CPA Exam

The Uniform CPA Examination is a standardized test that an individual must pass before becoming a Certified Public Accountant in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, or the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. Passing the test is not in itself enough to become a Certified Public Accountant-education and experience are also necessary-but it is a critical component.

Individuals with a CPA enjoy instant respect and prestige in their careers. The certification provides evidence of drive, determination, and proficiency. CPAs work in public accounting firms, professional service firms, government, and even education. Being a certified public accountant makes it easier to find jobs, keep jobs, and gain promotions. Also, people with CPA licenses are the only ones allowed to perform the mandatory audits of publicly traded firms in the United States.

The CPA exam is offered through the joint efforts of three organizations: the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and Prometric, a part of the Thompson Corporation. The purpose of the examination, according to the CPA Examination Mission Statement, is "To admit individuals into the accounting profession only after they have demonstrated the entry-level knowledge and skills necessary to protect the public interest in a rapidly changing business and financial environment."

CPA Auditing and Attestation Exam Practice Questions
CPA Business Environment and Concepts Exam Practice Questions
CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting Exam Practice Questions
CPA Regulation Exam Practice Questions

The examination is offered in a computerized format and covers four broad topic sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Three of the topic sections include multiple-choice questions and condensed, simulated case studies. The fourth topic section, Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), currently includes only multiple-choice questions. There are plans to include simulated case studies in the Business Environment and Concepts topic section at some point in the future.

All questions on the examination are drafted, reviewed, and finalized by experienced CPAs. This helps ensure the validity and relevance of test materials. In addition, experts in the science of testing (a field known as psychometrics) help design, develop, and implement the test materials at every stage of the development process. Finally, experts in the field of test development aid in the process of creating every question.

You can apply to take the Uniform CPA Examination in any of the 54 scheduling jurisdictions in which the examination is currently offered. Keep in mind that the examination is not currently offered in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. It is offered during two months of every quarter; these two-month periods are known as "testing windows." Testing windows include January and February; April and May; July and August; and October and November. That means testing is not available in March, June, September, and December.

Candidates can take the individual topic sections of the examination in any order they wish, and in any testing order they wish. It is not necessary to take the topic sections all at one time. However, a candidate is not allowed to take the same topic section more than once within the same testing window. Once a candidate has passed one topic section, most state accountancy boards allow the candidate another 18 months to complete the other three topic sections. This rule varies in different jurisdictions. Candidates should check with their accountancy board for more specific information.