Everything You Need to Know About the CPA Exam

How many exams are there?

There are four CPA exams (FAR, REG, BEC, and Audit). There is no particular order in which a student must take the exams.

How hard are the exams?

The CPA journey is a long-term journey. Students typically take anywhere from 12-24 months to pass the exam. Therefore, you need to set clear study goals and hold yourself to them. If you consistently study, then you will pass. You need a 75 to pass each exam. You have 4 hour to complete the exam.

How is the exam structured?

Let’s take this exam by exam. The audit exam’s weighting is 50% on multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 50% on task-based simulations (TBS). The audit exam has 72 MCQs and 8 TBS.  

The FAR exam’s weighting is 50% on MCQs and 50% on TBS. The FAR exam has 66 MCQs and 8 TBS.

The REG exam’s weighting is 50% on MCQs and 50% on TBS. The REG exam has 76 MCQs and 8 TBS.  

The BEC exam has 62 MCQs, 4 TBS, and 3 written communications. The BEC exam’s weighting is 50% on MCQs, 35% on TBS and 15% on written communications.  

Should I sign up for a CPA Exam Review Course? 

Students should definitely find a CPA Exam Review Course for two reasons. First, a course has already grouped the exam content together to help you pass. Second, for a student to pass the exams, they need to learn through either video or outlines, in addition to applying knowledge through practice questions.