Here are some information resources to frequently asked questions regarding the CPA exam
From the AICPA website:
You can:
Learn About the CPA exam:
General Information – Info about the exam, why it is administered, for whom, component parts or sections, subject matter/content specification outline, requirements, costs, links to NASBA, Candidate Bulletin, etc.
Examination Content, Structure and Delivery – The sections on the exam, the content covered, how long each exam is, the type of questions (multiple choice and/or simulations), the percentage composition, whether the exam will change in the future, etc.
Examination Software – Computer skills needed to take the exam, plus info on the software used
tutorial and sample tests – here you can practice multiple choice questions and simulations in an “environment” similar to that on the exam.
Scoring the exam – here you may find some information on score ranges, pretest questions, scoring adjustments, Item Response Theory (IRT), automation of scoring/grading, etc
Further information on how the exam is scored. (This link was added to this article on 10/24/09)
More frequently asked questions, including those above: – In addition to information given above, you will find information about the application process, Eligibility Requirements, Diagnostic Reports, Score Review and Appeal processes, Test Centers, Transitioning and Credit, etc.
Information about the written part of the Simulation – Organization, Development, and Expression
Free online access to professional literature
International Applicants information – including IQEX and agreements with CICA, IMCP, ICAI, ICAA, and CPA Australia
How to prepare – among other things, study, study, study!
The AICPA administers the examinations, and are thus the premier authority on what you need to do, how you can get information (if they cannot directly give it to you), etc. So, that is the first stopping point. If you cannot find what you are looking for there, you can check with your state board of accountancy or NASBA. Below are a few more links.
NASBA – National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
Jurisdiction map – you can select your State and you will get the info you need from there.
CPA Examination Service – phone number
Links – to AICPA, Prometric, etc
http://www.icpas.org/uploadedFiles/Students/CPAExamFAQ.pdf This document from the IL Society of CPAs answers 35 frequently asked questions. For example, the cost to apply and take the CPA exam; requirements to take the CPA exam; how long a credit lasts; how many times you can take a section you have failed; the range of scores; rules at the Prometric center; Areas to study in order to pass the CPA exam; etc. (As you may see, most of the information is available at the AICPA website (even though you may have had to dig around to locate it.)
Here is a similar resource geared towards MO candidates. Most of the questions and answers are similar/applicable to other States. http://www.leap-forward.com/exam.html
Links to Various/Individual State Boards of Accountancy:
(1) AICPA website links/directory of individual State Boards of Accountancy
(2) I have a similar list in this blog in the exam results page. (Just in case).
(3) myACCOUNTINGSCHOOL.com has a listing of the State Boards of Accountancy contact info – each one’s address, phone number, website, etc – in case that is quicker for what you are looking for, or the links in (1) and (2) above are “broken”.
Do you feel like discussing things with other CPA candidates, learn about their experiences, thoughts, insights, questions, frustrations, etc? You may want to visit some forums. The ones that I have frequented are:
CPAnet.com forum and
Are you looking for motivational stories, study tips, positive thoughts, and food-for-thought? You may want to visit:
Disclaimer. Like everything else on this blog, absolutely no warranties or guarantees whatsoever. I found the information useful (to me), and I thought that if somebody else had the information and I did not, I would have appreciated it if they shared it with me. It would probably have saved me some research time.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you found that helpful.
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[...] may also find an article I wrote a while ago, summarizing information resources [...]
Posted by How is the CPA exam scored? | Accountant's Musings: CPA Exam & Life Beyond on October 27th, 2009.