The CPA exam is widely regarded as one of the most difficult professional licensing exams to pass.
Structure of the CPA Exam
The exam is divided into four different sections:
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Regulation (REG)
- New Discipline Sections: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Control (ISC), and Technology and Communication (TCP).
Each section is graded on a scale of one to 100, and candidates must score at least 75 points to pass. While earning a 75% doesn’t sound like it should be that hard, the overall pass rate for the first two quarters of 2012 was less than 50%, showcasing just how difficult the exam is.
Timing and Scheduling
To make things a little more challenging, candidates must pass all four sections within eighteen months after obtaining their first passing score. Additionally, there are only four testing windows each year (January-February, April-May, July-August, October-November), along with four “blackout” months (the third month of each quarter). Candidates cannot retake an exam section within the same window.
Developing a Test-Taking Strategy
Knowing this information, it is clear that developing a test-taking strategy is essential for the best chance of passing each exam section on the first try. After considering the eighteen-month time frame and the available testing windows, many CPA exam candidates wonder what the optimal order is to take the four sections of the exam.
Recommended Order of Sections
There are several different schools of thought on the best order. Many recommend starting with the most difficult section, which is typically FAR. Others suggest beginning with the easiest section to establish momentum and build confidence. However, each candidate is unique, and it’s important to examine personal strengths and weaknesses to determine the ideal test order.
Candidates should also consider what will provide them with the biggest mental boost: starting strong with the easiest section or eliminating the biggest obstacle by tackling the most difficult section first. Your experience, education, preparedness, and peer feedback will ultimately guide your decision on the order in which to take the exam.
Preparing for Each Section
Once you determine the best exam order for you, the next step is to develop a detailed study strategy for that particular section. Each of the four sections addresses very different topics, so you’ll need to prepare by studying material specifically designed for each section. Additionally, different sections feature various question formats ranging from multiple-choice to simulations, and some focus more on detailed calculations than others, requiring tailored preparation. Nearly all CPAs utilize a CPA review course prior to sitting for the exam.