Is passing the CPA exam a big deal?

Asked by: Dr. Juston Cole I  |  Last update: September 28, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (24 votes)

Passing the CPA Exam can not only help elevate your personal credentials, but may also help distinguish you from other candidates when applying to new positions. A new position may come with increased benefits, as employers know of the time investment and commitment that the CPA license demands.

What happens if you pass the CPA Exam?

Upon passing the CPA Exam, you will receive your CPA certificate. This is not a license to practice. There are other educational and professional work experience requirements for licensure that vary from state to state. Our certification section offers more details on these requirements.

Is it worth taking the CPA Exam?

It's no secret. Passing the CPA exam all but guarantees that if you play your cards right you will make well over $1 million dollars more during your entire career than if you never passed the CPA exam. Imagine what you could do with an extra million dollars!

What is the success rate of passing the CPA Exam?

The Uniform CPA Examination pass rate percentages are released by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and historically average around 45%-55%, varying by quarter and section.

Is it common to fail the CPA Exam?

Just know that you're not alone—the CPA Exam is hard. The CPA Exam has a pass rate of around 50%. So, though millions of candidates have passed the CPA Exam, many first faced failure along the way. Remember, not passing the CPA Exam doesn't mean you can't do this.

How I Passed All 4 Parts of the CPA Exam In 5 Months: Tips, Study Schedule + Template, Results

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How many people pass CPA on first try?

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%.

Why do so many people fail CPA exams?

Studying Inefficiently (Or Studying the Wrong Material)

Candidates who have disciplined study plans are more likely to pass the exam the first time around! Another common mistake that candidates make is not researching what specific concepts will be tested on the exam.

Is it impressive to be a CPA?

Highly-Esteemed Credential: CPAs are honestly considered as the best in the field of accounting since CPAs are finance professionals who have achieved expertise in areas that are way beyond a general accountant.

How hard is the CPA exam really?

The overall CPA Exam pass rates hover slightly below 50%. This makes passing the CPA Exam a difficult, but achievable, goal. You'll need to study wisely, set a strategy for managing your time, and call on your support network, but with the right plan and good study materials, you will conquer it.

Which part of CPA exam is hardest?

According to the AICPA's published pass rates, the hardest part of the Uniform CPA exam is FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting).

Is CPA worth it in Canada?

It's a long process to get a CPA in Canada. However, the career path is reliable and well regarded. CPAs benefit from strong earning potential and the ability to start their own accounting practice. Despite the hardship of the PEP and CFE, obtaining your CPA is well worth the work.

Is a CPA worth it in 2023?

For many people, the answer is a resounding yes. The CPA credential comes with many perks, including higher earnings potential, greater job security, and more opportunities for career advancement. And while the exam is challenging, it's not impossible to pass.

What is the downside of CPA?

Top public accounting firm positions often require longer hours than government or private company roles. Along with working long hours, you can also expect to dedicate some free time toward maintaining your CPA credential. State requirements usually involve a minimum number of training hours over each renewal period.

What is the average age to pass the CPA Exam?

CPA Exam Rate by Age

As per the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), the average age of qualified candidates in 2016 was 28.9 years at one of the examinations. In 2015, a NASBA report observed that the mean age of successful candidates was 29, with the median age being 25 years.

How many times can you fail CPA Exam?

You may take any unpassed section of the Uniform CPA Exam year-round. Your only restriction is waiting to receive your score from a previous attempt of the same section. Additionally, there is no limit as to the amount of times you may repeat a failed section.

Does your CPA Exam score matter?

It is vital to note that employers only care if you passed the CPA exam. They are less interested in your final score or how you performed in each section. Therefore, it's important to keep in mind that you don't need to worry about whether your passing scores will play a role in employment or promotion.

What is the hardest subject in CPA?

Here are the major topics that make up the structure of each of the CPA Exam sections.
  • Auditing & Attestation. ...
  • Financial Accounting & Reporting. ...
  • Business Environment & Concepts. ...
  • Regulation. ...
  • CPA Exam sections—hardest to easiest.
  • Among the four sections, FAR has a reputation for being the hardest. ...
  • Scoring weights.

How hard is the CPA exam Canada?

The CPA exam is a four-part, in-depth assessment of proficiency in all requirements for public accountancy. It is considered one of the most challenging professional exams on the planet. When the national pass rate is roughly 50%, you know it can't be an easy exam. Hundreds of hours of study time will be necessary.

Is the CPA as hard as the bar?

So, more Bar Exam candidates pass the Uniform Bar Exam vs. the CPA Exam. Therefore, I conclude that based on pass rates and the length of testing time required, the CPA Exam is harder than the Bar Exam, depending on where you take your Bar Exam.

Can a CPA be rich?

A CPA salary usually reaches the high five figures, and senior CPAs in management can earn a six-figure salary.

How respected is a CPA?

It's a highly respected title

Once they pass the CPA exam, they are required to perform a series of on-the-job training before they receive their official title as CPA. The process of becoming licensed typically spans several years, and individuals who obtain their license are highly regarded for that reason.

Is CPA a happy job?

On average, accountants rate the meaningfulness of their work a 2.3/5. The majority of accountants struggle to find any sort of meaning in their work, likely resulting in less satisfaction with the career overall.

What percentage of people pass all 4 CPA exams?

Specifically, in 2021, the cumulative CPA exam pass rate averaged between 45-63% across the four sections of the exam. In line with that trend, BEC averaged the highest CPA pass rate with a cumulative 63%. Preparation is key to doing your best on the CPA exam.

What is the hardest to easiest CPA exam?

FAR had the lowest pass rates, while BEC had the highest. AUD had the second-lowest pass rate, and REG had the second-highest pass rate. Therefore, the pass rates tell us that the hardest section of the CPA Exam is FAR, and the easiest section of the CPA Exam is BEC.

What is the lowest CPA pass rate?

Visit our BEC CPA exam guide for more information and tips! FAR: While we saw a slight increase from Q1'22 to Q2'22, that was short lived as the pass rate dropped below 45% on average for 2022. With a pass rate of 44.3% in Q3'22, FAR continues to have the lowest pass rate.