Uniform Evaluation

The Uniform Evaluation (or UFE as it is commonly abbreviated, also known by its original name, the Uniform Final Evaluation) is the last exam Chartered Accountant students take in pursuance of the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in the countries of Canada and Bermuda.

Administered nationally by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, and conducted regionally by the provincial/regional orders, the UFE is written over the course of three sequential days and is the culmination of years of study in accounting courses. To write also requires successful completion of preliminary work or exams, which vary depending on which provincial/regional orders the student is writing from.

Exam structure

The exam currently consists of case based simulations: one 5-hour "comprehensive" written on the first day, and a six multi-subject questions split between the remaining 2 days. Each multi-subject day is 4 hours, and consists of questions with time limits of 60 to 90 minutes.

Students answer questions which are presented in the form of business cases that include a listing of requirements for each case's "users", followed by a list of exhibits that provide case facts from which observations, suggestions and conclusions are derived. Common scenarios include providing advice on how to conduct an audit, advising a client on the pros and cons of investing funds in a given business venture, and providing support to an organization as an internal accountant or auditor.

Since 2003, the exam is marked according to a "competency map". In addition to scoring a total number of marks, candidates must score a minimum level of competency 'points' in each area to pass.

Previous versions of the UFE used a more traditional marking scheme. Older versions of the UFE lasted four days and included multiple choice questions. The current version consists exclusively of full 'case style' questions, and no multiple choice questions.

Pass Rates

The exam is administered once per year during September and approximately 2,500 students attempt the exam each year. National pass rates for 2003 to 2007 have been 65.5% [Institute of Chartered Accountants in Canada and Bermuda: "Uniform Evaluation Report 2003", page 12. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, 2004.] , 74.5% [Institute of Chartered Accountants in Canada and Bermuda: "Uniform Evaluation Report 2004", page 12. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, 2005.] , 74.0% [Institute of Chartered Accountants in Canada and Bermuda: "Uniform Evaluation Report 2005", page 12. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, 2006.] , 79.3% [Institute of Chartered Accountants in Canada and Bermuda: "Uniform Evaluation Report 2006", page 12. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, 2007.] , and 74.6% [Institute of Chartered Accountants in Canada and Bermuda: "Uniform Evaluation Report 2007", page 12. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, 2008.] respectively. Exam results are released in November or Early December following each September sitting of the UFE.

Core competency areas

# Governance, Strategy, & Risk Management
# Performance Measurement and Reporting
# Assurance
# Finance
# Management Decision-Making
# Taxation
# Pervasive Qualities

Exam entry method

Since 2005, students have been able to type in their responses on laptop computers secured with lockdown software in all regions of Canada. Students are also able to continue hand-writing their responses, or mix their answer with both written and typed components.

Over 90% of students in Ontario alone have chosen to use their computers in 2006.

Qualification requirements in addition to the UFE

In addition to successfully passing the UFE, CA candidates must complete a minimum of 30 months of practical experience with a public accounting firm with a specified number of hours in specific areas of accounting, auditing, and tax before officially becoming full fledged CAs.

Notes

References

* Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. [http://www.cica.ca/download.cfm?ci_id=41563&la_id=1&re_id=0 "Preparing for the 2008 UFE"]