CFE News and Blogs
CFE
Details on CFE Approach
This news post provides additional information about the May 2022 Common Final Examination, including start times, laptop and software, and safety protocols. *Please note there is an April 22 deadline for the COVID-19 requirements as outlined below*.
Apr 7, 2022
CFE
A Message for the September 2021 CFE writers
With the CFE just around the corner, it is important to remember why we train.
Sep 10, 2021
CFE
The Importance of Vetting your Sources
You’ve probably heard “If it is too good to be true, it usually is.” Unless you receive info from a CPA Canada or CPAWSB resource, it is secondary evidence. What does this mean?
Aug 6, 2021
CFE
CFE Preparation: The Final Countdown-Updated for May 2021
The CFE begins in three weeks, so now is an excellent time to consider some of the finer points of your CFE preparation strategy. Here are some ideas to help ensure you are at your best on the big day.
May 7, 2021
CFE
Capstone 2: FAQs and resources explained
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to grab your favourite beverage, get comfy, and get ready to read some Capstone 2 FAQs.
Apr 23, 2021
CFE
The Common Final Exam (CFE): Are you ready?
A few weeks before the final exam a Core 2 candidate posted the following message to the discussion board...
Apr 1, 2021
CFE
Congratulations to the Successful 2020 CFE Writers
Congratulations to everyone who was successful on the 2020 CFE! This accomplishment reflects your hard work and dedication to your CPA education. Take this time to celebrate this important milestone in your career.
Nov 27, 2020
CFE
Waiting for CFE Results? What You Can Do Now
Ask anyone who has waited for results for the national exam, and they will tell you that the days between writing and results release seem to pass extra S–L-O–W-L-Y. And while there is nothing we can do to help those days pass more quickly, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you can access your results smoothly on release day.
Nov 20, 2020
CFE
Game Day: Why you train
The CFE is less than two weeks away. As you approach “game day”, let’s recap what we’ve covered about how to prepare and offer our suggestions for your final preparations.
Aug 28, 2020
CFE
Preparing for the CFE
Preparing for the CFE can be a daunting task. These articles are a great place to start you on your way.
Aug 21, 2020
CFE
September 2020 Common Final Examination Delivery
Following a comprehensive planning process, the CPA profession has announced the delivery approach for the September 2020 Common Final Examination (CFE). This plan to deliver the September 2020 CFE in-person recognizes physical distancing guidelines and addresses public health concerns.
Jul 3, 2020
CFE
Swing and a hit: Knock-out your Capstone 1 Virtual Presentation
During these challenging times we, the co-authors of this blog post, have taken many of the presentations we typically deliver live and in-person and transitioned them into the asynchronous virtual world.
Jun 19, 2020
CFE
September 2020 CFE and the CPA Competency Map
In this “Ask an Advisor” series, we answer questions regularly received by the different teams responsible for CPA course and module administration. This week, we focus on a question received by the Learner Support team.
Jun 12, 2020
CFE
Feedback: Just State It
In a recent post, I discussed how candidates can cement their knowledge of recent tasks and cases with active reflection. In the same way we encourage candidates to engage in active reflection in their responses, did you know that your CPA PEP educators and administrators use candidate feedback in their own active reflection to improve?
Mar 12, 2020
CFE
Closing the Loop: Active Reflection
According to learning and management sciences, a feedback loop exists to assist in learning from mistakes. Scholars agree that this loop has, at a minimum, an inciting event, reaction, and reflection. Someone who fails to sufficiently synthesize and employ the feedback may find themselves repeating their mistakes and receiving the same feedback, leading to frustration.
Mar 5, 2020
CFE
Practice Like You Play: The Importance of Writing in Exam-Like Conditions
My former rugby coach and conditioning trainer used to tell us, “you practice like you will play”. Since hanging up my cleats, I have often wondered, did Paul know his lessons for pitch preparedness would parallel to the accounting profession?
Feb 21, 2020
CFE
Ask Learner Support: Selecting a CFE Role
In this “Ask an Advisor” series, we answer questions regularly received by the different teams responsible for CPA course and module administration. This week, we focus on a question received by the Learner Support team about choosing a CFE role.
