(Posted April 2025)
CFE candidates often tell us that they wish they had started their CFE technical review before the start of Capstone 2. However, this can be difficult given the timing of the Capstone 1 module. Balancing the responsibilities of work, life, Capstone 1, and technical review for the CFE can be challenging. This blog post is focused on providing guidance to help you manage this balancing act and reduce the chances of burning out.
Let’s first look at the requirements of Capstone 1.
Capstone 1 Module
Capstone 1 is an integral part of the CFE. It directly extends to Day 1 of the CFE and it shows the Board of Examiners that you possess the skills to work collaboratively with a team to develop reasonable and realistic strategic decisions.
You need approximately ten to fifteen hours per week to successfully complete the Capstone 1 requirements. This involves reading the case, meeting with your group members, preparing the quantitative and qualitative components of your report requirements, as well as preparing and practicing for the presentation.
It is difficult to do much more than work and complete the Capstone 1 requirements while you are in the module. This is why we recommend performing technical review before the start of the Capstone 1 module.
Prior to Capstone 1
If you have yet to start Capstone 1, complete four to six hours of technical review per week. We recommend completing your technical review in two-hour blocks throughout the week to help balance your work and life responsibilities with your technical preparation.
Remember, you have likely seen these technical concepts throughout your academic and/or professional careers. Technical review is about rebuilding your knowledge base and learning to recall that technical knowledge in an exam setting. Having that technical knowledge base prior to the start of Capstone 2 (or by mid-July if you are not taking the module) will help you perform better once you begin writing, marking and debriefing CFE cases.
During Capstone 1
What if you are reading this blog after the start of the Capstone 1 module and you have not yet started technical review for the CFE?
It is recommended to do technical review during the Capstone 1 module where you can. It is highly recommended to re-build your foundational base prior to the case writing requirements of the Capstone 2 module. We recognize that working, completing Capstone 1, and reviewing technical can be challenging. On top of that, it would be nice to be able to spend some time with your family and friends. Balance is key here.
Set Your Plan
Let’s walk step-by-step through some ways to achieve balance as you take on the CFE.
Consider building yourself a plan for the months leading up to the start of Capstone 2. You can add your work obligations and personal events (weddings, birthday parties, vacations) first to get a sense of what time is already accounted for in your schedule. Then cross-reference with the recommended allocations for technical review and add those into your plan. Disclaimer: Doing everything is likely not possible. There may be personal events that you cannot attend as you prepare for the CFE. Remember, if successful, the CFE is a once-in-a-lifetime examination. Consider whether personal events can be shifted to after the CFE is completed.
You may recall all-nighters, cramming content, and eating takeout during your undergraduate studies throughout the exam period. That same methodology is unlikely to be successful on the CFE. The CFE is about understanding the technical material to apply it when writing cases rather than memorizing. When studying for the CFE, make sure to take breaks between work and studying, and within study blocks. Studies show that taking purposeful breaks can increase your energy, productivity, and ability to focus. Disclaimer: Scrolling social media does not count as a purposeful break. Take a walk, listen to music, stretch, or make a healthy snack to get the full benefit from a purposeful break.
Exercising, eating well, and sleeping enough are also all critical to success and you should consider allocating time to each within your plan.
Exercise
Studies show that exercise can be effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration, improving your mood, lowering anxiety, and enhancing overall cognitive ability. Guidelines on the amount and type of physical activity can differ but usually, two to three one-hour sessions of physical activity per week are recommended. Consider what days and what times within your calendar make the most sense for you and layer in some time for exercise.
Eating well
Studies show that healthy eating can improve brain function, including better focus, memory, and long-term mental health. Meal planning can be an effective way to cook large portions of meals that are easily accessible when you need them. Consider when in your calendar you have time for meal planning and preparation and layer that into your plan.
Sleeping
Studies show that getting enough sleep can ensure you get sick less often and improve your mood and stress levels. This is a reminder when creating your plan to ensure that your plan is realistic and leaves time for rest.
Follow Your Technical Review Plan
Make your plan and stick to the plan. There may be reasons that your plan needs to be adjusted as you go. Learn from those adaptations and apply them consistently throughout the duration of your plan. Remember, it’s all about balance!