Happy Sunday Everyone.
I took the CCEP Exam yesterday and passed by 1 questions. Leaving the testing room, I was sure I "aced" the exam. It took me less than 60 minutes to complete the exam which allowed me to review all the questions I had questions on. I ended up changing 5 or 6 answers, based on additional time I was allowed to think. However, I am not absolutely sure I made the right choice to change those answers.
Thoughts and takeaways:
1. Know CCEP Compliance 101
2. Know FSG - Chapter 8 - about 1/3 of the questions were from this topic either directly or indirectly. Many times, you had to know the concepts to answer the questions. A few wrote memory type if questions.
3. Know FCPA - I had about 10 questions on this topic; COI, gifts, bribes
4. SOX - I did not have any question per se, but I could have misread the question as this could have been inferred. I would still review for high level understanding and key provisions
5. Privacy/Security - Surprisingly, I had a few questions surround this topic
6. HR - I had a few question involving next steps
7. OSHA - a few questions on this topic
8. Merging and acquisition - what do do as a new compliance officer during a merge
9. Risk assessment - this topic was hit hard - it seems like 50% of the question involved risk assessment before making a decision or identifying next steps.
10. A lot of attorney reference - know next steps when presented with scenarios and when attorney referral is needed
11. Collaboration- a few questions on collaborating with other areas withing your organization
ONE TAKEAWAY - without going into details, I went against my gut and went with attorney referral everytime I saw that as an option. If you read Compliance 101, it clearly states that should be the first option. I talked to a great friend who has all the trifecta, and he said that it make sense. The attorney will decide whether your findings or future audit finding should be under attorney - client privileges. He had perfect sense. So, whereas previously I went with "stop the bleeding," for this exam, I did not. It will be up to you to judge for yourself based on you knowledge, experience, and BEST PRACTICES.
I hope I didn't say anything I shouldn't have. I kept my thoughts as general as possible. If I did, please remove.
PEARLS:
1. Follow Caitlyn - I didnt look at her info until the night before. Looking back, I should have. She was spot on how how to prepare. I felt like I was overprepared for the exam.
2. Follow Jedi Master Frank - he will give you the knowledge and test taking skills you need to get you to pass the exam.
3. Ask for help - humility is key. If you fail, so what? Ask for help. Even though I passed the first two, I still reached out to a few that have passed the CCEP. People want to give back to the community but often do not know how other than responding to Frank's questions. Some would like to share their experiences. You have to be proactive and ask for help.
Last but not least, thank you all for your support after the death of my wife back in June. I needed this exam and the support I received from many of you meant the world to me and kept me driving to get this exam. I attempted to prepare for this exam 2x previously and CHRC 4x, but never had the drive to study or prepare for then. I felt like I had to here. So thank you!
Email me if you have any questions.
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Bill Wong, CHC, CHPC, CCEP, CCS, CPC, CPMA, CDEO
Corporate Compliance Supervisor
Aon Hewitt - Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation
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