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 2011 UFE 

An outstanding accomplishment for 2,857 CA students

TORONTO, December 2, 2011 – Almost 2,900 students passed the Canadian Chartered Accountants (CAs) 2011 Uniform Evaluation (UFE), one of the world’s most challenging professional examinations.  

“This is a time of both pride and relief for these outstanding individuals as they continue their journey to become members of a valued and internationally recognized profession,” said Kevin Dancey, FCA, president and CEO, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.  “They deserve congratulations for a truly significant accomplishment.”

Over a national three-day evaluation process, 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 education program and practical work experience.  Only those who complete this entire program successfully are entitled to use the CA designation.

CAs play key roles within diverse segments of our economy, including public accounting, business, government and the not-for-profit sector.  They are valued for their strategic thinking, business insight and leadership.

“Individuals seeking to become CAs in Canada make the personal choice to embark on a challenging career path,” said Dancey.  “It says something about their character when they are prepared to face a challenge such as the UFE.  The qualification program develops professionals with a unique combination of integrity and expertise.”

This year, the prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal along with the Chartered Accountants of Canada cash prize of $5,000 for the highest standing in Canada on the 2011 UFE has been awarded to Juliana Yuen, Ernst & Young LLP in Toronto, Ontario.

“I pursued a CA career because the learning opportunities and flexibility appealed to me," said Yeun.  "I was so surprised to win the Gold Medal, but very honoured and happy to receive the news.  I haven’t made any concrete goals for my future career yet – I’m still trying to learn as much as I can at Ernst & Young and I just hope to explore new opportunities as they come in the future!”

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:

• Catherine Chew, KPMG LLP, Vancouver, British Columbia
• Rebekah Melvin, KPMG LLP, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Michèle Poudrier, FBL, SENC, Drummondville, Quebec

 Chartered Accountants (CAs) are Canada's most valued, internationally recognized profession of leaders in senior management, advisory, financial, tax and assurance roles. Through their integrity, expertise, and internationally recognized qualification standards, Canada's 78,000 CAs sustain their influence and leadership position both in Canada and globally. As trusted business advisors to Canadian organizations of all sizes, Canada’s CAs foster confidence in Canadian business and contribute to the health and sustainability of Canada’s capital markets and economy. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) represents Canada’s CA profession both nationally and internationally. The CICA is a founding member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA).

2011 Uniform Evaluation (UFE) Honour Roll (PDF)

Uniform Evaluation (UFE) 

2011 Uniform Evaluation - Paper I (PDF)

2011 Uniform Evaluation - Paper II (PDF)

2011 Uniform Evaluation - Paper III (PDF)

Upcoming UFE Dates