How Long Is the CPA Exam? A Complete Guide to Duration, Sections, and Tips for Success

The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam is one of the most prestigious and challenging professional exams in the accounting field. Aspiring CPAs often wonder, “How long is the CPA exam?” The CPA exam consists of four sections, each focusing on different areas of accounting, and the time needed to prepare and take the exam can be daunting.

In this guide, we will break down the exam’s duration, its four sections, and offer essential tips to help you succeed.

How Long Is the CPA Exam?

Each section of the CPA exam varies in length, but in total, the exam spans 16 hours. Here’s a breakdown of how long each section lasts:

Core Exams:

Auditing and Attestation (AUD): 4 hours

Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): 4 hours

Regulation (REG): 4 hours

Plus one of the discipline section as mentioned below.

In total, candidates are allotted 16 hours to complete all four sections, but these sections can be taken individually, allowing flexibility in scheduling.

CPA Exam Sections: An Overview

Understanding the structure and content of each section is essential for effective preparation. Let’s look at each section in detail:

1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

Duration: 4 hours

Content: This section focuses on the auditing process, procedures, and standards, including ethics and independence.

Format: 72 multiple-choice questions and 8 task-based simulations.

2. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)

Duration: 4 hours

Content: FAR focuses on financial reporting frameworks used by businesses, nonprofits, and government entities.

Format: 66 multiple-choice questions and 8 task-based simulations.

3. Regulation (REG)

Duration: 4 hours

Content: REG covers taxation, ethics, professional responsibilities, and business law.

Format: 76 multiple-choice questions and 8 task-based simulations.

Discipline Part Exam:

In addition, candidates will need to pass one Discipline section related to three accounting disciplines. You have three CPA Discipline sections to choose from:

Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)

Information Systems and Controls (ISC)

Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

But still, the 2024 CPA Exam will be administered the same as the old exam. In addition, each section you take (3 Core sections and 1 Discipline section) will have a 4-hour exam, so the CPA Exam overall is still a 16-hour test.

How Long Do You Have to Complete the CPA Exam?

Candidates have 18 months from the date they pass their first exam section to pass the remaining three sections. If you fail to pass all four sections within this window, the score for your first passed section will expire, and you will have to retake it. This rolling 18-month window adds a layer of time pressure to the CPA exam journey.

Tips for Success: How to Pass the CPA Exam Efficiently

To maximize your chances of success and minimize the time spent on retakes, consider the following tips:

1. Create a Study Schedule

Effective time management is key. Break your study time into manageable chunks, dedicating at least 20-30 hours per week for CPA exam preparation. Schedule your study sessions according to the exam sections you find most challenging.

2. Focus on Weak Areas

Use CPA exam review courses, practice exams, and other study materials to identify your weak areas. Devote extra time to mastering these topics to improve your chances of success in all sections.

3. Simulate Exam Conditions

Take practice tests under timed conditions. This will not only help you get used to the exam’s format but will also ensure that you can manage your time effectively during the real exam.

4. Use Study Aids

There are numerous CPA exam prep courses available online, such as Becker, Wiley, and Surgent. These resources offer detailed study plans, video lectures, and practice exams that can significantly boost your chances of passing.

5. Stay Disciplined and Focused

The CPA exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Staying consistent with your study plan is crucial to covering all the material and avoiding burnout.

Conclusion: How Long Is the CPA Exam and How to Conquer It

So, how long is the CPA exam? The exam itself takes 16 hours to complete, with each section lasting 4 hours. However, the preparation required often takes months of dedicated study. By understanding the structure of the exam and implementing effective study strategies, you can conquer the CPA exam and achieve your goal of becoming a certified public accountant.

Prepare diligently, manage your time wisely, and stay motivated—success is within reach!

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