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Compared to the more memorization-based concepts on the other three exams, the ability to apply concepts to specific situations is the key to passing. Often, there is a “best answer” on AUD multiple-choice questions (MCQs) instead of a clear-cut correct answer. How Difficult Is the CPA Exam? Questions on the CPA Exam are not equally rated and are scaled by the AICPA based on their difficulty. Scores on AUD, REG and FAR are based on a weighted combination of scaled scores between the multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations.
For the taxation questions, you will be required to apply your knowledge to challenging questions and simulations. Conversely, you can get by relying on rote memorisation for the business law content. I realized that in order for me to actually pass the exams in 4-6 months, I needed to study at least 6 days a week and long hours, too. This is a very serious commitment and a lifestyle change that I would have to integrate into my life. However, after pushing myself so hard in college my last year, I realized that I did not want to study 6 days a week and push myself so hard until burnout.
How hard is the CPA Exam?
If you’re an international candidate, the travel time can be especially difficult if the CPA Exam is not offered in your home country. Gleim’s Personal Counselors have helped candidates pass over a million CPA Exams, so you can rely on their expertise. The Gleim Time Management System sets time goals for each testlet of the CPA Exam. By following our time allocation recommendations, you can ensure you have enough time for each question in every testlet.
You are given an 18-month window, starting from the date you pass your first section, in which you are able to take the remaining three sections of the test in any order you prefer. Our expert instructors will show you how to structure time for each exam part, providing valuable time-saving tips along the way. The tools and materials contained within Becker’s CPA Exam Review course are specially designed to mirror the CPA Exam interface. So on exam day, you can focus on answering the questions, not figuring out the format, features, and functions. These figures can be daunting, but you shouldn’t be discouraged. CPA candidates don’t have to prepare alone, and our data shows that the right preparation can deliver a passing score for the CPA.
Still, the CPA Exam is Totally Passible!
I talk about many different ways to study properly in my 6 Month CPA course, but it all starts with putting in the time. That means it is supposed to cover everything you are supposed to know up to this point in your accounting career. For example, the FAR section covers information from your 100, 200, 300, and 400 level financial accounting courses.
Your total score is a weighted combination of scaled scores from multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and task-based simulations (TBSs). It also includes questions regarding compilations, reviews, attestation engagements, and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct. If you have experience working in auditing, or have recently taken a course in auditing, you might want to take this section while the information is fresh in your head. Most people like to take this section after the FAR part of the exam is complete, but there is no rule. The written communications tasks are only found in the Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) part of the exam.
How much time does the exam require?
Always in-demand, becoming a CPA is a future-proof endeavor that can set you up for life. You should give yourself enough time to properly prepare for each exam. You need to understand the concepts and be able to apply them, especially in the new exam climate. Plus, candidates also tend to have problems with governmental accounting, financial management, and fund accounting. Although these subjects don’t show up very often on FAR, they are present.
The next testlet will be the same level or slightly more difficult based on your performance. More information on the use of multistage adaptive questions may be found in the scoring FAQs. For the BEC section, your total score is a weighted combination of the scaled scores from the MCQs, TBSs, and written communication tasks. The BEC section also has a unique weighting, since it is the only part of the exam that contains written communications tasks (WCTs).
Get in the Right Mindset
To prepare for the CPA exam, candidates typically take a review course or self-study program. These programs provide candidates with a comprehensive review of the material covered on the exam, as well as practice exams and study materials. The content covered by the 4 sections of the CPA Exam is both wide-ranging and deep.
- The road to becoming a CPA may not be easy, but it’s certainly well worth it.
- The AICPA uses different types of questions to test its material.
- The CPA exam is a thorough break out of anything and everything academic that you may see within the accounting profession.
- If you do pass the CPA exam the first time, you’ll be among only about 30% of fellow test-takers.
- Each task represents a key knowledge or skill required of CPAs, and these tasks are judged at different difficulties or skill levels.
- Most CPA candidates allow themselves the full 18 months to complete the four sections.