Frequently Asked Questions - CA Students

1. When is the UFE written?
2. Where is the UFE written?
3. How long is the UFE?
4. What kinds of questions are on the UFE?
5. Am I allowed to use any references when I'm writing the UFE?
6. What can I use a laptop computer for during the UFE?
7. Are there allowances made for candidates with special needs?
8. How is the UFE evaluated?
9. When are the UFE results available?
10. If I do not pass the UFE, can I write it again?
11. Is the number of candidates who pass predetermined?

1. When is the UFE written?  Top
The UFE is written once every year, usually in September.  The 2010 UFE will be written September 14-16.  The 2011 UFE will be written September 13-15. The 2012 UFE will be written September 11-13.

2. Where is the UFE written? Top
The UFE is written in many centres across Canada.  These centres are arranged and administered by the Provincial Institutes/Ordre/Region.

3. How long is the UFE?  Top
The UFE is one exam, consisting of three papers written over three days.  You have five hours to write the first paper, and four hours for each of the remaining two papers.

4. What kinds of questions are on the UFE? Top
The UFE consists entirely of business simulations that challenge you to respond to the kinds of issues that you are likely to face as a newly qualified CA.  Each simulation challenges you to demonstrate a number of CA competencies.  There are no multiple-choice questions on the UFE.

5. Am I allowed to use any references when I'm writing the UFE? Top
Yes.  You will be permitted to bring any or all of the following materials into the writing centre, subject to the rules pertaining to their use: 

• A laptop computer that meets specific hardware and software requirements and preloaded with software called Securexam (CA).
• A silent calculator with a one-line or two-line display, incapable of alpha storage and wireless communication. 

6. What can I use a laptop computer for during the UFE?  Top
During the UFE, you will be able to use your computer for the following purposes:

• Reference: you will be able to use Securexam (CA) to search the CICA Standards and Guidance Collection (UFE Version) and the Federal Income Tax Collection (UFE Version); and
• Calculation: you will be able to use a spreadsheet program to prepare spreadsheets and perform calculations.  You will  be able to submit these spreadsheets for marking purposes.
• Text: you will be able to use a word processing program to input your response, and submit your response in this format for marking purposes.

Securexam (CA) will prevent you from accessing any other files, programs or peripheral devices during the UFE.  When you exit the program, your system shuts down, and when you restart your computer all functionality is restored.

7. Are there allowances made for candidates with special needs? Top
The profession will consider, on a case-by-case basis, requirements for reasonable UFE writing process accommodations relating to the disability of a candidate.  Generally, requests for special consideration should be made to your Provincial Institute/Ordre/Region at least six weeks before the UFE writing dates.

8. How is the UFE evaluated? Top
Evaluation is the responsibility of the Board of Evaluators, which goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure consistent, fair, confidential assessment.  To learn more about the development of the current evaluation process, see UFE 2009 - Uniform Evaluation Report (May 2010).

9. When are the UFE results available? Top
UFE results are released on or about the same date by your Provincial Institute/Ordre/Region.  The specific date and time of their release, generally in late November or early December, is widely communicated well in advance.

10. If I do not pass the UFE, can I write again?  Top
Yes. The number of times you may write varies by province; all CA students may retake the UFE at least twice, for a total of three attempts. Check with your Provincial Institute /Ordre/Region for the rules in your province.

11. Is the number of candidates who pass predetermined?  Top
No.  The UFE is a criteria-referenced evaluation; the number of successful CA students is determined solely by merit. Every CA student who meets the Board of Evaluators' required level of proficiency will be successful.