90-Day CFE Exam Challenge Success Story: Doug Dodge

ACFE STAFF

Doug Dodge, CFE, served 10 years in the U.S. Army. While serving, he spent some time as an Airborne Ranger before becoming a military police officer. Doug has been in law enforcement for more than two decades, and even after such a long stint, he still enjoys it. In his downtime, he likes to read and target shoot.

In April of this year, Doug signed up to join the 90-Day CFE Exam Challenge. He’d dabbled in fraud investigations through his work as a police officer but wanted to pass the CFE Exam and earn his CFE credential so that he could transfer more fully to this line of work. He was one of the most engaged members of the group, posting 44 times throughout the challenge and rarely missing the opportunity to cheer his fellow challenge participants on along the way.

If you’re considering joining our upcoming challenge, here’s some advice from Doug on how to make the most of it.

Why did you join the 90-Day CFE Exam Challenge?

I was looking to obtain the CFE credential to enhance my résumé in the anti-fraud field. I liked the idea of a challenge and of completing the process in 90 days.

What did your study method look like?

I had the online study guide. Based on my Pre-Assessment results, I went through the sections, starting with the strongest and going to the weakest areas. I had a good background in the Law and Investigation sections. For the Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes section, I had to make flash cards for the accounting information. I would practice those all of the time until I got the info down.

How did the challenge help you accomplish your goal of passing the CFE Exam?

The challenge made it easy to focus on studying. By having a deadline, I forced myself to concentrate harder on the studying and not just do it when I felt like it.

What did it feel like when you got the email saying you’d passed? How did you celebrate?

My wife was outside, and she heard me yell, “YES” and saw me fist-pump. Then that night, we had a nice steak dinner.

What advice do you have for challenge participants who are preparing for the CFE Exam?

Stay positive. There are plenty of people who are willing to help you out. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because people are there to answer them. And just do it one step at a time.

The 90-Day CFE Exam Challenge provides participants with study tips and peer support to help them stay motivated and on track to reach their goal of passing the CFE Exam. The upcoming challenge begins October 1 and ends December 31.