{"id":3047,"date":"2024-10-25T05:39:01","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T01:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mcclatchymhstg.wpenginepowered.com\/sabe-careers-education\/?p=3047"},"modified":"2026-06-19T06:36:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T14:36:08","slug":"what-is-the-cpa-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the CPA Exam?"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine running a marathon\u2014but instead of miles, you\u2019re tackling hours of testing! When I started my CPA Exam journey, I quickly realized that it might not involve running shoes, but it sure takes endurance. With multiple sections and timed challenges, it\u2019s evolved significantly over the years.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2024 CPA exam, as part of the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.evolutionofcpa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> CPA Evolution<\/a> initiative, now focuses more on technology and data analytics to meet the demands of modern accounting. Staying ahead of these changes and knowing what to expect will help you pace yourself and confidently cross that finish line on test day!<\/p> <p class=\"custom_key wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list custom_underline\"> <li><strong>CPA Exam Structure:<\/strong> The CPA exam is a comprehensive, four-part test designed to certify individuals as CPAs through a combination of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations.c<\/li> <li><strong>Core Sections:<\/strong> The exam has three core sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG)\u2014each assessing key knowledge areas in accounting.<\/li> <li><strong>Discipline Sections:<\/strong> After completing the core sections, candidates can choose from specialized Discipline Sections like Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP) to tailor their CPA exam experience to their career goals.<\/li> <li><strong>Educational Requirements:<\/strong> Most states require a bachelor\u2019s degree and 150 credit hours of coursework to be eligible for the CPA exam, along with specific experience working under a licensed CPA.<\/li> <li><strong>Testing Process:<\/strong> Candidates must schedule the exam through designated testing windows, complete all four sections, and meet state-specific educational and experience requirements.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-cpa-exam\"><strong>What is the CPA Exam?<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CPA exam is a challenging test that certifies individuals to become professional accountants. Administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/home\">AICPA<\/a>) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (<a href=\"https:\/\/nasba.org\/\">NASBA<\/a>), the Uniform CPA Examination assesses the knowledge and skills required for success in accounting.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CPA exam process involves scheduling through testing windows, passing all four CPA exam sections by studying with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/best-cpa-review-courses\/\">updated CPA prep course<\/a>, and meeting your state\u2019s educational and experience requirements. Each section combines multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations to measure both theoretical knowledge and practical application.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/resources\/article\/learn-more-about-cpa-exam-scoring-and-pass-rates\">Pass rates<\/a> typically range from 41% to 82%, with FAR having the lowest and AUD the highest, reflecting the different levels of difficulty across sections. This thorough process ensures that individuals who earn the CPA designation are well-prepared for the challenges of the profession.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-should-take-the-cpa-exam\"><strong>Who Should Take the CPA Exam?<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wondering if the CPA exam is for you? If you\u2019re thinking about a career in accounting or finance, this could be a great next step. Here are a few types of people who typically go for it:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Aspiring Public Accountants<\/strong>: If you\u2019re looking to dive into auditing, taxation, or financial reporting, this exam is for you.<\/li> <li><strong>Recent Accounting Grads<\/strong>: Just finished your degree in accounting or a related field? The CPA exam can boost your career.<\/li> <li><strong>Finance Pros<\/strong>: Already in finance but want to strengthen your accounting skills? The CPA exam helps you add another notch to your professional belt.<\/li> <li><strong>Business Managers<\/strong>: Want to get a better handle on the financial side of running a business? This exam can give you the knowledge you need.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Basically, if you\u2019re serious about leveling up in accounting or finance, the CPA exam is your ticket.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cpa-exam-requirements\"><strong>CPA Exam Requirements<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before taking the CPA exam, there are a few important requirements you\u2019ll need to meet. These will help ensure you\u2019re ready for the challenge ahead. Here\u2019s a quick overview of what to expect.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-education\"><strong>Education<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/strong>: Most states expect you to have a bachelor\u2019s degree in accounting or something similar.<\/li> <li><strong>150 Credit Hours<\/strong>: You\u2019ll usually need more than a standard four-year degree, with 150 semester hours of coursework under your belt.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-work-experience\"><strong>Work Experience<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Work Under a CPA<\/strong>: Many states require you to have 1\u20132 years of experience working under a licensed CPA. This gives you hands-on experience in areas like auditing, tax compliance, and financial reporting.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-age-and-residency\"><strong>Age and Residency<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Minimum Age<\/strong>: You\u2019re typically eligible at 18, though some states want you to be 21. Others don\u2019t have an age requirement at all.<\/li> <li><strong>Residency<\/strong>: Some states require you to live, work, or have an office in the state.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to the main requirements, some states require you to pass an ethics exam or take a course to ensure you understand professional ethical standards. Others may conduct a background check to verify your conduct and character. Since requirements vary by state, it\u2019s important to check the specific rules where you plan to get licensed to make sure you meet all the conditions.<\/p> <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"475\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/CPA_Exam_Infographics-475x1024.png\" alt=\"cpa exam roadmap\" class=\"wp-image-2895\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/CPA_Exam_Infographics-475x1024.png 475w, https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/CPA_Exam_Infographics-139x300.png 139w, https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/CPA_Exam_Infographics-70x150.png 70w, https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/CPA_Exam_Infographics.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px\" \/><\/figure> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-to-expect-on-the-cpa-exam\"><strong>What to Expect on the CPA Exam<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CPA exam is divided into multiple sections, with each one focused on assessing your understanding of various accounting topics. It\u2019s not just one big test\u2014it\u2019s broken down into core areas and more specialized topics to see if you\u2019re ready for the world of certified public accountants (CPAs).