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.

Receiving Your CFE Designation

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.

As you complete your journey toward CFE designation, please use this information as a resource for candidate qualifications, program requirements, procedures, and course resources.

CFE Application Fees:

IFA Member: $499 | Non-member: $915

*You have up to three (3) consecutive years, from the date of enrollment, to earn the CFE designation.

CFE Application Process:

Complete the online CFE application form and submit your application fee through the online portal. Your application will be processed within three (3) business days.

NOTE: To receive the IFA member rate, please be sure to add your company/affiliation on member.franchise.org before submitting your CFE application:

  • Select ‘My Affiliations’ on the left sidebar menu in your online account and click on “Add Affiliation.”
  • Add the “Account Name” (your company name) only and click “Search.”
  • If your company is a member, the search results will show the company name – click “Add.”
  • If your company name does not show up in the search results or if you need assistance, contact cfe@franchise.org.

CFE Program Requirements

A minimum of 150 approved CFE credits are required to qualify for the Certified Franchise Executive™ (CFE) designation. Candidates have up to three (3) consecutive years, from the date of enrollment, to complete the program requirements for CFE certification. CFE credits are earned in the following areas:

 Core Components (60 Credits)

  • IFA Foundations of Franchising (required – 52 Core Credits) Offered 100% online in a cohort-based leadership program each month. Each cohort is limited to 25 participants.  This is a six-week online asynchronous course in partnership with the University of Louisville to gain insights into franchise management fundamentals
  • IFA Fran-Guard® program (required – 8 Core Credits)

Franchising’s Sales Management and Compliance Program is an 8-hour mandatory franchise law and compliance course.  This course can be completed 100% online through IFA’s learning management platform, IFA Academy and at select IFA events. Explore CFE Events Calendar for dates and locations.

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)

Education credits are earned by completing online CFE-approved self-paced courses, OnDemand recordings, and/or specified courses through IFA approved learning partners.

Education credit opportunities can be found on IFA Academy and the CFE Event Calendar or through approved learning partners.

Completing Coursework on IFA Academy

IFA Academy is our Learning Management System where you can browse the online CFE course catalog, enroll in online courses and instantly receive CFE credits after course completion, monitor your CFE progress, and more!

Follow the steps below to begin taking online CFE-approved courses.

  1. Visit the IFA Academy information site for additional information, including to review video tutorials, FAQs, and a user guide.
  2. Log in to IFA Academy. If you already have an account on member.franchise.org, use your existing email address and password to login. If you do not yet have an account, we welcome you to create one – there is no cost to create an account and explore the platform.
  1. Once you’re logged in, you have online access to a course catalog to explore available courses and enroll.

IFA LIVE Learning (40 credits)

IFA LIVE Credits are earned by attending CFE-approved events that offer a ‘live’ instructor component, such as at IFA events, live webinars, and virtual classroom cohorts. IFA LIVE credit opportunities can be found on the CFE Events Calendar.

Contact cfe@franchise.org with questions or for assistance.

 

Renewing Your CFE Designation

CFEs must recertify every 3 years to keep their CFE designation active. If the designation expires, your authorization to use the CFE designation/credential ends. To regain the designation after expiration, you must complete the CFE enrollment requirements above.

The CFE renewal process requires 40 total CFE credits every three years. CFE credits are earned in the following areas:

  • Education – 20 Credits required through online, self-paced CFE-approved courses – CFEs can complete the Education requirement by taking online, self-paced CFE-approved courses through IFA Academy (IFA’s learning management system) or IFA approved learning partners.
  • IFA LIVE Learning – 20 Credits required through live IFA and IFA Partner events/webinars/courses – CFEs can complete the IFA LIVE requirement by attending CFE-approved events that offer a ‘live’ instructor component, such as free live webinars, virtual classrooms, and IFA events.

Renewal Fee: $310 IFA Member / $675 Non-member

When you are ready to submit for your renewal, please download the recertification application here and submit directly 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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