CFE Tips from CPAWSB’s Expert Panel of Successful Writers

Every year, I have the privilege of working with a team of dedicated education professionals toward a common goal: preparing candidates for the Common Final Examination (CFE). And every year, I hear the same question: “What do I really need to know to succeed?”

Recently, I sat down with a panel of successful CFE writers—people who’ve walked the path, faced the pressure, and come out the other side. Their advice was practical, grounded, and full of wisdom. I’ve summarized their top tips below, and I hope they help you feel more prepared, more confident, and more supported.

1. Well-being Isn’t Optional, It’s Foundational

Before you dive into technical prep and case strategy, take care of yourself.

• Go for walks. Move your body. Eat well. Sleep.
• Burnout doesn’t help anyone. Build in breaks and recovery time.

On exam day, reduce stress by:

• Visiting the exam centre beforehand so the route feels familiar.
• Reviewing the CPA exam regulations so there are no surprises.
• Testing earplugs and your chosen writing instruments during practice cases if you plan to use them.

These small steps can make a huge difference in how you feel walking into the exam.

2. After Each Exam Day: Let Go

This one’s tough, but important. After each day of the CFE:

• Leave the exam centre and don’t linger.
• Don’t rehash the exam with others.
• Avoid Reddit or other platforms where speculation runs wild.

You can’t change what’s done. Focus on what’s ahead. Let go of what you missed and prepare for the next day.

3. Time Management is Everything

Planning your cases is critical. Allocate time to each assessment opportunity and stick to it.

• If you’re running out of time, conclude quickly and move on.
• Don’t get stuck trying to perfect one Assessment Opportunity (AO) at the expense of others.
• Try not to leave any AOs unanswered during the exam.

Practice time management, it’s one of the most important skills you’ll need.

4. Tackle Technical Weaknesses Early

If there’s a topic that makes you nervous, don’t wait.

• Address it now.
• Review it in your study plan.
• Practice it in cases.

You’ll feel more confident walking into the exam if you’ve already faced your weak spots head-on.

5. Use Feedback Guides and Strong Responses

The feedback guides for CFE practice cases are gold.

• They show what “competent” rating looks like.
• They help you understand depth and breadth.
• Review strong candidate responses from Capstone 2—they’re realistic and achievable.

Use these tools to calibrate your expectations and improve your writing.

6. Simulate Exam Conditions

When you practice prior CFE exams:

• Do it in exam-like conditions.
• Stick to the actual CFE time slots.

This helps you build stamina and get used to the rhythm of the real thing.

7. Track Your Technical Progress

Create a spreadsheet or tracker to monitor your technical areas.

• What have you covered?
• What needs more work?
• What keeps showing up in your cases?

Tracking helps you stay organized and focused. It’s also a great confidence booster when you see how far you’ve come.

Final Thoughts

The CFE is a big moment—but it’s just one moment in your journey to becoming a CPA. Prepare well, take care of yourself, and trust the process. You’ve got this.

If you have questions or want to talk through your prep strategy, reach out to Learner Support or post in the Candidate Discussion forum. We’re here to support you.

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.