<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-core-sections\"><strong>Core Sections<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exam has three main sections that you\u2019ll need to tackle:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Auditing and Attestation (AUD)<\/strong><\/li> <li><strong>Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)<\/strong><\/li> <li><strong>Regulation (REG)<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each section tests your knowledge in specific areas. Let\u2019s break them down further.<\/p> <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-auditing-and-attestation\"><strong>Auditing and Attestation<\/strong><\/h4> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This part focuses on auditing processes and the role auditors play in ensuring accurate financial statements. Here\u2019s what\u2019s covered:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Ethics and Responsibilities<\/strong>: You\u2019ll face questions about the ethical practices needed in auditing. You might see scenarios where you need to decide the best action for staying objective and independent.<\/li> <li><strong>Risk Assessment<\/strong>: You\u2019ll need to evaluate the risks of financial misstatements and plan audit strategies accordingly.<\/li> <li><strong>Audit Evidence<\/strong>: Questions will ask about the types of evidence you need to back up your audit findings.<\/li> <\/ul> <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-financial-accounting-and-reporting\"><strong>Financial Accounting and Reporting<\/strong><\/h4> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FAR dives into the more detailed aspects of financial reporting, including:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Financial Statements<\/strong>: You\u2019ll be asked to prepare, analyze, and understand financial statements, including how to deal with complex transactions.<\/li> <li><strong>Government and Non-Profit Accounting<\/strong>: This area tests how well you understand the specific accounting standards for these organizations.<\/li> <\/ul> <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-regulation\"><strong>Regulation<\/strong><\/h4> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">REG covers the legal and tax side of accounting. Here\u2019s what to expect:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Federal Taxation<\/strong>: You\u2019ll be tested on tax rules for individuals, companies, and estates, with questions about tax planning and compliance.<\/li> <li><strong>Business Law<\/strong>: This part covers the legal aspects of business, like contracts and other legal issues that accountants deal with.<\/li> <li><strong>Professional Responsibilities<\/strong>: You\u2019ll also need to show an understanding of the legal and ethical standards that CPAs must follow.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-discipline-sections\"><strong>Discipline Sections<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve tackled the core sections of the CPA exam, there are specialized areas that focus on different aspects of accounting. These sections are for those looking to dive deeper into specific areas like business analysis, tech systems, or tax planning.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the specialized sections you\u2019ll encounter:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)<\/strong><\/li> <li><strong>Information Systems and Controls (ISC)<\/strong><\/li> <li><strong>Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each section is tailored to focus on particular skills needed for certain accounting roles. Let\u2019s break them down.<\/p> <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-business-analysis-and-reporting\"><strong>Business Analysis and Reporting<\/strong><\/h4> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re aiming for a role in financial analysis or corporate finance, this section is for you. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll cover:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Financial Statement Analysis<\/strong>: Learn how to read and interpret financial reports to assess a company\u2019s performance and health.<\/li> <li><strong>Corporate Financial Strategies<\/strong>: Dive into capital structure, investment strategies, and financial planning that companies use to stay competitive.<\/li> <\/ul> <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-information-systems-and-controls\"><strong>Information Systems and Controls<\/strong><\/h4> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Technology plays a huge part in modern accounting, and this section prepares you for that. It focuses on:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>IT Governance<\/strong>: How to manage IT resources effectively, which is crucial for positions like IT audit.<\/li> <li><strong>Cybersecurity<\/strong>: Learn about protecting financial data from cyber threats and ensuring systems are secure.<\/li> <\/ul> <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tax-compliance-and-planning\"><strong>Tax Compliance and Planning<\/strong><\/h4> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If tax is your thing, this section is where you\u2019ll specialize. You\u2019ll cover:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Advanced Tax Concepts<\/strong>: Federal tax laws and regulations for individuals and businesses are essential for tax compliance roles.<\/li> <li><strong>Tax Strategy<\/strong>: How to align tax planning with business goals\u2014perfect for those looking to work in corporate tax management or advisory roles.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These sections allow you to tailor your CPA exam experience based on what area of accounting you want to focus on, helping you build the specific skills needed for your career path.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-the-cpa-exam-works\"><strong>How the CPA Exam Works<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a breakdown of how the CPA exam is set up and what to expect:<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-timing-and-format\"><strong>Timing and Format<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CPA exam is taken at Prometric testing centers and includes multiple-choice questions along with task-based simulations that test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Each section lasts about 3 to 4 hours, so be prepared for a full day of focused testing.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CPA exam is offered in four testing windows throughout the year: January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December. It\u2019s a good idea to schedule your exam early, as spots tend to fill up quickly!<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cpa-exam-costs\"><strong>CPA Exam Costs<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cost of taking the CPA exam varies by state, but here\u2019s a general idea:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Initial Evaluation Fee<\/strong>: You\u2019ll likely pay between $50 and $200 for your educational credentials to be reviewed before you can take the exam. The exact amount depends on your state board\u2019s requirements.<\/li> <li><strong>Per Section Fee<\/strong>: Each section costs around $193 to $255, depending on your state. This fee includes charges from the AICPA, NASBA, and Prometric for test administration.