Overview
The CPA exam is a critical milestone for accounting professionals, serving as the gateway to a respected and rewarding career. Of course, candidates do fail sometimes, so it is important to know how many times you can take the CPA exam. With its rigorous standards, the exam is designed to ensure that only those with a thorough understanding of accounting principles and practices can earn the CPA designation. However, due to the exam’s difficulty, many candidates find themselves needing to retake sections to achieve a passing score.
Can You Retake the CPA Exam?
If you’re concerned about the possibility of retaking the CPA exam, you’ll be relieved to know that there is no limit on the number of times you can attempt it.
The new CPA Exam, effective starting in 2024, introduces a “Core + Discipline” model. Candidates must pass three core sections:
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Auditing (AUD), and Regulation (REG)—covering essential knowledge.
They then choose one of three discipline sections to specialize in:
Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).
This model allows candidates to demonstrate both breadth in core accounting skills and depth in a chosen specialty, aligning the exam more closely with evolving industry demands.
Candidates have the flexibility to retake any section as many times as needed until they pass.
However, there is a crucial time constraint to keep in mind. Once you pass your first section, you have a limited time window—typically between 18 to 30 months, depending on your state’s regulations—to pass the remaining three sections. Failing to pass all sections within this timeframe will result in the expiration of your credit for the first section passed, meaning you’ll have to retake it.
Strategies for Retaking the CPA Exam
The CPA exam is notoriously challenging, and it’s not uncommon for candidates to require multiple attempts to pass all sections. To improve your chances of success on subsequent attempts, it’s essential to review your performance reports carefully. These reports highlight your strengths and weaknesses, helping you identify the areas that need more focus.
Adjusting your study plan to address these weaknesses is key to a successful retake. Consider revisiting the concepts you struggled with and dedicating more time to practice questions and simulations in those areas. To further enhance your preparation, explore our CPA Review Course Comparison available on CPAexam.com. These courses can provide you with the structured support you need to tackle the exam with confidence.
Maximizing Your Chances of Passing
Investing in a comprehensive CPA review course is one of the most effective ways to boost your chances of passing the exam. A well-structured review course offers in-depth coverage of the exam content, practice questions that mimic the actual exam format, and study tools tailored to your learning style. For a detailed comparison of the best CPA review courses, click here.
Additionally, gaining a solid understanding of the CPA exam content and format is crucial for a well-rounded study approach. Explore this guide on CPAexam.com to familiarize yourself with the exam’s structure, question types, and the key topics covered in each section.
Conclusion
Passing the CPA exam is a challenging journey, but with perseverance, determination, and the right resources, it’s an achievable goal. Many candidates who faced setbacks along the way have gone on to successfully earn their CPA license. Beyond the exam, becoming a CPA opens doors to numerous career opportunities, offering benefits that extend far beyond salary increases.
We encourage you to explore the wealth of resources available on CPAexam.com to support you on your path to becoming a CPA. Whether you’re preparing for your first attempt or gearing up for a retake, CPAexam.com is here to help you succeed.