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Exam
Taking and passing the CPA Exam requires time, effort, and dedication. But success is well within reach for well-prepared exam candidates.
Understanding the Exam
About the Exam
There are four parts: Auditing & Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR), Regulation (REG), and Business Environments & Concepts (BEC). Review the Uniform CPA Examination Candidate Bulletin for more information about the exam content and the examination process.
About Applying
The exam is the same worldwide, but requirements to sit for it vary across each state. First, determine which state or jurisdiction you will become licensed in, then apply directly through its board of accountancy to determine if you are eligible to take the exam. After your application is received and accepted, you'll be issued a Notice to Schedule (NTS) that allows you to schedule your first section.
About Preparing
Some can pass all sections with just a few hours of studying per week, while others may need 25 hours or more. Ultimately, how you prepare is up to you, but there are resources to help. You can access free materials like the CPA Exam Blueprints and tutorial and sample tests on the AICPA website. You may also want to check out Next Stop: CPA the official CPA Exam podcast of the AICPA.
More about the Exam
The computer-based exam includes four separate sections that require a total of 16 testing hours. Each section can be taken at different times and in any order you choose, as long as all sections are completed within 18 months of passing the first section.
Exam overview
Passing the exam is one of the main requirements for becoming a CPA. Here's what you need to know about its structure and how to apply.
LEARN MOREPassing the Exam
Now that you know all about how the CPA Exam works, it's time to start preparing and planning for exam day.
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Prep course reviews
Read pros and cons about prep materials from other exam takers, and pay the advice forward by voicing your opinion on any courses/products you’ve used.
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