CFE Support

What's on this page

Capstone 2 Module
Intro to Capstone 2 and the CFE Module
CFE Support Webinar Series
Case Writing Practice Session
Live Panel Discussion
CFE Coaches
CFE Tutors

CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) is committed to providing you with the best possible support to be successful in the CPA Common Final Examination (CFE). To help you prepare for the upcoming CFE attempt, we are pleased to offer several support measures, as noted below.

Note: If you are not a CPAWSB CFE candidate, we encourage you to contact your local CPA provincial/territorial body to find the resources that are available to you.

Capstone 2 Module

Capstone 2 consists of the CFE preparation module designed for candidates to practice writing recent CFE cases. It serves as a “CFE Bootcamp” to help prepare CFE writers for their next CFE attempt.

Who does this apply to?

First-time CFE writers who are enrolled in the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) must take the full version of Capstone 2.

CFE writers who have already passed Capstone 2 or have received a Capstone 2 exemption have the option to enroll in either the full or RMM version of Capstone 2. If you fall in this category, you are not required to take Capstone 2 again but are encouraged to do so.

The Capstone 2 Review Materials Module is a self-study module that replicates the content provided to first-time CFE writers taking the full module of the Capstone 2 module in the CPA Professional Education Program. This module contains complex and integrative practice cases representing what to expect on Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 of the CFE. 

Who does this apply to?

CFE writers who have already passed Capstone 2 or have received a Capstone 2 exemption have the option to enroll in either the full or RMM version of Capstone 2. If you fall into this category, you are not required to take Capstone 2 again but are encouraged to do so.

For enrollment and other inquiries related to the Capstone 2 full module or Review Materials Module, contact the CPAWSB Module Services at [email protected].

For up-to-date information on fees for the Capstone 2 full module and RMM, please refer to the fee information on our website.

Introduction to Capstone 2 and the CFE Module

The “Introduction to Capstone 2 and the CFE Module” is an optional self-study module, prepared by CPA Canada, and accessible to candidates upon registration for the CFE and/or Capstone 1. All CFE writers have complimentary access to CPA Canada’s Desire2Learn (D2L) platform.

Study Resources Available in the Module

The Capstone Technical Review provides comprehensive study resources, including:

  • Diagnostic assessments to evaluate proficiency on technical topics.
  • Personalized syllabus focusing on areas requiring additional study.
  • Tailored adaptive reviews for reinforced learning and additional practice.
  • Access to the online version of CPA Canada Learning Library eBooks.

Sample Day 2 and Day 3 practice cases and solutions are available, based on past CFE cases. Note that these materials have not been updated to reflect changes to the Handbook, Income Tax Act, or case-writing best practices.

A sample CFE study calendar is provided to assist candidates in planning their study schedule effectively.

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Access additional study resources provided by CPA Canada, including:

  • CPA Competency Map.
  • PDF version of CPA Canada Learning Library eBooks.
  • Flashcards for important technical concepts.
  • Progress tracking sheet for practice case performance.
  • Videos to familiarize yourself with the CFE structure.
  • Latest Board of Examiners’ Reports.
  • CFE reference schedule.
  • CFE Blueprint.
  • Examination regulations.
  • Technical updates for examinations.
  • Information on CPA Canada CFE examination software usage.

An unmonitored discussion board is available for candidates to discuss study plans and form study groups.

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CFE Coaches

As a CFE writer, you can connect with recent successful CFE writers who have volunteered to coach candidates in preparation for the upcoming CFE.

Learn how to access the CPAWSB CFE coaches list


Coaching support could cover such topics as, but is not limited to: 

  • Study tips
  • Outlining support
  • Guiding candidates to resources that may help with studying
  • Suggesting approaches to case writing

Note: Services provided by coaches are offered on a voluntary basis, and candidates should not expect to be charged for them. Coaches do not review and mark your assignments or provide weekly feedback. If you wish to have consistent marking, please consider retaking Capstone 2 or seeking out a CPAWSB Tutor.

CPAWSB Tutor

CPAWSB provides you with the opportunity to connect with tutors—CPA members, post-secondary educators, and recent successful CFE writers—who are familiar with the CPA certification program and have expressed their willingness and availability to provide paid tutoring services to learners.

