Q & A with Alice Martin, CFE

Alice Martin of Alabama recently became a CFE after attending the Phoenix CFE Exam Review Course. In her spare time, Alice enjoys, boating, fishing, and cooking. The new CFE has taken time off from her busy work schedule to accomplish her goal of becoming a CFE. Alice will apply her knowledge as a CFE in assisting corporations with internal investigations and strengthening their anti-fraud and pro-compliance programs.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?

Martin: I became certified in May 2014.

Coach: You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in Phoenix and following the course you sat for the CFE Exam on-site.  Please describe your experience of participating in the 4-day course and then sitting for the exam immediately after.

 Martin: It was intense and focused.  Being able to immediately sit for the exam produced a great learning environment.

Coach: What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course?  

 Martin: I liked the opportunity of having experts explain the most important information that would be tested on the CFE Exam, while also obtaining a great general overview of the thousands of pages of invaluable Fraud Examiners Manual material available.

Coach: In what ways do you feel that your new CFE credential will be beneficial to you in your current profession?

Martin: As a former U.S. Attorney, I believe this will enhance my ability to conduct internal investigations in a more fully informed manner.   

Coach: How did you prepare yourself to sit for the exam on-site? Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day?

Martin: I prepared by studying the Fraud Examiners Manual and CFE Exam Prep Course questions before attending the course, and then I was able to take each day's test within about 15-30 minutes after the end of class.

Coach: Would you recommend this course to your colleagues?

  Martin: YES, without hesitation; this is an excellent review course!

Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Martin: I served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee for 6 years and as a U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama for 8 years, which led to a passion for fighting fraud. The CFE credential would have been invaluable to better communicate with federal agents back in those days. Had I known of the ACFE, I certainly would have explored the possibility of AUSAs attending such courses.  Now, I focus on assisting corporations with internal investigations and focusing on strengthening anti-fraud and pro-compliance programs; especially in the health care sector.

Coach: Now that we know what you do professionally, what do you like to do for fun and what do you find enjoyable about it?

Martin: I enjoy boating, fishing, and cooking—all of which can be done for fun in a single day!

Coach: Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?

Martin: Come to the CFE Exam Review Course and save yourself a lot of time!!  It is worth the effort, I assure you.

Thank you for your time and congratulations on your new CFE credential.