The Common Final Examination

The Common Final Examination (CFE) is a three-day examination requiring candidates to demonstrate depth and breadth of competency development in accordance with the CPA Competency Map.

The CFE overall exam blueprint provides you with information on the testing objectives and what to expect for each of the three (3) days of the CFE, as well as the study materials you can use while completing them. The examination regulations outline the procedures and rules for exam writing. 

The Competency Referenced Evaluation Methodology presentation is a copy of the Board of Examiners presentation on the CFE. It highlights the important examination design elements and describes the assessment model, particularly the differences in the testing objectives for each of the three days of the examination. Candidates and those preparing candidates to write the CFE are encouraged to review its contents.

You will be required to:

• participate in a three-day examination
• demonstrate the depth and breadth of your abilities according to the CPA Competency Map
• draw on learning from your Capstone 1 case to complete the examination

To view cases and marking guides for CFEs from previous years, refer to the CFE Board of Examiners' reports.

CFE case

Day 1 of the CFE is linked to the CPA Professional Education Program’s Capstone 1 module business case.

CFE Calendar 

2024:

• Fall:

• Examination results release date: Friday, December 6, 2024

2025:

• Spring:
  • Examination dates: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 to Friday, May 23, 2025
  • Examination results release date: TBD
• Fall:
  • Examination dates: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 to Thursday, September 11, 2025
  • Examination results release date: TBD