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-after-you-take-the-test\"><strong>After You Take the Test<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve completed the CPA exam, you\u2019ll receive a notice of completion, and your official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/how-is-the-cpa-exam-scored\/\">CPA exam score<\/a> will be posted through your state board or NASBA account. If you don\u2019t pass a section, don\u2019t worry\u2014you\u2019ll have the opportunity to retake it during the next available testing window.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need to retake a section, it\u2019s important to stay focused and not get discouraged. With the continuous testing model, you won\u2019t have to wait long to jump back in and tackle it again.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As someone who has been a CPA for 15 years, I can confidently say that taking the CPA exam is one of the most challenging yet rewarding steps you can take in your accounting career. The skills you\u2019ll gain from the exam go beyond just passing; they prepare you for real-world scenarios and challenges you\u2019ll face in the profession.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The process might seem daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, you\u2019ll be well on your way to joining a respected and vital profession. Trust me, it\u2019s worth the effort!<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729746987390\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is the Uniform CPA Examination?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The Uniform CPA Examination is a standardized test administered by the AICPA to assess the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Public Accountant.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729746998051\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How long does it take to complete the CPA exam?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Each section of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/cpa-exam-length\/\">CPA exam is about 3-4 hours long<\/a>. Since the exam is divided into four sections, the total time commitment is around 16 hours. However, preparation time varies depending on your study plan.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729747006368\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I retake a section if I don\u2019t pass?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, you can retake any of the CPA exam sections if you don\u2019t pass. You\u2019ll need to wait until the next available testing window, and your new exam score will replace the previous one for that section.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729747014567\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What topics are tested across the CPA exam sections?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The CPA exam covers a wide range of topics across its sections, including financial accounting and reporting, auditing, taxation, and business law. Throughout the exam, you may also encounter content related to Federal Tax Procedures, which are crucial for understanding tax compliance, filing processes, and legal procedures.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729747021589\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What kinds of questions should I expect on the CPA exam?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The CPA exam consists of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. The simulations test how you apply accounting knowledge, including professional and legal responsibilities, in real-world scenarios.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imagine running a marathon\u2014but instead of miles, you\u2019re tackling hours of testing! When I started my CPA Exam journey, I quickly realized that it might not involve running shoes, but it sure takes endurance. With multiple sections and timed challenges, it\u2019s evolved significantly over the years. The 2024 CPA exam, as part of the CPA [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":3048,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3047","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-accounting"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/What-is-a-CPA-768x427.png","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is the CPA Exam?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the CPA exam structure, core and discipline sections, and key requirements. Get tips to help you prepare and succeed on your CPA Exam journey!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is the CPA Exam?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover the CPA exam structure, core and discipline sections, and key requirements. Get tips to help you prepare and succeed on your CPA Exam journey!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sacramento Bee - Careers &amp; Education\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-10-25T01:39:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-19T14:36:08+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/What-is-a-CPA.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"7501\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"4168\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"\",\"@id\":\"\"},\"headline\":\"What is the CPA Exam?\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-10-25T01:39:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-19T14:36:08+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1961,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/6\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/What-is-a-CPA.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Careers &amp; Education\",\"Accounting\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/\",\"name\":\"What is the CPA Exam?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/6\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/What-is-a-CPA.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-10-25T01:39:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-19T14:36:08+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"\"},\"description\":\"Discover the CPA exam structure, core and discipline sections, and key requirements. Get tips to help you prepare and succeed on your CPA Exam journey!\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729746987390\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729746998051\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729747006368\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729747014567\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729747021589\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/6\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/What-is-a-CPA.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/6\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/What-is-a-CPA.png\",\"width\":7501,\"height\":4168},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"What is the CPA Exam?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/\",\"name\":\"Sacramento Bee - Careers &amp; Education\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729746987390\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729746987390\",\"name\":\"What is the Uniform CPA Examination?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The Uniform CPA Examination is a standardized test administered by the AICPA to assess the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Public Accountant.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729746998051\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729746998051\",\"name\":\"How long does it take to complete the CPA exam?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Each section of the <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/cpa-exam-length\\\/\\\">CPA exam is about 3-4 hours long<\\\/a>. Since the exam is divided into four sections, the total time commitment is around 16 hours. However, preparation time varies depending on your study plan.