[cpa1234]

Just taking another shot at this, to see if any CPAs still stalk this site and have also passed the CFF. I took part one and found out I failed right after. I am now waiting until July 18th to take the exam again (used to see a bunch of free space to take exam now there’s a month long wait?) and since we get no feedback on what we did right and wrong, I don’t even know what else I can do to prepare. I did the AICPA review course, and the two certificate courses worth 21.5 CPE credits. I have notes and I have been reviewing them, but without knowing what I did wrong the first time I don’t know what to do for next time.

I just want to know your experience with the exam, what you did to prepare, any advice helps!

[CPA50]

Hi cpa1234, I am also stalking here on occasion, and took the CFF exam #1 yesterday. FAILED. I have been a CFE for 20 years and did the entire review course. It's maddening to get -0- feedback and I have to suspect there are some psychometrics at play, which is why there is no disclosure as to passing grades. I'll keep taking it until I pass, because, hey, that's what I do. It's my super power.
Best wishes!

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[Maverick]

I have not taken the CFF so unfortunately I cannot give you any advice. However, I am taking the CFE soon and I was curious how you guys have used the credential. Thanks in advance.

[CPA50]

Congrats on going for your CFE. I set up my own firm and work independently as a Fraud Examiner/Forensic Accountant/Financial Crimes Investigator.

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[monikernc]

CPA50 you are still here! I repost your epic FAR journey once in awhile for other hopefuls! Great to hear from you!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[CPA50]

Hi!! Glad my pain can inspire others 🙂 It was a long, interesting journey. After I finally passed all the exams, I still had more education credits to cross off. (Thanks California) Happy to say I AM A CPA now! But, want the brass ring. I want the CFF, mostly because that was my original goal when I started this many years ago when dinosaurs ran the AICPA. And, I think it will make me the cool, nerdy kid.

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[monikernc]

you are the cool, nerdy kid. you were epic then as now…
https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/forum/far-cpa-exam-prep-test-day-experience/how-to-pass-far/topic/headline-cpa50-passes-far/

hats off to you and your inspiring Dad and beloved daughter for their support…

Good luck, i know you will get the CFF. not for me, though, it took me too long to get the experience for the CPA, no way am i signing up for another certification that requires experience i do not yet have…but you, all you have to do now is pass the exam! go get it done!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[CPA50]

Thanks! My father passed away in February 2019, and I received my CPA certificate August 2, 2019 – HIS BIRTHDAY! I know he was there with me.

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[monikernc]

he really was!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Maverick]

Was it difficult getting new clients? Also, did you already have experience in the fraud world? I do tax and audit for a large regional firm but have never actually worked on fraud engagements.

[CPA50]

Hi Maverick, My path was very twisty. After 20 years in small business management and marketing, I decided to become a contract bookkeeper. My first gig, I uncovered a fraud. Became a CFE and did court accountings for law firms and government agencies. Then took on more and more clients and volunteered with the local Sheriff and DAs office. Decided to get my CPA because I was tired of explaining that I wasn't one, and also attorneys like to hire credentials. I've spent many years volunteering and trying to get my name out there. It's always a challenge to work for yourself, but very rewarding! You might start by telling your boss what your interests are and seeing if you could shadow some fraud work to learn the ropes. Best wishes!!

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[Maverick]

Thanks for giving me some additional information about your situation. I just turned 26 and I am at a large / regional accounting firm and we have a 62 year old partner that is our primary CFE person. We have approximately 30 offices so developing a niche would be a good way for me to advance. Also, we do not have anyone in the office who solely works on fraud engagements so I believe that I could snag that role if we have the demand and opportunity. My plan is to finish the exam before tax season and then start looking for ways to build a practice once 4/15 rolls around.

[cpa1234]

Hi all, just saw these responses. CPA150, have you made any further progress? I am going to try again. It makes me feel better knowing someone who has all that experience is also frustrated with the CFF, maybe i'll keep taking them until I pass too haha. Hopefully I can make a return on that investment with a reward from my firm.

[CPA50]

Hi! It seriously pissed me off, so I needed some time (months) to cool down. I will take the damn thing until I pass it. My hubby already bought my business cards with the CFF credential and I can't use them until I get it. So, off we go…

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[RP25]

@CPA1234
Currently, studying for part 2 of CFF. Part 1 was a fail and through taking it, realized a lot of information is experienced based, rather than from study materials. Will see what part 2 is like after June 12th exam date.

[cpa1234]

Hey @RP25 and @CPA50 did either of you get back to the CFF? I seriously wish I did the CFE instead because people I know are passing it no problem and this one is awful. Studying again and will hopefully take Part 1 again in a couple weeks and if I can somehow manage to pass I need to take Part 2 by Oct 31 before the NTS expires.

[Author]

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