CPA Exam

The CPA Exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in accounting.

Structure and Format of the CPA ExamCore Accounting PrinciplesEthics and Professional Responsibility
Auditing Procedures and Risk AssessmentAdvanced Financial ReportingFederal Taxation and Business Law
Applying Accounting Concepts in PracticeTax Planning and ComplianceEthical Decision-Making in Accounting
Effective Study PlanningMastering Multiple-Choice and SimulationsTest Day Preparation and Mindset
Structure and Format...Core Accounting Prin...Ethics and Professio...Auditing Procedures ...Advanced Financial R...Federal Taxation and...Applying Accounting ...Tax Planning and Com...Ethical Decision-Mak...Effective Study Plan...Mastering Multiple-C...Test Day Preparation...
Basic Concepts

Structure and Format of the CPA Exam

Overview of the Exam

The CPA Exam is made up of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Each section focuses on different areas of accounting knowledge and skills.

Exam Sections

  • Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Focuses on auditing processes, ethics, and professional responsibilities.
  • Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): Covers business concepts, corporate governance, and information systems.
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): Deals with accounting principles for businesses, nonprofits, and governments.
  • Regulation (REG): Includes taxation, ethics, and business law.

Format and Timing

Each section consists of multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations, and, for BEC, written communication tasks. Exams are computer-based and each section is allotted four hours.

Scoring and Passing

Each part is scored on a scale of 0–99, with a passing score of 75. All four sections must be passed within an 18-month rolling window.

Real-World Application

Understanding the structure helps candidates plan their studies effectively and mimic real test conditions during practice.

Examples

  • A candidate schedules FAR and REG first, knowing they are more content-heavy.

  • A student practices written responses for BEC, as it is the only section with this task.

In a Nutshell

The CPA Exam has four sections, each with a unique focus and format.

Key Terms

Section
A major part of the CPA Exam covering a specific accounting area.
Task-Based Simulation
A practical scenario-based question type on the CPA Exam.
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Core Accounting Principles