How long is one CPA Exam?

Asked by: Kariane Gulgowski PhD  |  Last update: December 21, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (1 votes)

The CPA Exam is a four-part exam that tests entry-level accountants' skills to practice public accounting. The exam contains four separate exams, referred to as sections. Testing time totals 16 hours, equal to four hours per section, and assessment occurs at the Prometric test center. The CPA Exam is changing in 2024!

How many hours is each CPA Exam?

The current version of the CPA Exam is four parts and takes a total of 16 hours. Once you pass your first exam section, you'll have 18 months to finish the remaining three parts.

Which CPA Exam is the longest?

Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) section of the CPA Exam is the longest and by far the most comprehensive section of the CPA Exam. This part of the exam requires that CPA candidates have a strong knowledge of US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

What is the shortest CPA Exam?

There are several reasons why the BEC section is considered the easiest section of the four. In addition to the fact that it covers the least material and is of the shortest of the four exam sections, BEC also does not have any simulation questions; however, it does contain 3 written communication questions.

How long is CPA Exam in India?

CPA is a 4-hour long exam that is divided into four sections. These sections are created to assess the skills and knowledge of candidates. A candidate must finish all sections within the 18-month testing window. You are allowed to pause the exam time for 15 minutes only after third testlet.

How Long Should I Study for the CPA Exams?

38 related questions found

Is doing CPA in India worth it?

CPA gives multidimensional job opportunities in auditing, business and management consulting, information technology (IT), international financial reporting and tax advisory services, to name a few. With the prestigious international credentials, CPAs are currently the top-earning professionals in the world.

How much does CPA cost in India?

INR 235,931/-

* Expenses may vary slightly depending on the selection of the evaluation agency and state board.

Can you pass CPA in 6 months?

Students, recent graduates, and people with plenty of time to study should aim to sit for and pass all 4 sections of the CPA Exam in about 6 months. This would have you taking an exam every 6-7 weeks and studying about 22-26 hours each week.

Which CPA is hardest?

Often considered the most difficult exam, Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) has had the lowest passing scores of the four exams. The amount of material CPA Exam candidates have to learn for the exam, coupled with the combination of memorization and application, makes this exam more difficult.

Is 75 passing on the CPA Exam?

To pass a CPA Exam section, you must score a minimum of 75. Have you ever wondered how the AICPA calculates your CPA Exam section scores? Scores are reported on a scale that ranges from 0 to 99.

How fast can you finish CPA?

You must complete all the CPA exam sections within 18 months for successful licensure. An average CPA candidate requires 9-14 months to pass all the sections of the CPA Examination. However, this period may vary as per your familiarity with the material, acquired skills, and study time devoted.

How many pass CPA Exam first time?

About half of the individuals who take the CPA Exam don't pass on their first attempt. According to the AICPA, the national average pass rate is 45-55%. Cumulative pass rates reported by the AICPA for the calendar year 2021 show that FAR had the lowest pass rate at 44.54% and BEC had the highest pass rate at 61.94%.

Which CPA Exam to take first?

Which CPA Exam to take first? Here is our recommendation for the CPA Exam order: start with BEC, before the CPA Exam changes in 2024. The Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) section will experience the biggest change between the current CPA Exam and CPA Evolution.

Can we do CPA from India?

Indian B.Com graduates are eligible to take the CPA exam as each year of university education in India is equivalent to 30 semester credits of US Education, totalling to 90 credits at the end of 3 years.

Is CFA harder than CPA?

The pass rates for the CFA and CPA exams are similar, but the CFA certification typically takes candidates several years longer to obtain than the CPA certification. In that respect, the CFA certification is typically viewed as harder than the CPA because of the greater time commitment and work experience requirements.

Is CPA exam multiple-choice?

CPA Exam Structure

The CPA exam has 276 multiple-choice questions, 28 task-based simulations, and three writing portions. These are divided into four main sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD) Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)

Which part is easiest in CPA?

CPA Exam Written Communication Testlets

BEC is the only CPA exam section with WCTs. Some students find this makes the exam easier, but some do find WCTs to be harder than TBSs. Either way, BEC is considered the easiest part of the CPA exam because it has the highest pass rate.

Is it stressful being a CPA?

While tax time is irksome for business owners, it can be teeth-grindingly stressful for the accountants who assist their clients. In a typical season, accountants can work anywhere from 50-to-80 hours a week, not only providing strategic tax advice but helping set up each client for success throughout the year.

Is CPA stressful?

It can be a stressful job

The higher your accounting role, the more money you work with and the more access you have, which directly translates to more responsibilities and stress.

Is 30 too old for CPA?

You are absolutely not too old to become an accountant.

How to pass CPA exam first try?

Here are 6 tips to help you study successfully:
  1. Create a study plan. ...
  2. Go through as many CPA multiple-choice questions as possible. ...
  3. Use CPA flashcards. ...
  4. Complete a set of 30 cumulative multiple-choice questions daily. ...
  5. Download a mobile app to do practice questions in your downtime.

Can I pass the CPA the first time?

The overall pass rate for each section of the CPA exam hovers around 50%, but how many people manage to pass all four sections on the first try? About 20%. Around 1 in 2 people will pass a specific section of the exam, and about 1 in 5 people will pass each section on their first try.

What is the minimum salary of CPA in India?

An Entry Level CPA with less than three years of experience earns an average salary of ₹2.1 Lakhs per year. A mid-career CPA with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹2.6 Lakhs per year, while an experienced CPA with 10-20 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹17.5 Lakhs per year.

What is the maximum salary of CPA in India?

In the private sector, the average salary for a CPA in India is around INR 6-9 lakhs per annum, with salaries ranging from INR 3-25 lakhs per annum depending on the industry and level of experience.