The US CPA Exam: Harder, but with Greater Rewards

An accounting professional plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial information, which is used to make important decisions in an organization. These decisions may include securing loans or investments, conducting mergers and acquisitions, making changes to payroll, and hiring new employees. Without confidence in financial information, a business cannot succeed. Therefore, a competent accounting professional brings credibility and adds value to the organization.

To be considered a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you must complete the CPA Exam. If you want to pursue an accounting career at the highest levels, passing the US CPA Exam is essential! However, why is it regarded as one of the most challenging professional exams? Here are the reasons.

What Makes the CPA Exam So Challenging?

The CPA Exam is so difficult because it tests everything students have learned for college. It also requires students to be proficient in all four areas (auditing and attestation, financial accounting, management and leadership, and taxation) in a short amount of time.

The CPA Exam is a rigorous test that helps ensure a candidate understands the requirements of becoming a certified public accountant. For many, this may sound stressful and even discouraging, but there is good news: The CPA Exam can be studied and passed if you apply yourself well and put in the effort.

What is the most difficult part of the CPA Exam?

Tax, accounting, and auditing are all interrelated. Each section of the CPA Exam tests you on one of these topics and how you apply it to a specific situation. For example, if you’ve never done an audit or REG() with its emphasis on tax law, that aspect of AUD may be the most demanding. Conversely, if you have a solid accounting background or significant experience with audits, then you may find FAR to be more challenging than AUD.

The CPA Exam provides a challenging but valuable opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge in the most relevant subjects to your field of practice. This exam is designed to test your critical thinking skills and critical understanding of financial transactions, laws, controls, and regulations at various levels of government, society, and the economy.

The Increasing Difficulty of the CPA Exam with Time Pressure

The CPA exam includes two-time constraints, both of which impact the complexity of this test. The first of these constraints is the four-hour duration of each section’s test. After passing the first part, you will then have to contend with the second time limit: the 18-month term during which your passing score is valid.

Passing the CPA exam can be a daunting task. Learn everything you need to know in each area of the exam using our study guides. Each test segment contains a varied number of Multiple-Choice Questions and Task-Based Simulations, so you’ll need a winning time management approach to pass each subject on your first try!
It is recommended that you focus on answering the most important questions first, and then attempt to answer questions that support the answers you have already given.

Time management and project management are also essential skills for accountants. The AICPA examines your ability to manage time while maintaining accuracy and attention by incorporating numerous time constraints on the CPA Exam.

The Significance of the CPA Exam

The CPA Exam is designed to serve two primary purposes: to give reasonable assurance of a candidate’s competence and maintain the CPA certification‘s value.

The CPA Exam is designed to ensure that the candidate is competent to practice as a certified public accountant in compliance with fiduciary, statutory, and regulatory standards.

As a CPA, you'll be constantly adapting to new laws, regulations, and industry standards and pushing the exam’s complexity to match the expectations of corporations and legislators.

The CPA is the most sought-after certification among accountants. The exam’s difficulty ensures that it remains the gold standard for accountants. The exam’s complexity is one of the reasons why it is sought after by aspiring accountants.

The CPA Exam is difficult. But Don't Be Intimidated by the Difficulty of the CPA Exam!

Your ability to think critically and manage your time, as well as your attention to detail and organizational skills, are key components of a strong CPA candidate. AICPA’s career program understands that these are intentional attributes that can be developed with the right training, experience, and support.

Passing the CPA test is one of the most challenging professional examinations. There are many things to consider in preparing for such a test, but here are a few of the justifications:

1. Necessitate the development of higher-order talents

The CPA Exam exists worldwide as it is offered in over 150 countries. Candidates are required to meet minimum age requirements, pass an exam and study for three hours per week for about six months. In order to achieve your goals, a well-rounded education may be necessary. These courses present a variety of topics ranging from accounting basics to advisory services that enhance job skills and prepare students for their future career choices.

2. Requires careful practice

The CPA Exam section for Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) is comprised of a combination of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), task-based simulations (TBSs), and a written communication component. The TBSs are designed to simulate real-world situations faced by Certified Public Accountants and are considered to be the most challenging aspect of the exam compared to the other components.

3. Material quantity

The study material for the CPA exam cannot be condensed, making thorough studying essential to understand and retain the information. The choice of a CPA review course will have a significant impact on the speed of going through the material.

4. Availability of time

It's not unexpected that the CPA exam requires a significant amount of study time, often totaling over 300 hours. Balancing full-time work and dedicating the necessary time to studying is a challenge for many individuals who take the exam as it requires a high level of commitment.

5. Exam Day time management

Even with thorough preparation, managing your time effectively during the exam can make the difference between passing and failing. Given that each section of the exam is 4 hours long and consists of 5 testlets, it's advisable to allocate at least 48 minutes for each testlet and save additional time for the task-based simulations. 

Becoming a CPA and obtaining the certification brings immense satisfaction and instantly earns the respect of others. The journey toward obtaining a CPA license may be challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort. It's important to plan ahead, remain dedicated, and have a positive attitude.

For more information on the CPA course and its required skills, please feel free to Contact Miles Education or mail us at info@mileseducation.com.