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.
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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.
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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.
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Let me know if you have any other questions. :O)
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AUD 1/5 - IL\n
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IL - 11/24 AUD
Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson