Q&A with Anjum Madan, CFE

This past fall, Anjum Madan of Canada put some time aside to focus on accomplishing her goal of obtaining the CFE credential. After preparing with the CFE Exam Prep Course, Anjum was certified in December 2018. Anjum feels that her new credential has given her a confidence boost, as well as a great knowledge base to refer to in her fraud prevention career. When Anjum is not working, she enjoys spending time with her rescue pup from Mexico named Quilla.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?

Madan: I received my credential in December 2018.

Coach: Please describe your experience using the CFE Exam Prep Course.

Madan: I found that the Prep Course helped me focus on the most important topics. It also gave me direction as to where to start my journey because seeing the Fraud Examiners Manual in its entirety was very daunting.

Coach: What did you like most about the Prep Course?

Madan: I liked the flexibility to study in the way that made the most sense to me. At first, I studied whole sections at a time, but then I realized that, for me, it was better to study one topic at a time.

Coach: How long did it take you to complete the Prep Course and, how often did you study?

Madan: In total, it took me a couple of years of starting and stopping the Prep Course to complete it. However, the last time I began using the Prep Course again was during the 90-Day Challenge. I finished the course in two-and-a-half months. I studied for at least one hour each weekday. If, for some reason, I was unable to study for five hours during the week, or I felt particularly stuck on a topic, I would put in a couple of hours over the weekend.

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

Madan: I come from a design and customer service background, so I earned the CFE credential more for myself. It is a huge confidence booster to know that I have put in the time and have a great knowledge base to refer to. In addition, it shows employers that I am serious about a career in fraud prevention.

Coach: Would you recommend this course to your colleagues?

Madan: I would recommend this course to those who would like to pursue a career in fraud prevention.

Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Madan: I have always been curious when things don't quite seem right and have felt the need to figure out why. It started in a summer job that I had in the British High Commission where stamps in passports that looked out of place made me start asking questions.

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?

Madan: I have a rescue pup from Mexico named Quilla, and we love going for long walks and exploring the trails. We love it even more when the weather warms up!

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

Madan: I have two tips: Take notes as you go through the Prep Course. Make note of any questions you answer incorrectly or when you are unsure of what some of the options mean—go back and study those. Those notes are also great to refer to right before you take your final exams. Secondly, read the questions very carefully. Sometimes it is easy to think you know the right answer, but the way the question is worded results in that being the incorrect answer.