Feb 18, 2020
CFE
CFE Preparation: The Final Countdown
The CFE begins in three weeks, so now is an excellent time to consider some of the finer points of your CFE preparation strategy. Here are some ideas to help ensure you are at your best on the big day.
Aug 21, 2019
CFE
Planning how to study for the CFE
Now that you’ve settled into your Capstone 2 module, gotten through your module workshop, submitted a few cases, and received your first Case Results Report, here are a few ideas to consider in your ongoing CFE preparation.
Aug 1, 2019
CFE
Tips for Capstone 2
Capstone 2, the final CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) module before the Common Final Examination (CFE), starts on July 20, 2019. We asked Shawn Weber, CPA, MPAcc, CPAWSB’s Manager of Learner Support to provide some tips for candidates to best utilize their time in the module.
Jul 18, 2019
CFE
Capstone 1 Presentation Tips: Part 2
Last week, we covered ideas on how to practice your Capstone 1 presentations. This week we offer preparation suggestions and how to get through presentation day.
Jul 4, 2019
CFE
Capstone 1 Presentation Tips: Part 1
You’ve submitted the Board Report, and it’s time to relax and celebrate all your hard work over the last few months with your team. Next up: deliver your final presentation to the panel, and then you’re one step closer to the CFE.
This week we have suggestions to consider while practicing, and next week we share ideas on what to plan for and handling presentation day.
Jun 26, 2019
CFE
New Optional Module: Intro to Capstone 2
This year, CPA Canada is offering a free, optional module to anyone writing the CFE.
May 8, 2019
CFE
Capstone considerations: Changing Your CFE Role
We have previously written posts about how to choose your CFE role. This Capstone Considerations post explores the reasons why you might change your CFE role. The role you choose determines the approach you take on Day 2 of the CFE.
Apr 3, 2019
CFE
Capstone considerations: Taking Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself is always important. However, during stressful periods such as taking your CPA Capstone 1 & 2, it’s even more important to take time for self-care. Below we offer some ideas to consider for different ways to care for yourself. Choose the ones that you can work into your life, or pick one or two a week from the list as you prepare for the CFE.
Mar 27, 2019
CFE
Capstone considerations: CPAWSB additional supports
This is the second post in our Capstone considerations series. Our last post explored why the CFE role you choose matters.
Mar 14, 2019
CFE
Capstone considerations: Why the role you choose matters
Many of the same factors that go into selecting your CPA PEP electives are also relevant when choosing your role for the CFE. In fact, most candidates choose electives in line with what CFE role they will choose when they write. Therefore, although it’s not necessary to choose a CFE role that’s aligned with your chosen electives, it can be an advantage when writing Day 2 of the exam, when this choice is evaluated.
Feb 27, 2019
CFE
Capstone Module Timing
The Capstone modules are offered immediately before the CFE, so in years where the CFE is offered once (like 2019), the Capstone modules are offered once. As there will be two CFEs in 2020, the Capstone modules will be offered twice.
Feb 20, 2019
CFE
CFE Results: Dealing With Disappointment
The 2018 Common Final Examination (CFE) results were released on November 30. As many celebrated their success, others had to deal with the disappointment of not passing the examination. The CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) is here to help you develop a learning plan to help you address any competency gaps for your next attempt. As well, we’ve put together some resources on how to manage your disappointment and find ways to motivate yourself to keep working toward your goal.
Dec 5, 2018
CFE
CFE Advice
With the September 2018 CFE just around the corner, we reached out to some Honour Roll winners from the last CFE exam to share some advice for future exam writers.
Aug 22, 2018
CFE
Capstone 1: Advice on Working with Groups
If you recently started Capstone 1, you have begun the penultimate module of the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) and your final steps towards writing the Common Final Examination (CFE). During the module, you will be asked to consolidate what you’ve learned in the core and elective modules and work with a team to develop a report that you will present to a panel of CPAs. Below we outline some advice on group work and succeeding with your team.
