prepared for
AC C O U N T I N G
C PA E X A M R E V I E W
prepared for
revolutionary changes
The CPA exam is transforming in 2011 to ensure the skills candidates
acquire match the needs of today’s changing accounting environment.
These changes are the most significant since the exam became
computerized in 2004. Beginning in 2011, the Uniform CPA Examination
will feature a new structure, format and content, along with enhanced
technology to improve the exam experience for all candidates.
•New Content and Skill Specifications (CSOs/SSOs)
New content and changes in the scope of knowledge and skills
reflect the responsibilities of today’s entry-level CPAs.
•International Standards
International standards, including International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) and International Standards on Auditing, will now be
covered in three of the four exam parts: Financial (FAR), Audit (AUD) and
Business (BEC).
•Task-Based Simulations (TBS)
TBS will now be included in Financial (FAR), Audit (AUD) and Regulation
(REG). Depending on the section, six or seven TBS will be presented in
one testlet. A new research task format will also be included based on the
FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ in Financial (FAR).
•Written Communication Tasks
Three written communication tasks will now be included in Business (BEC).
These changes will pave the way for faster score reporting,
giving candidates results in a timelier manner.
Learn more
about each
exam section
Financial
Audit
Regulation
Business
FI NANCIAL
financial accounting
& reporting (far)
2011 Exam Structure
Exam Time: 4 Hours
exam structure
• FAR contains 90 multiple choice
questions and seven task-based
Testlet 1: Multiple Choice
simulations.
• 60% of your overall score is on
60%
Testlet 2: Multiple Choice
multiple choice questions and 40%
is on task-based simulations.
Testlet 3: Multiple Choice
• No written communication tasks will
be included.
• A new research task format will be
40%
Testlet 4: Seven TaskBased Simulations
included.
• A new release of authoritative
literature, with FASB Codification™
will be introduced.
2011 CSOs
Area I
Conceptual Framework, Standards, Standard
Setting and Presentation of Financial Statements,
(First-time adoption of IFRS) (17–23%)
Area II
Financial Statement Accounts: Recognition,
Measurement, Valuation, Calculation, Presentation
and Disclosures (27–33%)
Area III
Specific Transactions, Events and Disclosures:
Recognition, Measurement, Valuation, Calculation,
Presentation and Disclosures (27–33%)
Area IV
exam content
In 2011, FAR covers two primary
topics: Financial Statements
and Government & Not-for-Profit
Accounting. Candidates often
find this section the most difficult
because of the sheer amount of
information covered.
Governmental Accounting and Reporting (8–12%)
The Impact of International
Area V
Not-for-Profit (Nongovernmental) Accounting
and Reporting (8–12%)
Standards
In FAR, questions on International
Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) will focus on identifying and
understanding the difference between
financial statements prepared on
the basis of U.S. GAAP and those
prepared on the basis of IFRS.
AU D I T
auditing
& attestation (aud)
2011 Exam Structure
Exam Time: 4 Hours
exam structure
• AUD contains 90 multiple choice
questions and seven task-based
Testlet 1: Multiple Choice
simulations.
• 60% of your overall score is on
60%
Testlet 2: Multiple Choice
multiple choice questions and 40%
is on task-based simulations.
Testlet 3: Multiple Choice
• No written communication tasks will
be included.
• A new research task format will be
40%
Testlet 4: Seven TaskBased Simulations
included.
2011 CSOs
exam content
Area I
Engagement Acceptance and Understanding
the Assignment (12–16%)
Area II
Understanding the Entity and Its Environment
(including Internal Control) (16–20%)
approximately the same.
Area III
Performing Audit Procedures and Evaluating
Evidence (16–20%)
The Impact of International
Area IV
Evaluating Audit Findings, Communications
and Reporting (16–20%)
Area V
Accounting and Review Service Engagements
(12–16%)
Area VI
Professional Responsibilities (including Ethics
and Independence) (16–20%)
In 2011, AUD includes a review of
six major areas and all are weighted
Standards
In AUD, you will need to be familiar
with the International Auditing and
Assurance Board (IAASB) and its role
in establishing International Standards
on Auditing (ISAs).
R E G U L AT I O N
regulation (reg)
2011 Exam Structure
Exam Time: 3 Hours
exam structure
• REG contains 72 multiple choice
questions and six task-based
Testlet 1: Multiple Choice
simulations.
• 6
0% of your overall score is on
60%
Testlet 2: Multiple Choice
multiple choice questions and 40% is
on task-based simulations.
Testlet 3: Multiple Choice
• N
o written communication tasks
will be included.
• A
new research task format will be
40%
Testlet 4: Six TaskBased Simulations
included.
2011 CSOs
Area I
Ethics, Professional and Legal Responsibilities
(15–19%)
exam content
In 2011, REG will have an emphasis
on three major areas: Federal Taxation,
Area II
Business Law (17–21%)
Area III
Federal Tax Process, Procedures, Accounting and
Planning (11–15%)
Area IV
Federal Taxation of Property Transactions (12–16%)
Area V
Federal Taxation of Individuals (13–19%)
Area VI
Federal Taxation of Entities (18–24%)
Business Law and Ethics.
BUSINESS
business environment
& concepts (bec)
2011 Exam Structure
Exam Time: 3 Hours
exam structure
• BEC contains 72 multiple choice
questions and three written
Testlet 1: Multiple Choice
communication tasks.
• 85% of your overall score is on
85%
Testlet 2: Multiple Choice
multiple choice questions and 15%
is on written communication tasks.