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729747006368\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729747006368\",\"name\":\"Can I retake a section if I don\u2019t pass?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, you can retake any of the CPA exam sections if you don\u2019t pass. You\u2019ll need to wait until the next available testing window, and your new exam score will replace the previous one for that section.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729747014567\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729747014567\",\"name\":\"What topics are tested across the CPA exam sections?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The CPA exam covers a wide range of topics across its sections, including financial accounting and reporting, auditing, taxation, and business law. Throughout the exam, you may also encounter content related to Federal Tax Procedures, which are crucial for understanding tax compliance, filing processes, and legal procedures.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729747021589\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sacbee.com\\\/careers-education\\\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\\\/#faq-question-1729747021589\",\"name\":\"What kinds of questions should I expect on the CPA exam?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The CPA exam consists of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. The simulations test how you apply accounting knowledge, including professional and legal responsibilities, in real-world scenarios.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What is the CPA Exam?","description":"Discover the CPA exam structure, core and discipline sections, and key requirements. Get tips to help you prepare and succeed on your CPA Exam journey!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What is the CPA Exam?","og_description":"Discover the CPA exam structure, core and discipline sections, and key requirements. Get tips to help you prepare and succeed on your CPA Exam journey!","og_url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/","og_site_name":"Sacramento Bee - Careers &amp; Education","article_published_time":"2024-10-25T01:39:01+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-06-19T14:36:08+00:00","og_image":[{"width":7501,"height":4168,"url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/What-is-a-CPA.png","type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/"},"author":{"name":"","@id":""},"headline":"What is the CPA Exam?","datePublished":"2024-10-25T01:39:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-19T14:36:08+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/"},"wordCount":1961,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/What-is-a-CPA.png","articleSection":["Careers &amp; Education","Accounting"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/","url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/","name":"What is the CPA Exam?","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/What-is-a-CPA.png","datePublished":"2024-10-25T01:39:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-19T14:36:08+00:00","author":{"@id":""},"description":"Discover the CPA exam structure, core and discipline sections, and key requirements. Get tips to help you prepare and succeed on your CPA Exam journey!","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729746987390"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729746998051"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729747006368"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729747014567"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729747021589"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/What-is-a-CPA.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/10\/What-is-a-CPA.png","width":7501,"height":4168},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What is the CPA Exam?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/","name":"Sacramento Bee - Careers &amp; Education","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":""},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729746987390","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729746987390","name":"What is the Uniform CPA Examination?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The Uniform CPA Examination is a standardized test administered by the AICPA to assess the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Public Accountant.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729746998051","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729746998051","name":"How long does it take to complete the CPA exam?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Each section of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/cpa-exam-length\/\">CPA exam is about 3-4 hours long<\/a>. Since the exam is divided into four sections, the total time commitment is around 16 hours. However, preparation time varies depending on your study plan.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729747006368","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729747006368","name":"Can I retake a section if I don\u2019t pass?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, you can retake any of the CPA exam sections if you don\u2019t pass. You\u2019ll need to wait until the next available testing window, and your new exam score will replace the previous one for that section.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729747014567","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729747014567","name":"What topics are tested across the CPA exam sections?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The CPA exam covers a wide range of topics across its sections, including financial accounting and reporting, auditing, taxation, and business law. Throughout the exam, you may also encounter content related to Federal Tax Procedures, which are crucial for understanding tax compliance, filing processes, and legal procedures.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729747021589","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/what-is-the-cpa-exam\/#faq-question-1729747021589","name":"What kinds of questions should I expect on the CPA exam?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The CPA exam consists of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. The simulations test how you apply accounting knowledge, including professional and legal responsibilities, in real-world scenarios.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"first_category":{"name":"Accounting","url":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/accounting\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"attributes":[],"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3047"}],"collection":[{"attributes":[],"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"attributes":[],"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"attributes":{"embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"attributes":{"embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3047"}],"version-history":[{"attributes":{"count":3},"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3047\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"attributes":{"id":11983},"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3047\/revisions\/11983"}],"acf:post":[{"attributes":{"embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/external-author\/129"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"attributes":{"embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"attributes":[],"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3047"}],"wp:term":[{"attributes":{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3047"},{"attributes":{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3047"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}