FRA101 - Principles of Forensic Accounting

Course Overview

Build a foundation in forensic accounting while exploring how accounting, auditing, investigative, and analytical skills are used to identify fraud, evaluate evidence, support litigation, and assess financial losses.

24 Instructional Hours | Fully Online & Asynchronous | Year-Round Registration

Registration is available year-round, and an open section of FRA101 is always available.

Planning to complete the full Forensic Accounting Certificate? View the Certificate and Bundle Options

Principles of Forensic Accounting is a foundational course that introduces participants to forensic accounting, fraud examination, litigation support, evidence management, e-discovery, and the calculation of economic damages.

Participants examine how fraud is commonly committed and detected, the characteristics and organizational conditions associated with fraudulent activity, and the measures organizations can use to reduce fraud-related losses.

The course also introduces professional standards for litigation services, rules of evidence, evidence-management practices, and methods used to evaluate and calculate financial loss.

Through quizzes, discussions, case studies, practical exercises, and applied assignments, participants explore how forensic accountants use accounting, auditing, investigative, and analytical skills in fraud investigations and legal matters.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the process by which fraud is typically committed, identify common characteristics associated with employees who commit fraud, and outline appropriate response actions.
• Identify and explain common methods used to detect fraud and describe anti-fraud measures that can reduce fraud-related losses.
• Describe quality standards for litigation services related to client engagement, forensic reports, testifying, and adherence to standards of conduct and care.
• Explain key rules of evidence and describe best practices in evidence management.
• Apply the Sedona Principles and Federal Rules of Evidence and Procedure in simulated e-discovery scenarios.
• Identify different types of economic damages and demonstrate methods used to calculate and measure financial losses.

Key Topics

• Introduction to Forensic and Investigative Accounting
• Fraud Examination and Common Fraud Characteristics
• Fraud Detection and Anti-Fraud Measures
• Litigation Support Services
• Professional Standards and Standards of Care
• Rules of Evidence and Evidence Management
• Electronic Discovery and the Sedona Principles
• Federal Rules of Evidence and Procedure
• Economic Damages and Financial-Loss Calculations
• Internal Controls
• Interviewing and Sources of Information
• Business Valuation and Other Forensic Accounting Applications

How the Course Works

FRA101 is delivered fully online and asynchronously, with no required live class meetings.

The course includes 24 instructional hours. Participants receive at least six weeks to complete the course and may have additional time depending on when they register and the published course end date.

A recommended six-week pacing guide is included for participants who prefer a more structured schedule, but participants may work at their own pace within the published access period.

Course content was developed by experienced forensic accounting professionals who reviewed the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) bodies of knowledge to help align the curriculum with relevant industry topics. Instructors review applied assignments and provide individualized feedback to help participants strengthen their understanding and professional application of course concepts.

What if I need more time?

Contact the Program Director before your course access ends to request a transfer into a future section. Transfers are subject to program policies and section availability.

Course Completion Requirements

To successfully complete FRA101, participants must:

• Earn an overall course grade of at least 70%.
• Complete all required course assessments.

Participants pursuing the full Forensic Accounting Certificate must successfully complete all three required courses within two years of their first enrollment date.

Part of the Forensic Accounting Certificate

FRA101 is the recommended first course in UNC Charlotte's three-course Forensic Accounting Certificate.

The recommended course sequence is:

1. FRA101 - Principles of Forensic Accounting
2. FRA102 - Fraud Prevention and Detection
3. FRA103 - Introduction to Computer Forensics

Participants who successfully complete all three courses receive a UNC Charlotte Forensic Accounting Certificate, 7.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and a Credly digital badge.

Choose How You Want to Enroll

You may register for FRA101 individually or enroll in the complete three-course certificate bundle.

Individual Course: $1,495

Forensic Accounting Certificate Bundle: $3,812
Includes all three required courses and saves $673 compared with registering for each course individually.

View the Forensic Accounting Certificate and Bundle

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements prior to enrollment.

Review Technical Requirements

English Proficiency

If English is not your native language, we recommend English-language proficiency equivalent to a minimum score of 557 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 83 on the internet-based TOEFL.

TOEFL scores are not required for enrollment in this course.

Continuing Professional Education

Participants should confirm whether the course meets the specific CPE requirements of their state accountancy board.

Ready to Get Started?

Register for FRA101 individually by clicking on "add to cart" or explore the complete three-course certificate before enrolling.

View the Forensic Accounting Certificate

Accrediting Associations

• CPE for Self-Reporting to your state accountancy board 24.0 CPE self-reporting

Applies To The Following Certificate

• Forensic Accounting Certificate : Required