Mentoring FAQs

GENERAL

What is the ACFE Mentoring Program?

The ACFE Mentoring Program is an online tool — including a searchable database — that facilitates the establishment of mentoring relationships. It is user-driven, allowing registered mentees to search among registered mentors using specified criteria to find individuals whose experience and expertise match the areas in which they wish to be mentored.

Is there a fee associated with using the ACFE Mentoring Program?

The ACFE Mentoring Program is a members-only benefit. There is no additional charge to use this resource.

How are mentors and mentees matched?

Members must first enroll as a mentor, mentee, or both. During the enrollment process, members select preferences for various demographics to establish their personal criteria.

A registered mentee visits the Find a Mentor page and fills in their search criteria to search for possible mentors. The mentee then clicks the names of potential mentors to view their profiles. Once the mentee has decided on a mentor, they click on the mentor badge (above the profile picture) to request that person as their mentor. An e-mail is sent to the mentor alerting them that they have a mentee request. The mentor accepts or declines the request.

Does the Mentoring Program provide CPE credit?

Yes. Mentors and mentees who are CFEs are eligible for CPE through the ACFE Mentoring Program*. To claim CPE credit, both the mentor and mentee must complete a Mentoring CPE Log at the end of each session. The Mentoring CPE Log must include the date, topic, and duration of time for each meeting. It must also be signed by both the mentor and the mentee. 

*CFEs can earn up to 12.0 ACFE CPE credits, per year, at a rate of 1.0 CPE for every 3 hours spent with a mentor/mentee

Download the Mentoring CPE Log and submit it at the end of the session. The full instructions for completing the form and earning CPE are included on the form itself.

FOR MENTORS

How do I become a mentor?

If you are a CFE, you may enroll as a mentor. You will be instructed to choose your preferences for various demographics and also to complete your member profile.

Who are the mentees?

Mentees are other members who need you to help support their careers.

Can I have more than one mentee?

You can have up to three mentees at one time. We recommend that you be judicious in selecting only mentees who are most suited to learn from your expertise and experience. You can limit the number of mentee requests you are willing to accept on the mentoring enrollment page.

How do I find mentees?

Mentees request mentors in the ACFE Mentoring Program. 


How will I know if a mentee has selected me as their mentor?

You will receive an e-mail from the mentee which will prompt you to accept or decline the request. You may also visit your mentor profile to view any mentee requests.

Is it okay to decline a request?

Yes, but there should be a good reason to do so. We encourage you to at least have an initial conversation to explore whether the relationship would be mutually fulfilling. If a potential mentee has misinterpreted information in your profile, you may find him/her to be an inappropriate match. If you want to decline a request, go to the My Mentoring Relationships page and click the decline button next to the specific request.

What if I’m going to be on vacation or unavailable for a period of time?

Go to the Enroll as a Mentor page, under the Mentor Status section, click on the box next to Temporarily Not Participating. Doing this will indicate that you are not accepting any mentee requests at the moment, and your mentoring profile will not be included in a mentee’s search for a mentor.  It is your responsibility to communicate your availability to your existing mentees.

How do I end a mentoring relationship?

If the mentoring relationship is complete, go to the My Mentoring Relationships page and mark the relationship as completed.

If the mentoring relationship isn't working out, please kindly discuss your decision to end the relationship with your mentee. Go to the My Mentoring Relationships page and mark the relationship as completed. Please email the program coordinator, Kirsten Hayward, at Mentoring@ACFE.com if you feel we should be aware of the situation. 

What are the expectations for participating mentors?

Please review our Program Guidelines. We expect that you will fulfill your commitment to developing at least one mentoring relationship. We expect you to respond to initial requests from mentees in a timely manner, and that you communicate with your mentees as agreed upon by both you and your mentees.

How much time will I need to invest as a mentor?

We recommend that you and your mentee(s) agree on a schedule that works best for both of you. The program requirements, stated in the guidelines, advise mentors and mentees to meet for at least one hour per month for the duration of your partnership. The most important thing to discuss is your mutual expectations about time and communication at the start of your relationship. Keep in mind that mentoring doesn’t necessarily require large amounts of your time. Even brief phone calls or e-mail exchanges with you can make a big difference to your mentees.

What benefits do I receive from the organization if I participate as a mentor in the program?

All mentors are volunteers. As an active program participant, you will receive a ribbon identifying you as a mentor in our Community. You will also receive ACFE-approved CPE (not NASBA-compliant) for your time.

FOR MENTEES

How do I become a mentee?

If you are a member, you may enroll as a mentee. You will be instructed to choose your preferences for various demographics and also to complete your member profile.

Who are the Mentors?

Mentors are CFEs who have volunteered their time to support other members' careers.

Can I have more than one mentor?

You can only have one mentor at a time; once you have completed your relationship, you will be able to request a new mentor. We recommend that you be judicious in selecting a mentor who is most suited to your mentoring needs. Please keep in mind that mentors have limited time to offer and may have other mentoring relationships.

How do I find a mentor?

Once you have enrolled as a mentee, go to the Find a Mentor page and select the criteria you want to use for your mentor search. Click on the mentors' names to view their profiles. Once you have found a good match, click on the mentor badge (below the profile image) to send the mentor an email request.

What should I do if I don’t hear from the mentor I requested?

If you don’t hear from the mentor within one or two weeks, feel free to contact them using the contact information found on their profile page. If they do not respond, we encourage you to search for other mentors that can help you. If you have any other issues contact the program administrator here.

What if the mentor isn’t the right fit for my needs?

Sometimes, regardless of the information provided, mentors and mentees don’t always fit. If this happens, we suggest that you discuss your decision honestly and kindly with your mentor. Thank them for their time and then start a new mentor search. If you are having trouble, contact the program coordinator at Mentoring@ACFE.com.

Where can I meet with my mentor?

It is up to you and your mentor to decide how, when, and where you want to pursue your mentoring relationship. It is likely that most of your communication will occur by phone or electronically.

How long does the mentoring relationship last?

The mentoring program is moving from a six month program to a more fluid structure. If you want to participate for 6 months or more, you are still able to do so. Additionally, if you have limited time and have short term goals, you can participate for only one month. We recommend that you and your mentor agree on a schedule that works best for both of you. The most important thing is to discuss your mutual expectations about time and communication at the start of your relationship.