Fencing was included in the Commonwealth Games from 1950 (when the event was still known as the British Empire Games) through to 1970.

Since that time, as a Commonwealth Games Federation Recognised Sport, Commonwealth Fencing Championships have been held every four years, in the same year as the Commonwealth Games. In addition, Commonwealth Junior and/or Cadet Fencing Championships are held every three or four years, and Commonwealth Veteran Fencing Championships every two years.

All of these events are overseen by the Commonwealth Fencing Federation Ltd.