CFE Day 1 Exam Blueprint: Official Scope and Practice Map
Separate official CPA CFE Day 1 written-case requirements from the companion’s four practice areas and use a concrete readiness checklist.
What the official Day 1 framework establishes
Day 1 is a four-hour written case linked to Capstone 1. It emphasizes integrated strategic judgment and enabling competencies, supported by common Core plus Entry technical knowledge. The CPAWSB CFE overview and Capstone/CFE FAQs explain the relationship. Use the competency map and examination blueprint applicable to your registration.
There is no verified official four-MCQ sequence, fixed selected-response count or official percentage allocation across the four practice groups below. Day 1 is distinct from Day 2’s role-based work and Day 3’s breadth assessment. The new CPA Professional Program is also a separate pathway; similar terminology does not establish interchangeable assessments.
Map the companion to useful case work
| Practice area | Work assessed in these drills | Evidence you should be able to use |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline and situational analysis | Compare the current update with prior direction, objectives and obligations | A changed assumption, protected stakeholder need or decision authority |
| Strategic and operating issues | Evaluate alternatives under financing, staffing, market and contractual conditions | Dated cash, capacity, relevant cost and enforceable terms |
| Integrated analysis and recommendations | Reconcile quantitative and qualitative findings at entity level | Consistent alternatives, sensitivities, shared resources and combined consequences |
| Professional judgment and board advice | Correct omissions and connect identified risks to the actual authorization | A feasible choice, conditional commitment or justified change in scope |
The app’s editorial practice weights are 22%, 34%, 27% and 17% respectively. These organize practice; they are not CPA Canada blueprint weights or a promise that an official case has four corresponding tasks. A question may integrate several capabilities within one coherent decision.
Check readiness through observable work
| Check | Show it on a fresh case |
|---|---|
| Update recognition | Explain which old assumption changed and why the prior plan must be reconsidered. |
| Relevant calculation | Reconcile all dated cash flows or resource demands, with units and cost basis explicit. |
| Alternative comparison | Use the same scope and time horizon, distinguish sunk/common amounts and avoid counting a benefit twice. |
| Judgment | Apply the stated priorities while recognizing material residual consequences. |
| Implementation | Identify the prerequisite, responsible party and evidence needed before an irreversible commitment. |
| Written communication | Produce and debrief an integrated written response using authorized full-case materials. Selected answers alone cannot establish this skill. |
Use the map without turning it into a score prediction
Attempt the four-case public set without opening explanations, then identify the reasoning behind wrong answers and correct guesses. A score measures that attempt, not official passing readiness. Follow weak areas with fresh cases and the underlying source material.
Do not force every short drill to contain every technical area or enabling competency. Confirm current examination reference material, technical updates and case-specific instructions with your administrator. The official resources explain which source answers each of those questions.