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.