Q&A with Karen Branson, CFE

Karen Branson of Washington, DC, became a CFE after attending a CFE Exam Review Course. Branson became interested in fraud after working for the Office of the Inspector General. Branson says that obtaining the CFE credential enabled her to ask more fraud-specific questions to her staff. When Branson is not working, she enjoys working out, reading, and going to the beach.

Coach: When did you receive your CFE credential?

Branson: I was certified in August 2019
 
Coach: You attended the CFE Exam Review Course in San Francisco, and following the course, you sat for the CFE Exam on-site. Please describe your experience of participating in the four-day course and sitting for the exam immediately afterward.

Branson: The Review Course reminded me of a Bar Review Course, and sitting for the exam was like sitting for the Bar Exam. The review course covers a large amount of information every day and requires full concentration. If you do not think you can commit your full attention to the program, I recommend that you attend when you can.
 
Coach: What did you like most about the CFE Exam Review Course?

Branson: What I liked most were the instructors and their passion about this type of work. They were knowledgeable and funny (it helps to get you through sitting in a chair all day for four days). I also appreciate that the instructors can advise on the probability of the types of questions to expect.

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

Branson: The CFE credential will enable me to ask more fraud-specific questions in my interactions with staff, and it will allow me to provide more substantive feedback when conducting legal sufficiency reviews and rendering legal advice.
 
Coach: How did you prepare yourself to sit for the CFE Exam on-site? Did you spend any additional time studying after class each day?

Branson: I took the online pre-assessment on the CFE Exam Prep Course. Based on those results, I knew where I would have to spend the most amount of time preparing for the exam, and I tried to review those areas the night before the review session. I studied every day after class. 
 
Coach: Would you recommend this course to your colleagues?

Branson: Absolutely. If fighting fraud is part of your career portfolio, then you have to understand what it looks like and how it works, not just how it’s defined. This course will help you gain that understanding.
 
Coach: How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

Branson: My career found me. I applied for an attorney vacancy that happened to be in an Office of the Inspector General (OIG). I had no idea what an OIG was, so I arrived with a steep learning curve. Within about 18 months, I was promoted to the General Counsel. I am also a Certified Inspector General. Fighting fraud is one prong of the OIG’s mission. I love what I do because I can see the direct benefits of our work and I know that the work benefits the entire community.
 
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?

Branson: I love to work out; it’s my stress relief and self-care commitment. I love the beach; the water renews my mind and spirit. I love to read; I can be in another place but never leave the house. Currently, I am on a YouTube how-to journey for decorating ideas, which fosters my creativity.
 
Coach: Do you have any study tips or suggestions for aspiring CFEs?

Branson: If you can, read and review course materials before the daily review sessions. Take the exam after the review session is complete when the material is fresh; there is no downside to doing so. In the event you do not pass a section of the exam, you can retake that component.