How many people pass CPA on first try?
Asked by: Dr. Virginia Gaylord I | Last update: October 27, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (43 votes)
About half of the individuals who take the
Is it common to fail the CPA Exam?
Having to retake the CPA Exam is nothing to be embarrassed about. The 2024 pass rates of all exam sections average just 54.4%, which is very similar to the numbers from previous years. This means that many other candidates have been in your shoes and go on to become successful CPAs.
How many tries to pass the CPA Exam?
The AICPA does not limit the number of times you may take the CPA Exam. With a pass rate of ~50%, steep examination requirements, and regularly updating materials, many candidates will find themselves taking one or more sections multiple times on their path to the CPA certification.
At what age do most people pass CPA?
While the average CPA Exam candidate is just 29 years old,3 there are no age limitations on who can become a CPA. In fact, if you're mature in your career, there are many benefits of earning your CPA license later in your career.
What percent of people never pass the CPA?
The overall pass rate of the CPA Exam hovers around 50%, but how many people manage to pass all four sections—including three core and one discipline—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.
CPA with JUST 120 credit hours NEW rule in 2025!
What percent pass the CPA Exam on the first try?
What are the pass rates for each section of the CPA Exam? Now let's discuss what's top of mind for all CPA Exam candidates–passing it. 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%.
Is CPA harder than CFA?
CFA vs CPA Difficulty Levels of Each Profession
Each designation is difficult in its own way. The CPA has a harder entry barrier, given the work experience sign off requirements and the confirmation of 150 accredited hours.
What is the hardest professional exam to pass?
- UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) ...
- All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam. ...
- USMLE. ...
- Master Sommelier Diploma Exam. ...
- ICAI CA/ ICMAI CMA Exams. ...
- CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) ...
- Mensa International. ...
- CFA.
Which CPA exam is the hardest?
How hard is the FAR CPA exam? The FAR section of the CPA Exam is hard because it's the most comprehensive of the 4 exam sections, and it has a lot of math questions that are mentally taxing to get through. It has the lowest pass rate of all 4 exam sections and is considered the hardest CPA Exam section.
Is 75 a passing score for CPA?
The CPA Exam is scored on a scale from 0 to 99, and a CPA passing score for each section is a minimum of 75.
Which university has the highest CPA pass rate?
- University of Pennsylvania: 90.9%
- Rice University: 90.8%
- University of Texas – Austin: 89.5%
- Brigham Young University: 89.4%
- Wake Forest University: 88.8%
Do you need to be smart to pass the CPA Exam?
The Certified Public Accountant ("CPA") exam is notoriously challenging. Some have labeled it as one of the most challenging professional exams in the world. Yet the secret to passing it, as I discovered, is not brains. It's a creative imagination.
How many times can I fail the CPA?
Unlimited Retakes: You can retake the CPA exam sections as many times as needed. However, you must pass all sections within 18 to 30 months after passing the first section.
Is CPA test difficult?
The CPA exam is considered one of the most challenging professional exams, with a comprehensive assessment of accounting knowledge and skills, requiring a deep understanding and strategic approach to excel.
Is CPA harder than MBA?
An MBA is a longer and more intensive education credential than a CPA. However, CPA examinations are notoriously difficult and can take several years to complete if not worked on full-time. A CPA will likely be more difficult than an MBA for those who are less strong in areas like mathematics and statistics.
Who gets paid more CFA or CPA?
CFA Charterholder vs. CPA Salary. Salaries can vary widely for both CFAs and CPAs based on location, experience level, and company size. That being said, according to Payscale the average salary for a CFA is $102,000 and the average salary for a CPA is $94,000.
Is a CPA prestigious?
The CPA designation is considered prestigious due to its rigorous requirements, including extensive education, a challenging exam, and relevant work experience. It signifies a high level of expertise and commitment to the field, making CPAs trusted financial advisors and leaders in the accounting industry.
Are CPA exams curved?
The CPA Examination is not curved. Every candidate needs to score 75 points in each section to pass the exam. The score of every candidate is entirely independent of other candidates.
Can you be an accountant without a CPA?
While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs. In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and CPA licensure data, only about 50% of accountants in the United States are actively licensed CPAs.
Is CPA harder than ACCA?
Both ACCA and CPA are equally challenging and require a significant amount of hard work and diligence to pass the exams. The CPA exam has four sections and a time limit of 18 months, while the ACCA exam has up to 13 papers. Candidates must meet specific education and experience requirements varying by state.
Who is the youngest chartered accountant in South Africa?
Shaah Bootha stepped right out of high school at 15 to pursue a BCom degree at North-West University. Going beyond just qualifying as the youngest CA(SA) in South Africa, Shaah proudly ranked in the Top 10 Honours Roll too.
Who is the father of CPA?
The Italian Luca Pacioli, recognized as The Father of accounting and bookkeeping was the first person to publish a work on double-entry bookkeeping, and introduced the field in Italy. The modern profession of the chartered accountant originated in Scotland in the nineteenth century.
Is CPA still a good career?
Better Employment Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for people with their CPA license is expected to grow by 22 percent by 2028.