Unsuccessful Results for September 2024 CFE: What to Do Next

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The September 2024 Common Final Exam (CFE) results were released on Friday, December 6, 2024. To check your CFE results, access the National Certification Centre website: https://www.certificationenterprise.net/CPAcp/cpLogin.aspx

When logging in for the first time, your user ID and password will be your 7-digit CPA ID number beginning with 4. Your password will be your email address. You will be requested to change your password when entering.

If you are unsuccessful, here are the next steps and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why was I unsuccessful?

There are different reasons. You may have struggled with technicals, time management, or efficient case writing. The first step is to look at your detailed transcript to see what Level you failed.

For Days 2/3:

  • Level 1 sufficiency: This is driven by both Days 2 and 3, with more emphasis on Day 3. Failing Level 1 means you didn’t achieve C and RC enough in your cases.
    • Decile ranking: Decile ranking is for Level 1 only. It shows how close you were from passing. For example, decile 1-3 means you were close to passing, while decile 8-10 means you were far. If you passed Level 1, you will not see decile ranking. Decile ranking is not available for Level 2, 3, or 4, nor Day 1 of the CFE.
  • Level 2 depth in FR/MA: This is driven by both Days 2 and 3, with more emphasis on Day 2. You didn’t achieve enough Cs in FR or MA.
  • Level 3 depth in role:  This is driven by Day 2 only. You didn’t achieve enough Cs in your role (PM, Assurance, Finance or Tax).
  • Level 4 breadth: This is driven by both Days 2 and 3, with more emphasis on Day 3. You didn’t achieve enough Cs or RC in all competencies (for example, you may have scored NC in all Tax or Finance AOs).

For Day 1:

  • You will see only pass/fail assessment with no details in the transcript.
  • You will also receive a free Automatic Feedback Report (AFR). This report will tell you why you didn’t pass. It’s going to be uploaded to the same portal where you download the transcript (Certification Portal), 2 weeks after results date. You should download and review it. This report is free.

Should I ask for re-mark (appeal)?

No, I don’t recommend asking for re-mark. The chances of success are less than 3%. Below is a screenshot from Sep 2022 and May 2023 re-mark results released by CPA Canada:

Should I get PAR report?

It depends on your situation. PAR provides a breakdown of each case, with comments on your performance. It takes several months to receive the PAR report and it is costly. I wrote a detailed post and description of an example PAR here, please check it out.

Am I allowed to write immediately after in May 2025 CFE?

Yes, students who need to re-write the CFE don’t have to wait until next September, you can write in May 2025 CFE. 

Should I write May 2025 or September 2025 CFE?

I recommend writing May 2025 CFE. This is a good decision for most students because the knowledge is fresh in your mind and there are less writers in May. However, you should consider your personal circumstances. The two big factors you should consider: (1) Learning a new Day 1 case, (2) Study time availability.

The Day 1 cases repeat annually, so your September 2024 Day 1 cases will not appear in May 2025 CFE. This means you’ll need to learn a new Capstone 1 case. This is not a big problem because most Capstone 1 and Day 1 cases are similar in terms of formatting and AOs, you will learn it quickly. The bigger question is whether you have time to study for May CFE. If you’re working in public practice, your employer may not let you take time off. If you’re working in the industry, you may be too busy with year-end. So first discuss your time off with your employer and make a plan of how you’re gonna study over the next few months. You need to make sure you can study in evenings and weekends, and that you’re allowed to take a few weeks off before the CFE.

Will there be CFEs in 2025?

Yes there will be CFEs in 2025. CPA Canada has announced that it will discontinue the current education program and introduce the New Certification Program in 2027. It was initially scheduled for 2025, but it has been postponed to 2027 now. 

What Day 1 cases are in September 2024, May 2025 and September 2025 CFEs?

For the May 2025 CFE, the following Day 1 cases:

  • Neptune Point Fisheries Inc. (NPF) v2
  • Viviana’s Trattoria Ltd. (VTL) v1

For the September 2025 CFE, the following Day 1 cases:

  • Amuzu Parks Inc. (API) v2
  • Meadowlark Entertainment Inc. (MEI) v1

For the May 2026 CFE, the following Day 1 cases:

  • New case TBD
  • Viviana’s Trattoria Ltd. (VTL) v2

For the September 2026 CFE, the following Day 1 cases:

  • New case TBD
  • Meadowlark Entertainment Inc. (MEI) v2

When should I start studying again?

