CPA Exam

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CPA Exam
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What is a CPA?

• CPA stands for certified public accountant
• This credential is highly respected in the
  accounting profession. This is one of many
  potential credentials you can earn throughout a
  career in accounting.

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First, does your career path need the CPA
credential

• Certain accounting professions do not require the
  CPA
• Example government accounting and many corporate
  accounting careers.
• CPA is not required for many accounting careers
  but it is a beneficial credential by adding a
  degree of credibility next to your name.

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Second, what are the CPA licensing requirements
for the state you want to work in

• Each state has different requirements for
  granting a CPA license
• Find out what the licensing requirements are for
  the state you want to work in.
• The 150 credit hour requirement is universal and
  is required by the AICPA. It is not a state
  licensing requirement.

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Licensing Requirements

• Successfully Complete all 4 sections of the CPA
  exam within a 18 month period.
• 2,000 working hours within a 36 month period
  verified by a CPA
• Successful Completion of the AICPAs Ethics Exam
• 150 educational units
• These requirements can differ by state

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CPA Exam Parts

• 4 Parts to the Exam
• Financial (FAR) financial accounting, US and
  IFRS, government and non profit.
• 4 hours 90 questions and 7 task based simulations
• Auditing(AUD) audit process
• 4 hours 90 questions and 7 task based simulations

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CPA Exam Parts

• Regulation (REG) taxation, business law, ethics,
  and professional responsibilities
• 3 hours 72 questions and 6 task based simulations
• Business (BEC) operations, economics, financial
  management, information technology
• 3 hours and 72 questions 3 written communication
  tasks.

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Application Process/Testing

• Can apply to take 1-4 sections at time. Then
  must take the sections applied for within 6
  months of payment to NASBA.
• Must complete all four parts within a 18 month
  period.
• Must apply for CPA license in the state you plan
  to be employed but can sit for the exam and test
  in any state.

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Testing Windows

• All 12 months in the year can be used for
  scheduling tests. But only 8 months out of the
  year are open for testing!
• Testing available during January, February,
  April, May, July, August, October, November.
• Testing not available during March, June
  September, and December.

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Studying for the exam

• 18 months go by quick!
• Find a study material that works best with your
  learning abilities and strengths. Just because
  one might be more expensive doesn't necessarily
  mean it's better.
• Note often the company you work for if in public
  accounting will pay for your study materials and
  will reimburse you for a portion or all costs to
  take exams the 1st time.

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Additional Informative Resources

• Idaho State Board of Accountancy ISBA.Idaho.gov
• National State Board of Accountancy NASBA.org
• American Institute of CPAs AICPA.org
• Prometric Testing Center https//www.prometric.co
  m/en-us/Pages/home.aspx
• Free CPA Review Help http//www.cpareviewforfr
  ee.com/