CPA Exam
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 AICPA’s 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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7
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 CPA’s AICPA.org
Prometric Testing Center https://www.prometric.com/en-us/Pages/home.aspx
Free CPA Review Help
http://www.cpareviewforfree.com/
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