[Anonymous]

hey all – for those that have taken/are studying for the CFE exam, what are the bet study methods you have used, and what are the best materials to get (besides what is offered by the ACFE for around 800 USD). Also any thoughts on the exam itself would be greatly appreciated. Not sure if I want to dive into this amongst studying for the CPA exam…

n

Thanks.n

n

[Soanxious]

CheapestPersonAlive – I am working on my CFE as well, and a member already. I broke down and bought the CFE software from the ACFE sometime in January. After being so frustrated with the CPA exam review courses I didn't want to stray from what the ACFE was telling me to do and the best way to pass. I didn't find any other reviews for them, and kind of liked that they produce the study guides on the information that is being tested. From what I read on their website you can do a self study, but I didn't want to take any longer with this program then I had to with studying for the CPA at the same time (I have been working on the CPA for 2 1/2 years already). I try to do four hours a week on my software for the CFE, which I should then finish in three months total. I am about month or so away from finishing (I was in a CPA class in Jan / Feb so I had a slow start with this). They say 2 hours a week it takes about six months. I didn't find this to be to overwhelming so I went for it. It will add onto my development for work so I thought it would be good for me, and I am qualified arleady. Plus the Finanical and Fraud sections I found useful and familiar with the CPA. When I get sick of CPA land I flip over to finanical or fraud in the CFE program. I have not even touched the Law or Criminal sections as of yet so I can't comment there.

n

The software contains 1500 questions and you do the questions. Once you complete the questions you take the practice tests until you reach 85% accuracy, and then you apply for the exam. You need three people to vouch for you on paper to turn in with you app, and then you receive a code to open your test once you have been approved. I should tell you the manual that is included in your software is 2143 pages on disc in pdf format. I think the self study might be overwhelming because you really don't need to read every part (especially as a CPA candidate). Since I have been going through the questions I find that I am fluent in a lot from my previous studies. It gives you a guide of what you have done and where your strenghs / weaknesses are. If I find I am missing quesitions I go back and read that section of the manual. I have read before the test you should skim through the book. This was advise in a forum when you become a member you can see on their website. I think it depends on you time and availablity if you want to try it without it.

n

Here is the best part: It takes 3-5 DAYS for results not weeks, or months. I can't wait to take the test. I have found the studying to be going very well and the questions very straight forward.

n

Let me know if you have any other questions. :O)

n

AUD 1/5 – ILn

n

IL - 11/24 AUD

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Anonymous]

Soanxious – Thanks for your post, very resourceful. I may send you a message when you are online to further discuss some of your study habits, etc.n

n

[Soanxious]

Sounds good! I am on here a lot lately waiting for releases to start. I can't seem to concentrate on much else. :O)n

n

IL - 11/24 AUD

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Soanxious]

CheapestPersonAlive – I am working on my CFE as well, and a member already. I broke down and bought the CFE software from the ACFE sometime in January. After being so frustrated with the CPA exam review courses I didn't want to stray from what the ACFE was telling me to do and the best way to pass. I didn't find any other reviews for them, and kind of liked that they produce the study guides on the information that is being tested. From what I read on their website you can do a self study, but I didn't want to take any longer with this program then I had to with studying for the CPA at the same time (I have been working on the CPA for 2 1/2 years already). I try to do four hours a week on my software for the CFE, which I should then finish in three months total. I am about month or so away from finishing (I was in a CPA class in Jan / Feb so I had a slow start with this). They say 2 hours a week it takes about six months. I didn't find this to be to overwhelming so I went for it. It will add onto my development for work so I thought it would be good for me, and I am qualified arleady. Plus the Finanical and Fraud sections I found useful and familiar with the CPA. When I get sick of CPA land I flip over to finanical or fraud in the CFE program. I have not even touched the Law or Criminal sections as of yet so I can't comment there.

The software contains 1500 questions and you do the questions. Once you complete the questions you take the practice tests until you reach 85% accuracy, and then you apply for the exam. You need three people to vouch for you on paper to turn in with you app, and then you receive a code to open your test once you have been approved. I should tell you the manual that is included in your software is 2143 pages on disc in pdf format. I think the self study might be overwhelming because you really don't need to read every part (especially as a CPA candidate). Since I have been going through the questions I find that I am fluent in a lot from my previous studies. It gives you a guide of what you have done and where your strenghs / weaknesses are. If I find I am missing quesitions I go back and read that section of the manual. I have read before the test you should skim through the book. This was advise in a forum when you become a member you can see on their website. I think it depends on you time and availablity if you want to try it without it.

Here is the best part: It takes 3-5 DAYS for results not weeks, or months. I can't wait to take the test. I have found the studying to be going very well and the questions very straight forward.

Let me know if you have any other questions. :O)

AUD 1/5 – IL

IL - 11/24 AUD

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Anonymous]

Soanxious – Thanks for your post, very resourceful. I may send you a message when you are online to further discuss some of your study habits, etc.

[Soanxious]

Sounds good! I am on here a lot lately waiting for releases to start. I can't seem to concentrate on much else. :O)

IL - 11/24 AUD

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Author]

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