This depends what CFE Days you are writing and which exam sitting you will be re-taking:

  • Re-writing in May 2025:
    • CFE Days 1,2,3 re-write: Start studying from December.
    • CFE Days 2, 3 re-write: Start studying from January.
    • CFE Day 1 re-write: Start studying from March.
  • Re-writing in September 2025:
    • CFE Days 1,2,3 re-write: Start studying from April.
    • CFE Days 2, 3 re-write: Start studying from May.
    • CFE Day 1 re-write: Start studying from June.

I suggest studying technicals ahead of time, whenever you can, so that you don’t get rusty and keep your technicals fresh. If you are working in the public practice and you’ll be busy in winter, you should start your studies sooner, in October-November.

What should be my study plan as an experienced CFE writer?

This depends on what CFE Days you are re-writing. Here is an effective plan to follow:

  • Step 1: Review technicals, especially the areas you you didn’t do well based on the transcript.
  • Step 2: Make personal summary notes, flashcards, computer notes
  • Step 3: Re-do cases from your electives (especially if you didn’t clear Level 3)
  • Step 4: Write cases. If you’ve written all Capstone 2 (past CFE) cases then get supplemental CFE cases.
  • Step 5: Get your cases marked.
  • Step 6: Get a study partner, study resources, or sign up for a coaching program.

Where can I get more study resources (tutoring, coaching, personalized support)?

There are several options available to you:

  • Tutors: CPA tutors provide 1-on-1 help by connecting with you virtually (eg Zoom) or meeting in person. Their level of expertise varies and it’s important that you find a tutor that fits your needs. CPA Canada publishes a list of tutors which you can request by contacting your provincial CPA school. The tutoring fees are normally $60-$80 per hour.
  • Supplemental cases: Writing more cases will help to broaden your technical and improve your time management skills. You can obtain supplemental CFE cases here. The price range is $60-$97.
  • Coaching programs: CPA exam coaching programs provide supplemental materials and connect you with subject-matter experts who work with you to understand your weaknesses and help you achieve better exam performance. Coaching program fees vary and it’s important that you find a program that’s effective.

What’s Gevorg and what’s different about your CFE coaching program?

My name is Gevorg, I offer a personalized CFE coaching program that’s based on Honour Roll strategies. My candidates achieve overall 90%+ pass rate and several graduate with distinction. Here’s a quick comparison.

Features Gevorg, CPA CFE course Other providers
Case marking
Access until you pass
Supplemental cases
Day 1 case marking*
Flexible marking schedule
Live coaching sessions*
Free access to CPA SpeedType™ time management and case typing training tool
Free 1-on-1 coaching
Clever memory aids
Engaging video lessons
Honour Roll student technical interviews
Private WhatsApp group for support
T2202 issued to use as tax credits*
CPA PER coaching program discounts
Featured in national news
Affordable

*Some but not all CFE coaching providers offer Day 1 marking and live sessions. Some providers offer 1-on-1 coaching through mentors or instructors who may not be subject-matter experts. T2202 certification is not issued by all providers. The information in this table is based on the information made available on competitor websites.

What does your CFE coaching program offer?

I offer a CFE coaching program that teaches technicals, case writing skills and proven strategies towards the CFE. The CFE Review provides the following learning materials:

  • ​​New CFE practice cases with solutions and feedback guides (six Day 3 cases, one Day 1 case)
  • Dedicated Day 1 prep course with marking
  • Marking of two (2) Day 1, one (1) Day 2 and three (3) Day 3 case (total of 6 cases marked)
  • Weekly live tutoring sessions
  • Case writing walkthroughs
  • Case outlining templates
  • Quantitative analysis templates
  • Time management methods
  • Memory aids
  • Technical study notes
  • 8-hours of engaging video lessons
  • Historical CFE data
  • Supplemental practice drills (including DAIS)
  • Study plan for the CFE
  • Case checklist
  • Technical review checklist

You’ll also get free one-on-one coaching with a tutor. You get access to the course materials immediately and you keep access until you pass, no matter how long it takes.

Do you mark extra cases?

Yes, my CFE program includes 6 case marking and I can mark extra cases if needed. 

Conclusion

I know failing the CFE is demotivating. It doesn’t mean you’re not smart or unable to succeed, it means you need a new strategy. Take some time think about your options and decide what you will do differently next time. If you feel CFE Review is the right coaching program for you, you can watch preview lessons here.