Check out our blog to see what's new with the CFE/Modules/Challenge Exams and learn important helpful tips and hints as you work your way through the exam writing process.
The "Do's" of Case Writing
Published February 22, 2023 by Ira Walfish
Students often complain that they don't know how to write cases. Where do you start? What are the characteristics of a good response? There is no question that the biggest factor in successful case writing is practice and more practice. However, it also helps to get into good habits that you can adopt on every case. Here is our top ten list of "Do's" to maximize your chances to get competent and get the marker on your side:1) There are multiple requireds on a CFE – always respond to every required or you will lose AOs.2) ...
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When Should I Write the CFE - May or Sept. 2023???
Published February 20, 2023 by Ira Walfish
In 2023, as in previous years, there are 2 CFEs, in May and in Sept. A big question for many students is which one is better to write? Obviously there is no one right answer, but here are some considerations to ponder in making this important decision.(1) Time - Look at your schedule and make sure if you write in May you will have enough study time. Make sure you know when Capstone 1 starts and ends and consider...
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Repeat Writers - What Day 1 Case Should You Write - in May or Sept. 2023?
Published February 19, 2023 by Ira Walfish
A common question surrounding Capstone 1, is which Capstone 1 case to write, if you are a repeat writer writing the CFE in May or September. Let's look at the options and discuss the pros and cons for each one. (Hopefully this will not happen, but the discussion below is assuming you are unsuccessful in Day 1). May 2023 CFE In the May 2023 CFE, there...
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Repeat Writers: How to Prepare for a 2nd Attempt
Published December 7, 2020 by Michael Levi
Okay, now that we understand how to interpret the results (please read our blog Repeat Writers - What Went Wrong During the CFE? before you read this blog), let's figure out what to do to make sure you are successful on the next CFE. Obviously, the way forward will be a bit different for everyone, depending on where you were weak the first time around. So I'll try and make this general enough to capture all the weaknesses, and you can see which specific points relate to your situation.Study PlanThe...
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Repeat Writers: What Went Wrong During the CFE?
Published December 6, 2020 by Ira Walfish
There is no question it is disheartening to fail the CFE, but take solace in the fact that thousands of students over the years are now CPAs and they did not pass the first time around. This is a bit of a game, and playing it right makes all the difference. But before we focus on what to do next (See: Repeat Writers - How to Prepare for a 2nd Attempt), let's understand what went wrong this past September. CPA provides a one-pager that gives you a brief summary of how you did on the different levels of...
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How is Day 1 of the CFE is evaluated?
Published November 12, 2020 by Kayla Levesque
How is Day 1 evaluated? Day 1 is marked independently from the other days (Day 2 and 3). It is marked holistically as a pass/fail. Below is an overview of how candidates are evaluated along with some important comments from the Board of Examiners (comments are addressed in italics)[1] 1. Situational Analysis- Candidates are expected to provide a highlight of the changes presented in the case. This can include an update on...
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Understanding How to Approach the Day 1 Case
Published November 9, 2020 by Kayla Levesque
How is Day 1 structured? Day 1 is a four-hour comprehensive case in which candidates are asked to advise on various strategic decisions and operational issues. The focus is on integration, problem solving, decision making and communication. Day 1 is unique as candidates have a large portion of the work completed for them (essentially the background work for all strategic decisions). This may include a financial analysis of each option, market analysis, industry data,...
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When to Write the Module Exams
Published October 25, 2020 by Michael Levi
A common question we often get from students is how you should schedule when to write the Module Exams. This is an important question and involves a number of considerations.There are four times the Module Exams are written during the year: March, July, Sept., and Dec. On Day 1, Core 2, Finance and Tax are written and on Day 2, Core 1, PM and Assurance are written. The Module normally begins about two months before the exam. What order do you write in? You have to complete both Core 1...
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Gearing up for May 2021 CFE
Published October 20, 2020 by Ira Walfish
It's now late fall 2020 and winter/spring is approaching quickly. A common question among CFE candidates is: "What should I do between now and Capstone 1, to help me prepare for the CFE in May"? While there is no "one right answer" to this, there are definitely some productive actions that one could take during this time period. Let's look at some of the possibilities.Writing Modules/Challenge Exams in December – For those students who are still completing Modules in December 2020, the approach is simple. Prepare for the December exam and then immediately...
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Navigating the PASS Website
Published January 28, 2019 by Ira Walfish
Yes – the PASS website has a lot of information. We know! But there is a good reason for this: students are in different situations and need different resources. Our goal is to deliver the #1 CFE training and coaching prep course in Canada. To do this, we have a lot of courses and resources to help you get your CPA. FINDING COURSES AND RESOURCES Let's make it simple. On the PASS website, there are nine sections: 1. About US 2. CFE Courses 3. Module/CFE Resources 4. Personal...
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