Both writing and preparing for Day 2 of the CFE can be an overwhelming and exhausting task given the 5-hour exam time. Since it’s longer than the other CFE Days, most students find it hard to maintain focus and stamina throughout. These tips will help improve your concentration and help produce better results in your Day 2 cases.
You can read about the basics of CFE Day 2 here.
1. Stay fueled.
Keep your body fueled to keep your mind energized. Eat well prior to exam and keep snacks available throughout to stay nourished. Avoid a heavy diet as this may make you sleepy (e.g. pizza, pasta, burgers, fries, sweets). Eat light, healthy breakfast before going to the exam center. Take snacks that are convenient to eat, healthy, and let you type your case at the same time (e.g. granola bars, berries, carrots, nuts).
Staying hydrated will also have a positive impact on concentration. Be sure to drink throughout the study/exam time by having a water bottle readily available to you. (Note: CFE exam regulations say that metal or non-transparent containers are disallowed. Drinks must be in their original container or in a clear container, with no label. Also, cans/juice boxes should be unopened before entering the exam room and cardboard sleeves from coffee cups should be removed.)
2. Walk around.
Exercise and taking breaks to walk around will keep your blood flowing to the brain, which can help you stay alert and energized. It’s a good idea to have a quick exercise before your exam to get energized. I suggest going for a quick bathroom break during the exam (every hour or every 2 hours) to help you get distracted and re-focus.
3. Prepare your workspace.
Get your workspace ready for everything you will need over the course of the 5 hours. This includes having plenty of writing materials (i.e. pencils, highlighters, erasers), snacks, and water. This helps to avoid having to leave your desk during the study period. Leaving your space may take you out of the concentration from the case or technical on hand. You will also want to eliminate any distractions, such as phones, and study in a quieter place (eg office, den) to replicate exam conditions.
4. Get plenty of sleep.
Your memory and attentiveness when studying is greatly impacted by a healthy sleep pattern. Develop a consistent sleep schedule by getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep during your study period to avoid any disruptions in your performance. To further improve the quality of your sleep, implement these additional tips:
- Limit exposure to screens and electronic devices before bed
- Avoid caffeine and other stimulants before bed
- Go to bed at the same time each day
- Make your sleep environment comfortable and conducive to sleep (e.g. cool temperature, quiet, dark)
- Get regular exercise, but avoid strenuous activity close to bedtime
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation
5. Stretch and breathe.
During the 5-hour study period, it’s possible to get up and move around, but during the actual exam, it will be a little harder. You can leave your desk to go to the washroom but you can’t take a stroll around the exam room.
Stretching at your desk is a better alternative to get your blood moving and leave your muscles feeling less tense and stiff. Sitting for long durations, your posture may be impacted negatively which could increase back pain and distractions. Performing neck rotations, shoulder stretches, and arm stretches will help reduce discomfort.
Especially in times of more stress, taking deep breaths at your desk will help create more mental clarity, help calm anxious thoughts, and boost energy. As simple as inhaling and exhaling for 10 seconds can reground you.
6. Be consistent.
Consistency and repetition are key for building strong study habits. To train yourself to sit down and focus for 5 hours, you want to be consistent in the time of day you are doing this. Given that the exam will be held in the morning, I recommend to replicate the exam setting and practice your case writing at the same time in the mornings.
The consistency is also key in other study areas, such as having a set method of debriefing, your diet, and study routine.
Many candidates that fail CFE tell me that they didn’t actually practice Day 2 cases in 5-hours. “When I get to the exam, I’ll be able to write in 5 hours.” This is rarely true. Don’t make this mistake, the actual exam shouldn’t be your first time writing a Day 2 case in 5-hour time limit.
7. Focus on yourself.
During the exam, you will be surrounded by other writers reading, typing, and snacking. It’s important to remain focused on your own computer and time limits, and be uninfluenced by those around you so you do not waste valuable time.
Some candidates use ear plugs so they are unaffected by any surrounding noises in the exam room and you can too (note: ear plugs are given in exam centers and you can bring your own).
8. Goals and rewards.
As you prepare for the exam, reward yourself after reaching milestones. Go out to your favorite restaurant at the end of a study week, or it can be something smaller such as watching a desired film as a break. It’s important to celebrate and allow yourself to be proud of the progress you’re making. This will help reduce the resentment or lack of motivation towards the new study habits and help you stay motivated.
9. Dress comfortable.
You will be sitting in the same spot for an extended period, so ensure you’re feeling your most comfortable in what you’re wearing to avoid any unnecessary distractions. Keep it simple and prepare for cooler temperatures in exam halls. CFE exam center doesn’t have a dress code. Here are suggestions:
Comfortable clothes for women:
- Leggings or yoga pants
- Comfortable jeans (not too tight or too loose)
- Sweatpants or joggers
- Loose-fitting t-shirts or sweatshirts
- Hoody or light jacket
- Flats or sneakers
Comfortable clothes for men:
- Comfortable jeans or khakis
- Loose-fitting t-shirts or sweatshirts
- Hoody or light jacket
- Sneakers or loafers
If you’re planning to go back to the office after the exam, put your office clothes in your bag and change after the exam.
10. Positive mindset.
Part of getting through the 5-hour stretch is not getting bogged down and de-motivated by any technicals you don’t understand. Worrying about these items will cause you to lose focus from the items you do know well, and the stress may cause you to lose track of your timing.
Remain grounded that you have studied and prepared well. Handle each AO one at a time and focus on what you know. Keep focused on the goal of passing and believing you can do it!
Extra resources
Implementing these tips will take time, so try implementing them into your daily routine leading up to the exam. You can get extra CFE practice cases and exam resources here.