Testlet 3: Multiple Choice
15%
Testlet 4: Three Written
Communication Tasks
2011 CSOs
exam content
Area I
Corporate Governance (16–20%)
In 2011, BEC includes a review of
six major areas and all are weighted
Area II
Economic Concepts and Analysis (16–20%)
Area III
Financial Management (19–23%)
Area IV
Information Systems and Communication (15–19%)
approximately the same.
The Impact of International
Standards
In BEC, questions pertaining to
international standards will test your
grasp of globalization in the business
Area V
Strategic Planning (10–14%)
Area VI
Operations Management (12–16%)
environment.
positioned for success.
Being prepared requires foresight and agility. Becker Professional
Education has both. For candidates preparing with our CPA Exam
Review for the 2011 exam, that translates into a review program that
has been redesigned and updated to mirror the new exam. We’ve
“Your review course offers so much
and mirrors the CPA Exam to a ‘T’!
Thank you so much for making my
life easier.”
— Kristin Alongi
Becker alum
retooled all our course components to ensure they mirror the content,
structure and functionally of the 2011 exam in every way. We met the
challenge when the exam went computer-based in 2004, and we’re
poised to do it again.
With stellar marks from our previous candidates and peer groups,
“I passed all four sections on the
Becker has reached the pinnacle of the exam review industry. And
first try using Becker. Recipe for
we’re not going anywhere. Our subject matter specialists and exam
success: buy Becker, study, pass.”
experts continually update the content of our CPA review program to
— Jon Bell
ensure that outdated material is eliminated and that our candidates
only study what is most likely to appear on the exam.
count on becker to
prepare you to pass.
Why choose Becker Professional Education to prepare for the
CPA Exam? It works. No other review program comes close to
matching Becker.
•Highest Pass Rates—Students who prepare with Becker pass
at double the rate of non-Becker candidates.*
•Greater Success—Over 400,000 candidates have successfully
passed the exam using Becker, more than any other review provider.
•World-Class Review Course—Becker offers a completely
integrated program that maximizes your study time and replicates
the exam in every way, giving you the greatest chance of passing.
•Greater Experience—Becker Professional Education has been
helping prepare students for the CPA Exam for more than 50 years.
We know what works.
*B ecker Professional Education students pass at twice the rate of all CPA Exam candidates
who did not take a Becker review course, based on averages of AICPA-published pass rates.
Data verified by an independent, third-party firm.
Becker alum
comprehensive. integrated. proven.
Becker Professional Education’s learning approach allows you to deepen your understanding, sharpen your
test-taking skills, and build your confidence for exam day. Each component aligns directly with one of the four
essential elements of effective preparation: Understand. Apply. Practice. Review.
This approach is grounded in a highly structured methodology, and it’s designed, updated and taught by
CPAs and exam experts. The result? You progress seamlessly and efficiently through your review course
without overlap in information or redundant effort and are ready for success on exam day.
apply
understand
• Textbooks
• Expert Instruction
practice
• PassMaster™ Interactive
Comprehensive and exceptionally
Over 100 hours of instruction from
Software
easy to use. Include hundreds of
the best-of-the-best subject matter
Mirrors exam interface with over
past exam questions.
specialists and exam experts.
6,000 multiple choice questions—
more than other review providers.
Questions link directly to the
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
• Convenient Lecture Review and Make Up
Complete access to our lecture library from Becker’s expert national instructors.
• Unlimited Academic Support
Unlimited access to online academic and personalized support that provides
highly targeted answers to your specific questions.
applicable pages in electronic
textbooks and lectures.
• Complete Simulations
Only Becker provides complete
simulations that mirror those
found on the CPA Exam. There
are over 100 individual tasks
available for practice.
review
• Final Exam and Simulation
Software
Mirrors functionality and content of the
actual CPA Exam so you can become
familiar with the Computer-Based Test
(CBT) environment. Includes two final
practice exams per part.
Other Review Materials:
•Flashcards (optional)
Over 1,000 cards to help you
commit to memory the most
important principles. Available in
traditional or mobile app formats.
•Final Review (optional)
the becker promise.®
We are so convinced that our CPA Exam Review will prepare
you to succeed on the exam that we offer The Becker Promise.
If you utilize Becker but do not pass the CPA Exam, you may
repeat our course at no additional tuition charge if you satisfy
our requirements. We’re that committed to your success.
The only on-demand product
of its kind for intensive,
last-minute preparation.
Visit becker.com/2011 to learn more about the 2011 CPA Exam.
THREE FLEXIBLE FORMATS
LIVE
Engaging, knowledgeable
instructors and dynamic
technology that create
an unrivaled CPA Exam
Review experience.
ONLINE
The structure of a weekly
class and regular interaction
with your instructor and
peers, but with the flexibility
to attend anytime, anywhere
via the Internet—or to
review course materials and
software offline anytime.
SELF-STUDY
Freedom to study at a
self-determined pace,
whenever and wherever
it’s convenient.
®
becker.com/cpa
877.CPA.EXAM
(877.272.3926)
Visit becker.com/2011 to learn more
about the 2011 CPA Exam and how Becker
can help you pass. Also be sure to register
ACCOUNTING | FINANCE | PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Content and Skill Specification Outlines (CSOs/SSOs) that detail the specific testable content
on each of the exam parts are available through the AICPA. Visit cpa-exam.org.
©2010 DeVry/Becker Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved.
A:10-982:02:10M:8/10
for our automatic 2011 update alerts.
AC C O U N T I N G
ONE GREAT COURSE