For first-time writers taking Capstone 2, the module schedule is rigorous. Typically, candidates write one CFE Day 1 or Day 2 case and a CFE Day 3 case each week. Therefore, we recommend students take anywhere from four weeks to the full length of Capstone 2 off prior to the CFE. This will allow them time for writing, marking, and debriefing additional cases and completing technical review.  

For experienced writers and first-time writers who are not taking Capstone 2, we recommend at least four weeks off prior to the CFE if they are re-writing days 2 and 3 of the CFE or all 3 days. If they are only re-writing day 1 of the CFE, we recommend taking one to two weeks off prior to the exam.

The CPA exam is likely very different from other CA exam experiences you’ve had. For this reason, it can be incredibly challenging to pass the CFE under an MOU agreement. We often see this related to a lack of focus on case writing skills as well as under-preparedness in Canadian technical topics (such as ASPE, Canadian Tax and Canadian Auditing Standards). If you’re planning to write the CFE under an MOU agreement, we encourage you to enroll in our MOU Bridge to CFE Prep course before registering in our CFE Prep course to build your technical knowledge base and help you begin to develop your case writing skills.

You should use the Densmore EDGE course as supplemental materials. For technical review, we suggest completing our MCQs for topics with which you are less comfortable.  To improve your case writing, start by viewing the Basic Approach Session. Then, we suggest spreading the six practice cases out over your study period, leaving enough time to mark and debrief each response and view the online walkthrough to learn from each attempt. View the Exam Strategy Session and write the practice exam approximately 2 weeks prior to your exam date. This will provide you with time to debrief each MCQ and to mark and debrief your case response(s) and view the online walkthrough(s) to learn from the practice attempt.

If you may be interested in obtaining your Public Accounting Licence in the future, you are required to complete the Taxation and Assurance elective modules. If this does not apply to you, you should consider your work experience, interests, and comfort level with each elective area based on your past educational experience to determine which electives would be most suitable for you.

CPA Canada has posted sample cases for each of the Electives here.  You can also read through the sample cases and evaluation guides (solutions) for each module to help inform your decision.