Did you know that recent successful Common Final Examination (CFE) candidates are uniquely positioned to offer valuable guidance to future CFE writers? Volunteering as a CPAWSB CFE coach is a meaningful way to give back to the CPA community and support aspiring CPAs in their examination journey. This blog post outlines what it means to be a CPAWSB CFE coach and how you can get involved.
What is a CFE Coach?
CFE coaches—usually recent successful CFE writers—volunteer to support CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) candidates preparing for their upcoming CFE attempt. During the CPA PEP Capstone 2 module, candidates typically request CFE coaching support.As a CFE coach, you may:
- Share your personal experiences and strategies that contributed to your CFE success
- Review candidates’ study plans or schedules and offer constructive feedback
- Recommend helpful resources for CFE preparation
- Suggest effective approaches to case writing, including planning, writing and debriefing a case
What are the characteristics of an excellent CFE coach?
An excellent CFE coach is a person who is genuinely invested in their candidate’s success and serves as a reliable source of advice and encouragement.CPAWSB CFE candidates often look for a coach who exhibits the following:
- Is approachable and easy to talk to
- Can share relevant insights and experiences
- Is available for moral support when needed
- Is accessible by phone or online—coaches don’t need to live in the same city as their candidate(s)
What is the difference between being a CPAWSB CFE coach, a formal CPA mentor, and a CPAWSB tutor?
CPAWSB CFE Coach: CFE coaching service provides an avenue for recent successful CFE writers to give back to the profession and support the next generation of CPAs. CFE coaches are volunteers and should not expect payment for any services they offer, nor should CFE candidates expect CFE coaches to provide services that are typically charged for a fee (e.g., providing case marking and feedback).CPA Mentor: Candidates must report to a CPA mentor as part of their practical experience component required by the CPA certification program. A CPA mentor is a volunteer who guides candidates through practical experience in their journey to becoming a CPA. The provincial CPA bodies oversee this process.
CPAWSB Tutor: During CPA PEP, candidates often request more specialized services such as reviewing cases and providing additional marking and feedback; guidance on a specific technical topic; and help to improve their enabling competencies. To help meet this need, CPAWSB maintains a list of individuals willing to provide paid tutoring services to CPAWSB candidates.
To become a CPAWSB tutor, which is a paid service, individuals can fill out the following CPAWSB Tutor Intake Form. You can find more information about becoming a CPAWSB Tutor on the CPAWSB website.
How to sign up to be a CFE coach?
If you’re a recent successful CFE candidate (within the Western Region) and would like to volunteer, please complete the CPAWSB CFE Coach intake form. Approved applicants will be added to the list of CFE coaches that CPAWSB shares with its candidates upon request.
You can find more information about being a CPAWSB CFE coach on our website. If you have any questions about becoming a CPAWSB CFE coach, please contact CPAWSB Learner Support at [email protected].
About the Author
Mandeep Bains, CPA, CA, is the Manager, Learner Support at CPAWSB. He advises candidates throughout their CPA PEP journey, helping them navigate challenges and build confidence. Mandeep draws on his experience as a CPA and professional education leader to offer practical, grounded advice tailored to each learner’s needs.