May 23, 2018
CFE
Giving Back After Finishing CPA PEP
Once you have successfully moved onto membership, there are many ways that you can remain involved in CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP), give back to candidates following in your footsteps, and further your learning as a new CPA by working or volunteering within the profession.
Jan 3, 2018
CFE
After the CFE…Now What?
The 2017 CFE results were released on December 1, 2017. You’ve had a few days to let your result sink in… now what?
Dec 6, 2017
CFE
Seven Final CFE Preparation Tips
You’re in the final stretch and have only a handful of days until the CFE starts. Below we share tips on how to get through this stressful time.
Sep 7, 2017
CFE
Advice for Capstone 2 Candidates Part 2
This is the second in a two-part series on the CPA PEP Capstone 2 module. We shared the first post last week with advice from successful candidates Sandy and Riley, and this week we share advice from Jenny, a Capstone facilitator.
Jul 26, 2017
CFE
Advice for Capstone 2 Candidates Part 1
Capstone 2, the final CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) module before the Common Final Examination (CFE), is fast approaching. In this two-part series, we share advice from two successful candidates, Sandy and Riley, and next week we hear from Jenny, a Capstone facilitator.
Jul 20, 2017
CFE
Getting from Now Until the CFE
The three-day Common Final Examination (CFE) is your opportunity to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the competencies you develop through your pre-requisite education and in the CPA Professional Education Program. No question, it’s a big deal. And for anyone currently enrolled in Capstone 1, this September’s exam likely feels like it’s happening both too soon, and not soon enough. Here are some things to keep in mind that will help you get from now until the CFE.
May 24, 2017
CFE
Tips for Public Speaking
While success in Capstone 1 hinges on your ability—with your group—to present your ideas to a panel of CPAs, preparing for and knowing how to present is an asset throughout your CPA education and in your career. If public speaking doesn’t come naturally to you (and it doesn’t for most people) you’ll know that the typical advice to “imagine the audience in their underwear” just doesn’t work. Below we outline some tips that you can really use the next time you need to get in front of a crowd.
May 17, 2017
CFE
Advice for Capstone 1 Candidates
When Capstone 1 starts in a few days you will begin the penultimate module of the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) and your final steps towards writing the Common Final Examination. During the module, you will be asked to consolidate what you’ve learned in the previous modules and in your prerequisite education and work with a team to develop a report that you will present to a panel of CPAs.
May 10, 2017
CFE
Questions to Ask When Choosing Your CFE Role
An important decision that you will make in the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) is deciding what role to assume in the Common Final Exam (CFE) as you are evaluated on this role during Day 2 of the three-day CFE. Below we offer suggestions on what to consider when selecting that role.
Jan 24, 2017
CFE
If I Pass the CFE, am I a CPA?
If you get the results you’re hoping for on Friday, you will have completed an important step in your career. You will need to complete a few others before you call yourself a CPA, however.
Dec 7, 2016
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 update
Update to CPAWSB Safety Policy for In Person Exam Participants
CPAWSB is determining health protocols as we return to in-person examination delivery with the health and safety of all exam writers and contractors as a priority.
May 5, 2022
COVID-19 update
CPAWSB May 2022 CFE FAQs
Frequently asked questions on May 2022 CFE and Vaccination Requirement.
May 5, 2022
COVID-19 update
Update on CPA preparatory course assessment delivery and schedule- April 2022 (Semester 2)
The profession has decided it will not be delivering the April CPA preparatory course examinations in person as was previously communicated in December 2021. Instead, the examinations will be delivered remotely.
Jan 25, 2022
COVID-19 update
Update on CPA preparatory course assessment delivery and schedule – January 2022 (Semester 1)
Update on CPA preparatory course assessment delivery and schedule
Oct 29, 2021
COVID-19 update
2021 Post Designation Public Accounting (PDPA) Examination Delivery
In light of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the profession is providing important information about the delivery format for your upcoming CPA post-designation public accounting (PDPA) examination taking place on November 5, 2021.
