The Common Final Examination (CFE) is a three-day examination in which CPA candidates demonstrate the depth and breadth of their competency development in accordance with the
CPA Canada Competency Map.
CFE Eligibility
To be eligible to attempt the CFE, candidates must complete Capstone 2, the CFE preparation module, and have either completed the Core, two elective, and Capstone 1 modules of CPA PEP or completed an accredited program offered by a post-secondary institution. Candidates must comply with the
examination writing rules.
CFE Days
Day 1 of the CFE is connected to the case covered in the Capstone 1 module. Days 2 and 3 of the CFE test the depth and breadth of candidates’ competency development. Candidates attempting the CFE for the first time must attempt all three days of the examination in the same offering.
| |
Time |
Length |
| Day 1 |
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
4 hours |
| Day 2 |
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
5 hours |
| Day 3 |
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
4 hours |
CFE Locations
Exams locations frequently include convention centres, hotel conference centres, banquet halls, or post-secondary institutions. Candidates can request changes to exam locations after registration by emailing
cpamodule@cpawsb.ca at least three weeks before the exam. The change will be subject to availability.
Results Release
Repeating the CFE
Candidates are allowed three attempts to pass all portions of the CFE.
- Candidates who are unsuccessful on all three days of the CFE must reattempt all three days in the same offering of the exam.
- Candidates who are unsuccessful on Day 1 of the CFE must choose one of the two most recent Capstone 1 cases for their next attempt. Each case is available for two CFE offerings (the CFE immediately following the Capstone 1 module it is introduced in and the next CFE, though a new case is used in Capstone 1). Candidates who choose a case that was not covered in the Capstone 1 module they completed are responsible for becoming familiar with the new case and will be provided with a copy if required. Candidates cannot repeat Capstone 1 after successfully completing the module.
- Candidates who are unsuccessful on Day 2 and/or Day 3 of the CFE must reattempt both days in the same offering of the exam. Capstone 2 materials may be available for purchase for candidates who have previously successfully completed the module.
CFE Re-mark Requests
Candidates who are unsuccessful on the CFE can request a re-mark of their results on the sections on which they were unsuccessful for a fee, which will be refunded if the re-mark is successful. Candidates must request a re-mark through My CPA Portal before the deadline noted on the
schedule. Additional details will be provided to unsuccessful candidates when results are released.
Annual CFE Report
CPA Canada publishes an annual CFE report with commentary from the Board of Examiners on candidates’ overall national performance on Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 of the CFE.
Performance Analysis Review (PAR)
For a fee, candidates can request an individual performance analysis review (PAR), which provides commentary on the areas where their response failed to meet the minimum standard, and suggestions of how to improve performance. In addition, the review touches on areas where candidates performed well.
Candidates must request a PAR through My CPA Portal before the appeals deadline noted on the
schedule (the PAR request and appeal deadline are the same). Additional details will be provided to unsuccessful candidates when results are released.