Navigating the CPA Exam: A Guide to the Uniform CPA Exam Format

CPA Exam Structure:

The CPA exam consists of four sections having 3 core sections and 1 discipline section. Among the 3 discipline sections, candidate must pass any one as per their preference along with the three core sections.

Core sections are:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Focuses on auditing and assurance services.
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): Covers financial accounting standards and reporting.
• Regulation (REG): Delves into tax law, professional ethics, and business law.

Discipline sections are:

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Emphasizes financial analysis, decision-making, and communication.
• Information Systems and Controls (ISC): Focuses on information technology and data management.
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): Focuses mainly on taxes and compliance rules for businesses and individuals.

Exam Format:

Each section is a four-hour computer-based exam composed of two types of questions:

• Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): These questions present four answer options, testing your foundational knowledge and problem-solving skills.
• Task-Based Simulations (TBSs): These are more complex scenarios that require you to apply accounting knowledge to real-world problems. They may involve calculations, writing memos, or adjusting journal entries.

Scoring and Passing the Exam:

The CPA exam uses a scoring scale of 0 to 99 for each section, with a minimum passing score of 75. The weight of MCQs and TBSs varies by section, but they typically contribute equally to your overall score.

Exam Syllabus:

AUD:

• Ethics Professional Responsibilities and General Principles
• Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response
• Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence
• Forming Conclusions and Reporting

FAR:

• Financial Reporting
• Select Balance Sheet Accounts
• Select Transactions

REG:

• Ethics Professional Responsibilities and Federal Tax Procedures
• Business Law
• Federal Taxation of Property Transactions
• Federal Taxation of Individuals
• Federal Taxation of Entities (including tax preparation)

BAR:

• Business Analysis
• Technical Accounting and Reporting
• State and Local Governments

ISC:

• Information Systems and Data Management
• Security
• Confidentiality and Privacy
• Considerations for System and Organization Controls (SOC) Engagements

TCP:

• Tax Compliance and Planning for Individuals and Personal Financial Planning
• Entity Tax Compliance
• Property Transactions (Disposition of Assets) (including tax preparation)

Check out our CPA blogs to know more about the certification!

Simandhar’s CPA Success:

At Simandhar, we have 6 US CPA Elijah Watt Sells Award winners who have achieved a cumulative average score of 95.50 across all four sections of the CPA exam on their first attempt. We’re the award-winning institute in India to have the 6 awardees and having the highest record of pass percentage. We believe in passing and placing our students. Leveraging our 250+ corporate tie-ups including the top firms like the Big 4, we have successfully placed many of our esteemed CPAs at high salary packages. You can be our next CPA to list your name in the Elijah awardees and get a chance to bag high salaried job offers from the notable industries!

Learn more about the US CPA certification and the opportunities it offers, from our exclusive FREE webinar on August 10 at 6:30 PM! Register now!