The mission of the CFE program is to enhance the professionalism of franchising by certifying the highest standards of quality training and education. This career development program offers exisiting and aspiring franchise professionals and entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow and reach a recognised standard of excellence within the local and international franchise community.
The CFE designation will be presented annually at the FCA’s National Franchise Convention to candidates who have completed all the CFE requirements.
In addition, candidates registered with the FCA who have completed their CFE requirements may also attend the IFA Annual Convention to be formally recognised during the IFA’s CFE Graduation ceremony.
CFE courses are available to FCA members online, at the FCA’s annual National Franchise Convention and by attending CFE approved courses/programs in both Australia and the US, eg at the IFA’s annual International Franchise Convention.
Franchisors, franchisees, suppliers or educators actively engaged in franchising who have completed the necessary requirements of the program are eligible to receive the Certified Franchise Executive™ designation.
Interested individuals complete the CFE application form and return it to the Franchise Academy Education Manager.
When completing the application it is important to note that some credits for Participation and Education curriculum may be claimed in the application for a period of approximately one year prior to the date of enrolment. (See Prior Learning)
The application will be reviewed by the ICFE Coordinator who may request additional information if necessary and will confirm enrolment via the Franchise Academy Education Manager.
Click here to download and complete the application form.
The application documents your professional and educational background, achievements, and franchising leadership experience.
Candidates need 3500 total CFE credits to complete and apply for the CFE designation.
The program is divided among three areas:
Note: If work experience credits total less than 500, additional credits to make up the difference must be earned from Participation and Education core credits.
Click here to download the application form. Forms must be submiited to the Franchise Academy Education Manager with photocopies of relevant academic certificates and your preferred method of payment (see form for details).
As a CFE applicant, you can earn up to 500 credits for your experience as a franchisor, franchisee or other professional including career/work experience and/or studies.
The ICFE Board does not ‘grandfather’ applicants with experience and formal professional qualifications.
The maximum amount of CFE credits allowed toward the total 3500 credits is 500 for experience. The balance of the 2500 education credits and 500 participation credits must be acquired through successful completion of CFE approved courses and by participating in approved FCA events and activities. (See Program Structure)
The CFE™ is not a credential based entirely on experience. It is weighted heavily toward continuing education.
Once a CFE enrolment application has been approved, candidates have three years from the date of enrolment to complete the program.
Candidates will be notified when they are approaching the end of their three years. If a candidate wishes to continue working towards certification, re-enrolment will be required and an additional $275 inclusive of GST re-enrolment fee must be submitted.
Candidates progress through the program on an individual basis but in general most will complete the program within 1 ½ to 3 years.
The enrolment fee is:
The enrolment fee must be submitted at the time of application and will be processed once enrolment has been confirmed.
Note: CFE course fees are additional and established by CFE approved course providers.
CFE candidates build expertise and collect CFE program credits via ongoing CFE approved education programs. Candidates need at least 3,500 credits to apply for the CFE designation.
The CFE program is divided into three core areas:
You will be required to earn at least 2,500 credits through participation in CFE endorsed education, training and workshops (including online).
Note: FCA approved education suppliers are required to make formal application via the Franchise Academy Education Manage to secure CFE endorsement and credits for their short courses and other education programs. Click here for more details.
All CFE candidates must earn 500 credits by taking part in events/activities approved by the FCA. These include:
| Approved FCA Events | CFE Participation Credits |
|---|---|
| FCA Board member or special interest committee Chair of the FCA | 100 |
| FCA National Convention session attendance | 200 |
| FCA National Convention Legal Symposium attendance | 50 |
| FCA roundtables, breakfasts and other industry events | 25 (per event or as otherwise specified by the FCA) |
| Participation in FCA Franchise Industry Forums | 50 |
| FCA events – key note speaker engagements where written paper or notes have been produced and vetted | 100 |
| FCA National Convention session panelist | 50 |
| Volunteer positions of FCA State Chapter President, FCA Director or head of special interest group, eg Chair of Women in Franchising Volunteer Committee | 100 |
| Other approved local and international franchising conventions, exhibitions and shows | 50 (or as otherwise specified by the FCA) |
Finally, you can earn up to 500 credits for your past work or training experiences – as a franchisor, franchisee, consultant, accountant, lawyer, supplier or academic in any area that involves working with or for a franchise company.
The CFE designation will be presented annually at the FCA’s National Franchise Convention to candidates who have met the CFE program requirements.
In addition, candidates registered with the FCA who have completed their CFE and attend the IFA Annual Convention, will also be recognised during the International Franchise Convention’s CFE Graduation ceremony.
When a candidate completes a program, he/she should email a copy of any certificate received at the conclusion of the program and/or any other documentation certifying their attendance to the Franchise Academy Education Manager.
Credits status updates will be provided when candidates submit certificates of completion or attendance for any CFE approved courses or programs.
All CFE’s must renew their certification every three years from the date they are certified.
CFE’s must accumulate a total of 1200 credits during each three year renewal period to maintain their certification and can be accumulated as follows:
CFE’s must keep a record of credits earned toward recertification and submit at time of recertification due date, along with renewal application and fee to the Franchise Aacademy Education Manager..
Note: If you do not confirm recertification by required deadline, you will lose your certification & designation as CFE. In order to recertify you must commence the CFE program from the beginning.
Recertification only requires you to remain active by attending FCA events, continue to work in the industry, and take at least one or two courses a year to secure 400 Education credits.
CFE candidates build program credits through participation in ongoing CFE approved programs including:
Franchise Academy approved external education suppliers may apply to secure CFE credits for their specified courses.
Click here to download the application form and submit it to the Franchise Academy Education Manager along with all supporting documentation (refer form for more details).
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