Sep 2, 2021
COVID-19 update
2021 CPA Reciprocity Examination (CPARE) Delivery
In light of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the profession is providing important information about the delivery format for your upcoming CPA Reciprocity Examination (CPARE) taking place on November 5, 2021.
Sep 2, 2021
COVID-19 update
August/ September 2021 CPA Preparatory Course Assessments
Additional details about the CPA preparatory course assessments scheduled between August 24 and September 2, 2021, are now available.
Aug 12, 2021
COVID-19 update
Update on CPA Preparatory Course Assessment Delivery and Schedule November 2021 (Semester 5)
In light of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the profession is implementing changes to the November 2021 (Semester 5) CPA preparatory course assessments.
Jul 23, 2021
COVID-19 update
Update on CPA Preparatory Course Assessments: Delivery and Schedule 2021
The CPA profession remains committed to keeping you on track in your journey to becoming a CPA. In light of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the profession is implementing changes to the 2021 Semester 1 to Semester 4 CPA preparatory course assessments.
Jul 22, 2021
COVID-19 update
June 2021 CPA Preparatory Course Assessments
Additional details about the CPA preparatory course assessments scheduled between June 15 and June 25, 2021 are now available.
Jun 1, 2021
COVID-19 update
December 2020 CPA PEP Communication
Please review the regularly-updated FAQs document on the CPA Canada website and the COVID information page on the CPAWSB website for information related to the profession’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dec 18, 2020
COVID-19 update
Recognition of Pre-requisite Courses During The Pandemic
Want to know how the pandemic affects the recognition of your pre-requisite courses and accredited program courses?
Jun 13, 2020
CPA PEP News
CPA PEP
Introducing the new Competency Map
The new Competency Map is also more flexible and will help ensure the profession can be responsive and adaptable to new technologies and changing social values.
Mar 1, 2022
CPA PEP
December 2021 CPA PEP Communication
This post contains important information about the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) for the 2022/23 academic year. Candidates working under the experience verification route (EVR) are asked to share this information with their employers.
Dec 16, 2021
CPA PEP
Summer 2021/2022 Plagiarism Statistics
Following every semester, CPAWSB investigates suspected instances. Here are the results from the 2021/2022 Summer CPA PEP session.
Dec 7, 2021
CPA PEP
Update on CPA PEP Workshop Format 2021
The profession has needed to adapt the way we deliver the CPA PEP modules with the continued development of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move to asynchronous workshops has filled a need for safe and effective learning to this point.
Jul 14, 2021
CPA PEP
CPA PEP Update for the 2021/22 Academic Year
All CPA PEP updates for 2021/2022.
Dec 18, 2020
CPA PEP
CPAWSB 2020/21 Update for CPA PEP
This message contains important information about the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) in 2020/21. It was sent to all candidates and posted on the CPAWSB website. Candidates working under the experience verification route (EVR) are asked to share this information with their employers.
Jan 8, 2020
CPA PEP
CPA Western School of Business Learner Update: October 2019
Upcoming changes to CPA PEP in 2020.
Oct 30, 2019
CPA PEP
2019 Changes to CPA PEP Core and Elective Modules
In 2018, CPA Canada introduced significant changes to CPA PEP core modules for the first time since the program launched in 2013. In late December 2018, changes to the elective modules were announced. Below is a summary of changes that will be introduced with the Winter 2019 session that starts in a few weeks. Additional information is available on the CPAWSB website.
Jan 9, 2019
CPA PEP
Changes to CPA PEP Core and Elective Modules Effective Winter 2018
The Winter 2018 offering (modules starting in late January) of the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) core and elective modules will have substantial changes for the first time since the program launched in 2013. These changes, which will be in effect January 2018, incorporate feedback from candidates and facilitators and will benefit candidates through additional resources, a more comprehensive assignment and grading structure, and enhanced feedback.
Nov 15, 2017
CPA PEP
Changes to CPA PEP Core and Elective Modules Effective Winter 2018
The Winter 2018 offering (modules starting in late January) of the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) core and elective modules will have substantial changes for the first time since the program launched in 2013.
Oct 12, 2017