Learn about CPAWSB Tutors

Disclaimer: CPAWSB is not responsible for the integrity or quality of tutors, nor for administering any outstanding fees or payments. CPAWSB is only involved in the training of the CPAWSB tutor and providing the initial listing of qualified tutors to learners.

CFE Support Webinar Series

The CPA Western School of Business, in collaboration with CPA Ontario and CPA Atlantic School of Business, is offering a combined six-part online webinar series focusing on how candidates can approach their Day 1 CFE case and providing comprehensive support for the CFE.

For CPAWSB writers only: The dates and links to these webinars will be posted in D2L under the News Items section of the Capstone 2 module, as well as in the Introduction to Capstone 2 and the CFE module before the start of the webinars.

The web series focuses on major CFE topics, with each session lasting approximately 60 to 120 minutes. Timing may vary by topic. If you can’t attend the live event, you can watch a recorded version on D2L at any time. However, we strongly encourage you to attend the live webinar to ask your questions in real time.

The following is the list of topics covered in this webinar series:

  • Webinar 1 – Understanding the CFE
  • Webinar 2 – Stress Management
  • Webinar 3 – Path to Competent and Day 2
  • Webinar 4 – Time Management and Day 3

Each of these webinars will be available live and on-demand to all CPAWSB CFE candidates.

Candidates are encouraged to attend only the Day 1 session, which reflects the Day 1 case they are writing on in their CFE attempt. The objectives of the webinar will cover the following: 

  • Review of Capstone 1 Case (high-level overview) 
  • Situational Analysis Framework 
  • Day 1 Sample Case and creating a Situational Analysis Framework and outline 

Each webinar will focus on one Day 1 case offered during the CFE, and they will be available live and on-demand to all CPAWSB CFE candidates. The webinar will be held shortly after the conclusion of the Capstone 1 Session.

CFE Case Writing Practice Session

The CPA Western School of Business, together with CPA British Columbia, CPA Alberta, CPA Saskatchewan, CPA Manitoba, and CPA Atlantic School of Business, is pleased to offer candidates in these regions the opportunity to write a practice CFE case and receive peer marking and feedback.

This optional session is designed to provide you, as CFE writers, with the opportunity to:

  • Strengthen your time management skills during the CFE by writing a practice CFE case under exam-like conditions.
  • Provide and receive peer-to-peer feedback and explore different perspectives and approaches to case writing.

Additionally, you will learn about:

  • The CFE and how to effectively allocate your time during the exam.
  • Self-debriefing your case response and the value of tracking your progress.
  • Peer-debriefing by providing marking and feedback to a peer’s case response. 
  • Exam writing psychology.

This session is unique as it focuses on the process and experience of exam writing, rather than on technical debriefing.

CFE Live Panel Discussions

CPA Western School of Business, together with CPA British Columbia, CPA Alberta, CPA Saskatchewan, CPA Manitoba, CPA Ontario and CPA Atlantic, are pleased to offer new CFE candidates the opportunity to learn from the experiences of recent successful CFE writers. 

During the panel discussion, the panelists will share their thoughts on:

  1. Receiving valuable advice while preparing to write the CFE
  2. Focusing on their routines, schedules and study habits while preparing for the CFE
  3. Managing their time during the exam - allocating sufficient time to each identified Assessment Opportunity and the CFE overall
  4. Preparing and maintaining their own mental confidence between each day of the CFE
  5. What they would do differently if they had to do it again

Please note, this live webinar is intended for candidates registered to write in the upcoming Common Final Exam (CFE). This session will focus on the experiential aspects of exam writing and preparation, as opposed to the technical aspects of the CFE.
 

CFE Case Writing Practice Session

Both events are offered once a year for September CFE writers and are open to candidates registered for an upcoming CFE attempt from the following provinces and regions: Atlantic, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

If you’re a CFE candidate from one of these regions, your local CPA provincial body/region can provide you with additional information about this event:

  • CPA British Columbia
  • CPA Alberta
  • CPA Saskatchewan
  • CPA Manitoba
  • CPA Ontario (only for CFE Live Panel Discussion)
  • CPA Atlantic School of Business