Exam Facts
The information below is a brief overview regarding the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Examination. Individuals planning to take the CPA Exam are strongly encouraged to review the updated information posted on the Web sites listed below.

What is the Uniform CPA Examination?
The Uniform CPA Examination is the exam that individuals must pass in order to qualify for licensure as Certified Public Accountants in any of the 55 U.S. jurisdictions (the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands).

The CPA Exam is one of the "Three Es" - Education, Examination, and Experience - that are required for licensure as a CPA.

What is the purpose of the CPA Exam?
According to the CPA Examination Mission Statement, the purpose of the Exam is "To admit individuals into the accounting profession only after they have demonstrated the entry-level knowledge and skills necessary to protect the public interest in a rapidly changing business and financial environment."

What is the CPA Exam like?
The Candidate Bulletin is the official handbook for individuals who plan to take the CPA Exam. It covers topics such as how to apply, how and when to schedule the examination, what rules are in effect at test centers, when to expect scores, and what topics are covered on the Exam.
Download the bulletin.

What is the structure of the CPA Exam?
The CPA Exam consists of four sections:

Auditing and Attestation (AUD). This section covers knowledge of auditing procedures, generally accepted auditing standards and other standards related to attest engagements, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.
Business Environment and Concepts (BEC). This section covers knowledge of general business environment and business concepts that candidates need to know in order to understand the underlying business reasons for and accounting implications of business transactions, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR). This section covers knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles for business enterprises, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental entities, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.
Regulation (REG). This section covers knowledge of federal taxation, ethics, professional and legal responsibilities, and business law, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.

What is the format of the CPA Exam?
The CPA Exam is available only in a computer-based format.

When is the CPA Exam administered?
The Exam is offered 5 (and sometimes 6) days per week during two months of every quarter. (These periods are known as "testing windows.") Testing is available in January & February; April & May; July & August; and October & November. Testing is NOT available in: March, June, September, and December.

How much does it cost to take the CPA Exam?
Fees vary from one jurisdiction to another. For information about fees in a specific state or territory, visit the appropriate Board of Accountancy Web site.

What other requirements are needed to become a CPA?
Licensure regulations vary by state and are available at http://www.nasba.org/nasbaweb.nsf/exam. CPA Exam candidates are encouraged to apply to sit for the Exam in the state in which they plan to practice.