Everything You Need to Know Before Taking the CPA Exam

Preparing for the CPA Exam can feel overwhelming, but understanding the structure, requirements, and study strategies upfront can make the journey much smoother. In this guide, Supervisor Lucas Brunson breaks down the essentials, including exam sections, study tips, and planning advice, so you can begin your path to becoming a CPA with confidence.

Exam Overview

• The CPA Exam is broken into four parts: three Core exams and one chosen Discipline Exam.
  • Core Exams (all are required)
    • AUD – Auditing and Attestation
    • FAR – Financial Accounting and Reporting
    • REG ‐ Regulation
  • Discipline Exams (choose one)
    • BAR – Business Analysis and Reporting
    • ISC – Information Systems and Controls
    • TCP – Tax Compliance and Planning
  • Each exam has two multiple choice sections and three task-based simulation sections.
  • You must score a 75 or higher to pass (this is not 75%, but 75 points out of a possible 99 – easier questions have less weight, and harder questions have more weight towards total points).
  • Visit the AICPA website for more details on the exams, what’s tested, and score releases.

Getting Started

• Make sure you are eligible to take the exam based on your state’s requirements. You can find them on your State Board of Accountancy’s website, and they typically have age, citizenship, and academic credit hour requirements to be eligible.
• Think about your exam timeline – there is no requirement for what order to take each exam or when to get started, but after you pass your first exam you have a limited time to pass the other sections. So think ahead and develop a plan before you get started.
• Consider doing prep courses through a university or college. These are not for everyone, but they can offer structure, a professor to ask questions to, and college credit hours.

Study Materials

• Look into different study materials and determine which one is the right fit for you. They each offer unique practice questions/exams, video lectures, textbook/flash card options, live study options, etc.
  • If you do a university prep course, they will likely choose a study material for you to use.
  • Most sites offer a temporary free trial, so shop around and see which site works best for you.
• The most popular brands are Becker, UWorld, Surgent, and Gleim; some candidates also like to supplement with Ninja or other monthly subscription sites.
  • You generally get what you pay for with the materials, so the best ones tend to be more expensive. There are a ton of discounts and payment plans available though, so be sure to check for sales, ask for discounts through your university, or see if your work offers a reimbursement for materials and application fees.

Study Strategies

• Most candidates have multiple responsibilities while studying (school, work, family, etc.), so setting aside dedicated study time when you have it is key. Try to work out at least 15-20 hours a week where you can consistently study with no distractions, whether it be before/after work, between classes, or on the weekends.
• Your study material will help build a schedule for you, so once you determine your timeline and weekly study schedule, let your study material recommend a plan and do your best to stick to it.
• Multiple choice questions are your friend. They are quick ways to gauge your knowledge of a certain topic, so be sure to practice with them any chance you get. If you get one wrong, be sure to understand why you got it wrong. If you get it correct, ensure you know why it was correct and that it was not just a lucky guess.
• Try to set aside a week or so before exam day after you get through all of the material to do a comprehensive review. Review questions from earlier in the study process, do some practice exams, and go back over any sections that you feel less sure about.

Exam Day

• Once you have scheduled your exam, read the directions for your testing center on where to go, when to be there, and what to bring. It is always recommended to get to the testing center early to allow time for checking in and getting settled before beginning your exam.
  • The testing center will typically ask you to bring your Notice to Schedule (which you will receive once you apply for an exam) and valid forms of ID, and they will have instructions on what to do with other personal items, snacks/drinks, etc.
• If you have questions, reach out to your State Board or testing center ahead of time to ensure there are no issues once exam day comes.

Mindset and Mental Health

• The CPA Exam process is tough. It carries a large weight both mentally and emotionally and can be tough to get through for anyone. However, everyone has the ability to pass the exams with the right mindset and dedication. It’s not about how smart you are or what your GPA is, it’s about your perseverance and willingness to achieve your goal.
• Be sure to listen to yourself and understand when you are approaching a stage of burnout. This will be different for everyone, so try to incorporate mental health breaks and communicate with those around you for support when you need it.
• If you happen to fail an exam, try your best not to get discouraged. Pass rates are generally around 50% for each exam, so if you receive a low score, it’s best to take a couple weeks to re-study the parts of the exam you did weaker on and re-take it quickly.
• Be sure to celebrate the wins, whether it’s doing well on a practice quiz, not skipping a study day for a few weeks, or actually passing an exam. They are all worth celebrating and can help keep you going throughout the process. Before you know it, you’ll be a CPA!