What Are the Requirements for Taking the CPA Exam?

Video Transcript

"My name is Miranda Chook, a CPA. This CPA exam is a14 hour exam that spans two days. There are four sections that auditing and attestation, the business environment, financial accounting and reporting and regulation. The test itself is uniform in meaning that it is the same test that is given in all the states. It is given two out of every three months every quarter. Questions are in multiple choice and case study or simulation formats. For 2008 the passing rate was about 50%. Now eligibility requirements for taking the exam actually do vary from state to state and will include some minimum education requirements and that is a certain number of credits in certain types of accounting or business studies but again they vary from state to state so do take a look at your state's board of accountancy website or call them to find out what the specific requirements are. Now in some states even if you pass the exam you actually are not licensed to practice public accounting yet. So again you do need to verify what you are allowed and not allowed to do in the field of accounting. For more information about the exam itself or to apply for it you can take a look at the website www.cpa-exam.org."