How to Obtain the CMS Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training Certificate

Obtaining your CMS Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) Training Certificate is a straightforward process when you know the steps. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) delivers this Web-Based Training to help you and your organization meet Medicare Parts C and D compliance requirements. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide from course access to downloading proof of completion.

Follow each section in order, complete the modules, pass the final exam, and save your Training Certificate for your records and audits.

Access CMS Web-Based Training Course

CMS offers standardized Web-Based Training (WBT) for two foundational topics: Combating Medicare Parts C and D Fraud, Waste, and Abuse and Medicare Parts C and D General Compliance Training. You can take them together or individually, depending on your sponsor’s policy.

Find the correct course

• Search for “Combating Medicare Parts C and D Fraud, Waste, and Abuse.”
• Also locate “Medicare Parts C and D General Compliance Training,” which many sponsors require alongside FWA.
• Confirm the course year aligns with your training cycle to satisfy compliance requirements.

Prepare your environment

• Use a modern browser and allow pop-ups so modules and the final exam load correctly.
• Set aside uninterrupted time; some modules and assessments must be completed in a single session.

Register or Log In to CMS Portal

If you’re new to CMS training, create a learner account; otherwise, sign in and add the courses to your dashboard.

Create or update your learner profile

• Provide your legal name and work email so the Training Certificate matches employer records.
• Add organization details (and NPI if applicable) to simplify reporting to your Medicare Parts C and D sponsor.
• Verify your email to activate the account and enable transcript access.

Add courses to “My Learning”

• Enroll in the FWA and General Compliance courses from the catalog.
• Launch modules from your dashboard and track progress as you go.

Complete FWA Training Modules

The FWA curriculum explains what Fraud, Waste, and Abuse are, how to recognize red flags, and how to report concerns. It also clarifies plan sponsor responsibilities and your role within first tier, downstream, and related entities (FDRs).

What to expect

• Interactive lessons with knowledge checks that reinforce key concepts.
• Policy highlights covering reporting channels, non-retaliation, and documentation expectations.
• Progress saving so you can pause and resume without losing completed sections.

Tips for efficient completion

• Take notes on definitions and scenarios; they often mirror final exam questions.
• Capture key reporting steps your organization uses, since local procedures can complement CMS guidance.

Pass the Final Exam

After finishing the modules, you must pass a post-assessment to earn your Training Certificate. The Final Exam Passing Criteria appear on the course overview page before you begin.

Final Exam Passing Criteria

• The required score is clearly listed in the course; many CMS WBT assessments require at least a 70% or higher to pass.
• Question formats include multiple-choice, true/false, and short scenarios that apply FWA concepts.
• If retakes are allowed, the system will indicate how many attempts you have and when you can try again.

Smart testing approach

• Review your notes on definitions, reporting obligations, and examples of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse.
• Answer every question—most systems do not penalize for guessing.
• Take a quick break before a retake to refocus if needed.

Download and Save Certificate

Once you meet the passing criteria, complete any required evaluation to unlock your Training Certificate. Then download, print, or save a PDF copy for your records.

Where to find your certificate

• Look under the course completion screen for “Print Certificate” or “View Certificate.”
• Access your transcript or “Completed Learning” area to re-download the certificate anytime.

Best practices for recordkeeping

• Save the file with a clear name (for example, “FWA_Certificate_YourName_YYYY.pdf”).
• Store a copy in your organization’s learning system and keep a personal backup.
• Provide the certificate to your manager or compliance team as proof of training completion.

Understand Training Compliance Requirements

CMS requires Medicare Parts C and D plan sponsors to implement effective compliance programs. That expectation extends to FDRs, meaning many contractors, vendors, and subcontractors must complete FWA and general compliance training as part of their agreements.

Who must complete training

• Employees and temporary staff who administer or support Medicare Parts C and D activities.
• FDR personnel whose work touches enrollment, claims, appeals, marketing, customer service, pharmacy, or related functions.

Timing and frequency

• New workforce members generally complete training shortly after hire (often within 90 days) and repeat it annually.
• Your sponsor may set stricter timelines; always follow written organizational policy.

Acceptable training and documentation

• Some sponsors accept equivalent internal training that fully covers CMS requirements; others require the CMS WBT specifically.
• Maintain documentation—certificate, completion date, and score if captured—to support audits and attestations.

FAQs

How do I access the CMS Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training?

Go to the CMS Medicare Learning Network Web-Based Training platform, search for “Combating Medicare Parts C and D Fraud, Waste, and Abuse,” and add it to your learning plan. Create or log in to your learner account with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, then launch the modules from your dashboard.

What is the passing score for the CMS FWA exam?

The course page lists the exact Final Exam Passing Criteria. Many CMS WBT assessments require at least a 70% or higher to pass; always confirm the score shown for the current course year before you begin.

Is continuing education credit available for this training?

This training is primarily designed to meet Medicare Parts C and D compliance requirements, not professional licensure CE. If CE credit is available for a given year, it will be clearly stated on the course page along with instructions for claiming credit.

How do I obtain proof of training completion?

After you pass the exam (and complete any evaluation), a Training Certificate becomes available on the completion screen and in your transcript. Download the PDF and share it with your employer or plan sponsor as proof of training completion.