Facing the CFE: A Personal Journey Towards Certification

As I stand on the brink of my third attempt at the CFE, I’m feeling a whirlwind of emotions. It’s hard to find the right words to express how I feel, but here I am, about to embark on this journey once again.

Let’s recap my previous attempts. In my first try, I surprisingly passed Day 1 but fell short on Level 1 Sufficiency for Days 2 and 3, ultimately receiving a Level 7. My second attempt didn’t fare any better; I again failed Level 1 Sufficiency, this time ranking at Level 2, despite the extensive preparation with Densmore resources. And now, as I prepare for my third attempt, I can’t help but think, “Who knows what will happen this time?”

A significant part of me just wants to get this over and done with—whether I pass or fail. I long for the freedom that awaits on the other side. Once this exam is behind me, I plan to discard my notes and textbooks and finally move on with my life.

Of course, the prospect of failure does weigh on me. I can already envision that moment of disappointment, particularly how it might affect my self-esteem in front of family and friends. But I am confident that, given time, I will bounce back. There are countless pathways ahead, whether I choose to pursue an MBA or delve into an entirely different field. Life doesn’t conclude with a CPA license; it is merely one of many avenues.

To be honest, my passion for this work is limited. I can tolerate it, but enjoyment is a stretch. The daily grind feels mundane and tedious, too much like a chore rather than a calling.

If I do manage to pass this time around, I won’t deny that it would feel great. It would provide a moment of pride and validation for my hard work. Yet, truthfully, it would primarily serve as a personal triumph—proving to myself that I could conquer this difficult exam. However, I can’t say that I hold much respect for the CPA designation itself. The way it has been managed since amalgamation leaves much to be desired, and in my view, it has become somewhat of a joke.

To me, obtaining a CPA has always been a transactional endeavor—an avenue to secure a higher-paying job, nothing more. My experiences have shown me a mixed bag of outcomes, some of which lean more toward the negative