Exploring the CPA Exam disciplines

The CPA Exam has undergone its most significant transformation in over two decades with last year’s rollout of CPA Evolution — a move designed to align the licensure process with the ever-evolving accounting profession.

As part of our webinar series for aspiring CPAs, Hunter Richardson, an accounting and computer science student at Georgia Institute of Technology, sat down with Joe Maslott, CPA, Director, CPA Exam Content Management at the AICPA, to gain deeper insight into how the exam has changed, what candidates should expect, and how to strategically approach this new model.

CPA Evolution: Same credential, more customization 

At the heart of CPA Evolution is a Core + Discipline model. Unlike the previous structure where every candidate had to take the same four sections, the new model features three core exams — covering Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxation and Regulation (REG) — and allows candidates to choose one discipline section from:

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
• Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

This new model allows for greater flexibility and customization. “The discipline choice is personal,” Maslott explains. You can align it to your internship experience, coursework, or your career interests.

And importantly: Your discipline does not limit your future practice. Once you’re a CPA, you’re a CPA — period. Your license won’t indicate which discipline you chose.

Strategizing your exam path

One of the most valuable insights from the webinar is the emphasis on strategic planning. With the exam window now extended in many jurisdictions to 30 months (up from 18), candidates have more time to tailor their journey.

“Traditionally, candidates rushed to knock out FAR first because it is the most technical,” Maslott shares. “Now, you can start with what you're most comfortable with and build exam confidence before tackling FAR.”

Interestingly, many candidates are saving their discipline exam for last. And that’s fine. There’s no wrong way to approach the CPA Exam — it’s about knowing your strengths and pacing yourself accordingly.

Choosing your discipline: Follow your passion and strengths

Although there’s no one correct way to approach the exam, aligning your discipline section with your career interests and experience can be a good approach.

Thinking about Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)? Consider BAR.

Want to go into tax? TCP might be your path.

Interested in cybersecurity or systems? ISC could be the right fit.

But again, none of these choices limit your future options. And if you fail your chosen discipline section, you can switch to another discipline and still fulfill the requirement.

Another smart strategy is to pair a discipline and core section with overlapping topics, and schedule those exams back-to-back while the concepts are still fresh in your mind.

Some logical core/discipline pairings include:

• FAR + BAR: Both focus on financial accounting and concepts like revenue recognition and leases.
• AUD + ISC: ISC builds on attestation concepts familiar from audit, such as SOC engagements.
• REG + TCP: Ideal for those focused on tax and compliance.

Exam format and expert study tips

The CPA Exam is rigorous by design, testing a wide breadth of knowledge through multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. The task-based simulations, akin to real-world mini case studies, often pose the biggest challenge due to their reliance on higher-order thinking.

Maslott suggests:

• Start with multiple choice questions to build familiarity.
• Use AICPA’s sample tests to get familiar with the format and functionality of the CPA Exam testing software.
• Use the CPA Exam Blueprints to gain a better understanding of each section.
• Pay close attention to checkmarks in the Blueprints indicating higher-order tasks likely to be used in simulation questions.

“Task-based simulations are like the big problems at the end of a textbook chapter,” Maslott explains. You’re pulling together information and solving a real accounting problem.

Career outlook: CPA license opens doors

Passing the CPA Exam isn’t just about the title. It’s about opportunity.

“Having the CPA license opens so many doors,” Maslott affirms. You can go into public accounting, FP&A, advisory, audit, compliance — almost anywhere. And although your discipline may help tailor your learning, employers care most that you’re a CPA.

The CPA journey isn’t easy — and it’s not meant to be. Maslott reminds students that the average candidate fails at least two sections along the way.

“Don’t let bumps in the road discourage you,” he says. “Thousands of candidates pass every year. You can do it. Stick with it. Focus and study.”

You can unlock additional career tips by joining the AICPA as a Student Affiliate Member, which is completely free.

Hear the full conversation between Maslott and Richardson by watching the webinar from July 23 on exploring the CPA Exam disciplines.