The accounting CPA test, formally known as the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination, is a professional licensure examination that is a prerequisite for becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States. The CPA exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level CPAs to ensure they can provide competent professional accounting services.
Administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the exam is computer-based and consists of four sections:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD): This section tests knowledge of auditing procedures, generally accepted auditing standards, and other standards related to attest engagements. It also covers the skills required to apply that knowledge in the performance of audit and attestation engagements.
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): This section evaluates understanding of general business concepts and the environment in which CPAs operate. It includes questions on corporate governance, economic concepts, financial management, information systems and communications, strategic planning, and operations management.
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): This section covers topics related to financial accounting and reporting frameworks used by business enterprises, not-for-profit organizations, and government entities. It assesses knowledge of the standards and regulations applicable to these areas.
- Regulation (REG): This section tests knowledge of ethics, professional and legal responsibilities, business law, and federal taxation, including taxation of individuals, entities, and property transactions.
To pass the CPA exam, candidates must score at least 75 on each section. The exam is rigorous and requires thorough preparation, often involving a combination of self-study, review courses, and study groups. Passing the CPA exam is a significant step toward achieving CPA licensure, which opens doors to various careers in accounting, finance, and consulting.





