So you’ve heard these terms for case writing many times in the CFE world and it’s still unclear to you. Let me clarify:
Depth
Depth is required in order to successfully complete the CFE. Without the required level of depth, you will not hit competent on indicators. Think of depth as quality. The better and more depth/quality you have in your case, the better your response.
Depth is achieved by explaining your issues and integrating them with technical and case facts. Here is an example re depth/no depth in an acquisition of control scenario for tax:
No Depth: There is a deemed year end and therefore a short taxation year end, all net capital losses will be lost
Depth: Due to the acquisition of control on March 1, there is a deemed year end on February 28 for ABC Co. Net capital losses of $$$(specify the amount of provided) will be lost if unused before March 1. It would be best to trigger capital gains for any non depreciable capital assets where the FMV is > NBV in order to use the net capital losses. ABC Co. will have to file a tax return for their short taxation year end February 28.
Breadth
Breadth is the quantity or number of issues you are able to cover/discuss within your time allocation for each required. If you don’t touch upon or provide discussion on a number of issues, you won’t hit competent. Quantity and quality are equally important.
Make sure that you don’t compromise the number of issues you discuss. For instance, do not focus all your time on one issue and neglect the others. Balance and manage your time so that you’re able to discuss most or all of the issues identified.
