How to Prepare for a CPA Exam
The Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam is required to become a licensed accountant in the 50 states and five jurisdictions of the United States. It is composed of four sections; Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG); which require a total of 14 hours of testing. It was first used in all jurisdictions uniformly in 1952 and, in April 2004, the paper-and-pencil method of administering the exam was abandoned for the computer-based CPA exam. Preparing properly for the exam will ensure you receive a passing score.
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Instructions
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Apply to take the exam at a minimum of three to six weeks before the date of the exam in your state to ensure that you receive a place and can get your certification in a timely manner. Each state has its own individual requirements for application and may require a specified amount of course hours or a copy of your transcript.
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Pay your state accounting board the application and examination fees. These also vary from state to state and each section of the exam has its own fees. You have a time period of six to 12 months from the date you receive your notice to schedule to sign up for the exam, depending on the state. Most follow the standard six-month rule.
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Schedule the date you want to take the exam at least five days before you intend to take it and at least 45 days if you want to guarantee your preferred spot and time. The exam is not available during the third month of each quarter of the year to account for data and maintenance.
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Take your exam. Arrive early, at least 30 minutes before the exam begins, to sign in and read the rules and regulations for the exam. You must bring your Notice to Schedule (NTS) with you in order to take the exam, since it contains your launch code password. Proper identification is also required to be admitted to the testing center.
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