The UFE

All Canadian-trained CAs must write the profession's three-day Uniform Evaluation (UFE).  To pass the UFE, you must demonstrate that you are proficient in the competencies required to begin your professional accounting career.    

All UFE candidates write the same UFE, which allows us to set a single, high standard that is recognized nationally and internationally.

Overview of the UFE

The three-day UFE consists of three papers and is set by the profession's Board of Evaluators. You have one day to write each individual paper. These papers challenge you to demonstrate your competence by responding to simulations and business scenarios representing the kinds of challenges you have faced during your work experience, or will soon be facing in your professional career.

Board of Evaluators

The CA profession’s Board of Evaluators – 10 CAs from across Canada, all with a strong interest and experience in CA education – is responsible for: 

• Setting the content of the UFE 
• Submitting the content of the UFE and its evaluation guides to the Provincial Institutes/Ordre/Regions for review; and 
• Evaluating candidates’ responses and recommending their pass or fail status to their Provincial Institutes/Ordre/Regions. 

Each Board member is actively involved in preparing the UFE simulations (the business scenarios on which evaluation is based), setting profiles for passing candidates, preparing evaluation guides and supervising the evaluation process. The Board seeks expert advice on the validity and reliability of evaluation methodologies as appropriate. 

For more information, see:  Preparing for the 2010 UFE (coming soon)

Significant milestone for 3,127 CA students: passing the 2009 Uniform Evaluation

TORONTO, December 4, 2009 – Canada’s Chartered Accountants congratulate the newest group of CA students to successfully complete one of the most challenging professional examinations in the world - the CA profession’s Uniform Evaluation (UFE).

CAs face more rigorous requirements for training, examination and practical experience than any other accounting designation in Canada.

“These students have achieved a significant milestone in their careers and deserve congratulations for what is truly a tremendous accomplishment,” said Kevin Dancey, FCA, president & CEO, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. “The students made the personal choice to take a challenging career path that includes the UFE.”

A national three-day evaluation, the UFE assesses CA candidate competencies including knowledge, professional judgment and ethics.  The UFE is an important component of the CA qualification program, which includes a university degree requirement, a professional program of extensive course work, practical work experience and other examination requirements.  Only those who complete this entire program successfully are entitled to use the internationally recognized CA designation.

The CA qualification program develops professionals who have a unique combination of integrity and expertise that enables them to make the right decisions.  CAs play key roles within diverse segments of our economy, including public accounting, business, government and the not-for-profit sector.  “People choose CAs for their strategic thinking, business insight and leadership,” noted Dancey.

This year, the prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal and the Chartered Accountants of Canada cash prize of $5,000 for the highest standing in Canada on the 2009 UFE has been awarded to Jolene Kendrew, acting deputy director of finance, City of Colwood, British Columbia.

“I am flattered and thrilled,” said Kendrew.  “I’ve always loved analytical thinking and problem-solving, two key aspects of the career of a Chartered Accountant.”

The Chartered Accountants of Canada regional Gold Medal awards for the highest standing in the UFE (and cash prize of $2,500 each) go to:

• David Janes with Gardner Coombs Winsor Coombs, Chartered Accountants, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, for Eastern Canada
  
• Jacob Bell with Ernst &Young LLP, Toronto, for Ontario
  
• Etienne Girardin with Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche, S.E.N.C.R.L., Montreal, for Quebec

The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), together with the provincial, territorial and Bermuda Institutes/Ordre of Chartered Accountants, represents a membership of approximately 75,000 CAs and 12,000 students in Canada and Bermuda. The CICA conducts research into current business issues and supports the setting of accounting, auditing and assurance standards for business, not-for-profit organizations and government. It issues guidance on control and governance, publishes professional literature, develops continuing education programs and represents the CA profession nationally and internationally. CICA is a founding member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA).

2009 Uniform Evaluation (UFE) Honour Roll

Upcoming UFE Dates