Q & A with Randolph Sawyer

Randolph Sawyer of Virginia, recently became a CFE after attending the CFE Exam Review Course in Washington, DC. Randolph enjoys deer hunting , but this past September, he put some time aside to accomplish his goal of obtaining the CFE credential. Becoming a CFE has provided Randolph with a higher level of credibility in his work as a staff auditor. 

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?

Sawyer: I was certified October 1, 2015.
 
Coach: You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in Washington 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.

Sawyer: The four-day review course helped me significantly.  Although the amount of material covered was almost overwhelming, the instructors were able to properly manage the time to ensure salient points were covered appropriately.  
 
Coach: What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course? 

Sawyer: Each day was tailored to the on-site exam offered that afternoon. 
 
Coach: In what ways do you feel that your new CFE credential will be beneficial to you in your current profession?

Sawyer: My credentials lend credence to my examination of company records, as well as my work related to ethics and compliance policies and procedures. 
 
Coach: How did you prepare yourself to sit for the exam on-site? Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day?

Sawyer: I studied prior to taking the exam using the online Prep Course.  I did not study after class each day, as I felt the presented material was sufficient. 
 
Coach: Would you recommend this course to your colleagues?

Sawyer: Yes. Absolutely! I did not feel prepared until I sat through the review course each day. At the end of each day, I felt comfortable going into the exam.  
 
Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Sawyer: I was a contracting officer in the U.S. Air Force for many years. Then, I was the Suspension and Debarment Official at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In both positions, I was exposed to potential and real fraud.
 
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?

Sawyer: I am an archer and hunt whitetail deer in my backyard.  I find that waiting for the right moment to pull the trigger imposes the need for perseverance, which is also required in my profession.
 
Coach: Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?

Sawyer: Study with the Prep Course, first as that prepares you for the four-day “fire hose” of data that is difficult to comprehend without some prior exposure to the information.