to “My Affiliations” in your account sidebar.
  • Click “Add Affiliation” and enter your company name in the “Account Name” field.
  • If your company is a member, it will appear in the results—select and click “Add.”
  • For help, contact cfe@franchise.org.

CFE Program Requirements

To earn the CFE designation, candidates must complete 150 approved credits across three core areas:

 Core Components (60 Credits)

  • IFA Foundations of Franchising (52 credits)
    Six-week, cohort-based online course (monthly start dates), delivered in partnership with the University of Louisville.
  • IFA Fran-Guard®  (8 credits)
    An 8-hour franchise law and compliance course, available via IFA Academy and select IFA events.
  • CFE Final Exam (Required)
    The Final Exam consists of 50 randomized questions that focus on franchise management and compliance. Students are allotted 2 hours to complete the exam and 2 overall attempts to pass the exam. The CFE Study Guide provides a knowledge base of best practices in key areas of franchise management and prepares learners for the CFE Final Exam.

 Education Credits (50 Credits)

Earned through self-paced, CFE-approved courses via:

  • IFA Academy
  • OnDemand recordings
  • Approved learning partners

Browse the full catalog on IFA Academy or the CFE Event Calendar.

Getting Started on IFA Academy

IFA Academy is your hub for online coursework, tracking progress, and receiving credit. Here’s how to begin:

  1. Visit the IFA Academy information site to review tutorials, FAQs, and the user guide.
  2. Log in using your member.franchise.org credentials or create a free account.
  3. Browse the course catalog and enroll in available CFE courses.

 IFA LIVE Learning (40 Credits)

IFA LIVE credits are earned by attending CFE-approved events with a live instructor, such as:

  • IFA conferences and summits
  • Virtual classroom cohorts
  • Live webinars

Upcoming LIVE credit opportunities are listed on the CFE Events Calendar.

Questions? Contact cfe@franchise.org for support or additional information.

 

Renewing Your CFE Designation

CFE Renewal Requirements

To maintain an active CFE designation, recertification is required every three (3) years. If your certification expires, your authorization to use the CFE credential ends. To reinstate, you must re-enroll and meet the full program requirements.

 Renewal Requirements (Every 3 Years)

A total of 40 CFE credits must be earned across the following categories:

  • Education Credits (20 required)
    Complete self-paced, CFE-approved courses through IFA Academy or approved learning partners.
  • IFA LIVE Learning Credits (20 required)
    Attend CFE-approved events that include live instructional components such as IFA conferences, virtual classrooms, or live webinars.

 Renewal Fee

  • IFA Member: $310
  • Non-Member: $675

 How to Submit

When you’re ready to renew, download the CFE Recertification Application and submit it to cfe@franchise.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are numerous opportunities in the franchising sector to become successful. A way to stand out in this competitive field is to become a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE). Your Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation represents dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to professional development. Pursuing and maintaining the CFE certification is a commitment to mastering the highest level of skills and knowledge in franchising. The CFE program is a great match if you’re looking to improve or demonstrate your expertise in franchising. Anyone interested in franchising— franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers— should consider becoming a CFE.

CFE applicants are given three years to complete all program requirements. Most candidates complete the program in 12-18 months.

The Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program was established by the International Franchise Association (IFA) in 1989 with the goal of providing a recognized standard of professional development and expertise within the franchising, allowing professionals at all levels to elevate their knowledge and skills through a structured certification process.

The CFE program is in the final steps of attaining accreditation through the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). IACET is the developer of the original Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and today ensures that providers of continuing education and training provide high-quality instruction.

Franchise professionals at every stage of their careers are eligible to enroll in the CFE program.

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