The Franchise Leadership and Development Conference (FLDC) no longer offers CFE Education Credits. To earn Education credits, please visit the IFA Academy website for credit opportunities through self-paced online courses.

FLDC will award IFA LIVE Learning Credits based on the learning sessions attended. There will be up to 13.5 IFA LIVE Learning Credits (Formerly Participation Credits) available through eligible workshops, breakout sessions, and general sessions.

To receive CFE credits you must:

1. Attend a CFE-approved learning session at FLDC. There will be 1 IFA LIVE Learning Credit awarded for each hour of learning per CFE session. (Please note that some sessions do not qualify for CFE credits. Credits will not be awarded for networking sessions, roundtables, etc.)
2. Complete the online CFE credit form.
   • The survey link will be sent to the email address listed on your FLDC registration after the conference concludes.   
   • You must provide the email address associated with your IFA/CFE account in order to receive CFE credits.
   • You may only select the sessions you have attended in full.
   • You must provide at least three key takeaways to receive CFE credits.
3. Your online CFE form must be completed no later than Friday, October 25, 2024 (post-conference). Feel free to complete the survey sooner so you don’t forget any important information that may be needed.

Questions regarding the CFE credit process or requirements? Contact cfe@franchise.org

Understanding the New CFE Credit System and Requirements

In December 2022, the Certified Franchise Executive™ (CFE) program credit system and program requirements were updated to add academic rigor, build curriculum, and align the program for national accreditation—making the credential more valuable to all who possess it. 

In the newly 'refreshed' CFE program, CFE participants (CFE candidates and CFEs) will experience a new, easy-to-understand credit system in which 1 hour of learning = 1 CFE Credit.

In addition, the CFE “Participation” credits will now be called IFA LIVE Learning Credits to ensure that each credit earned in the CFE program includes a learning component while attending live events/courses. 

IFA LIVE Learning Credits may be earned at CFE-approved learning events with a ‘live’ instructor component, such as FCXC and other in-person and online learning events that includes a ‘live’ component.

CFE Enrollment Requirements to earn CFE designation:

Under the updated CFE program requirements, a minimum of 150 approved CFE credits are required to qualify for the Certified Franchise Executive™ (CFE) designation. Candidates still 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 CFE Components – 60 Credits
  • IFA Foundations of Franchising= 52 Core Credits
  • IFA Fran-Guard = 8 Core Credits (Offered through IFA Academy, and at select IFA events)
  • CFE Final Exam = Passing grade required (Offered online through IFA Academy)
• Education – 50 Credits (CFE-approved online, self-paced courses and On Demand recordings through IFA Academy, and specified courses through IFA Learning Partners)
• IFA LIVE Learning (Formerly Participation) – 40 Credits (Live CFE-approved events/webinars through IFA and IFA partner events)

CFE Renewal Requirements to retain CFE designation:

CFEs must recertify every 3 years in order to keep the CFE designation active. The CFE renewal process requires 40 total CFE credits every three years. CFE credits are earned in the following areas:

• Education – 20 Credits (CFE-approved online, self-paced courses and On Demand recordings through IFA Academy, and specified courses through IFA Learning Partners)
• IFA LIVE Learning (formerly Participation) – 20 Credits (Live CFE-approved events/webinars through IFA and IFA partner events)