[CAN] CFE in Two days and I don’t know how to feel about it lol

The CPA Journey: Reflections on My Upcoming CFE Attempt

As I prepare for my upcoming Common Final Examination (CFE) in just two days, a whirlwind of emotions is swirling within me. This will mark my third attempt at this challenging milestone, and I find myself in a state of contemplation.

Attempting the CFE: A Quick Overview

My journey thus far has been anything but smooth. During my first attempt, I managed to pass Day 1, but unfortunately fell short on the Level 1 Sufficiency on Days 2 and 3, receiving a Level 7. In my second try, I faced a similar setback, again failing the Level 1 Sufficiency with a disappointing Level 2 score, despite utilizing the Densmore resources to prepare. And now, here I am, bracing for Attempt #3—who knows what will happen this time?

Ready for Closure

There’s a significant part of me that just wants to put this entire experience behind me, irrespective of the outcome. Passing or failing, I yearn for my life to regain its normal rhythm post-exam. After this attempt, my plan is to discard all study materials—notes and books—and move forward without looking back.

Of course, should I face another failure, I anticipate the emotional toll it could take, especially regarding my ego and how I might be perceived by friends and family. However, I trust that, with time, I will bounce back. Life certainly doesn’t come to a halt with the CPA designation—I’ve considered pursuing an MBA or even a Master’s in a different discipline altogether.

Reflections on the CPA Designation

Interestingly, I find little joy in the work associated with the CPA designation. While I can tolerate it, the nature of the work often feels mundane and tedious. If I were to pass this time, it would undoubtedly feel rewarding—an achievement I’d be proud of. Yet, it’s more about proving to myself that I can succeed in passing the exam rather than holding any deep respect for the designation itself.

To me, CPA has become more of a stepping stone towards a higher-paying job rather than a badge of honor. My experiences have shown me that the journey can be quite disillusioning, leaning more towards the negative end of the scale.

Critique of the CPA Canada Process

Looking at the CPA Canada process as a whole, it often feels like a grand illusion. The exam appears to serve more as a