The CPA Exam is comprised of four sections. Candidates sit for each section separately.
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR or Financial)
This section covers skills and knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) for business enterprises, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental entities. - Regulation (REG)
This section covers the skills and knowledge of federal taxation, ethics, professional responsibilities, legal responsibilities, and business law. - Auditing and Attestation (AUD or Auditing)
This section covers the knowledge of auditing procedures, GAAS (generally accepted auditing standards) and other standards related to attest engagements. - Business Environment and Concepts (BEC or Business)
This section covers knowledge of general business environment and business concepts that candidates need to know in order to understand business transactions and the accounting implications.
For more detailed descriptions of the content of each section visit www.cpa-exam.org and see the Content Specification Outlines (CSOs) made available by the AICPA. The official handbook, the Candidate Bulletin, is also available for download.
Application Process
- Determine whether you have met (or will meet) the education requirements to sit for the exam. For Idaho, visit www.isba.idaho.gov. To view requirements for other states, visit www.nasba.org and select the desired state.
- Apply to the State Board of Accountancy. The application requires submitting forms, transcripts, and fees. For the Idaho State Board of Accountancy, visit www.isba.idaho.gov.
For other State Boards, visit www.nasba.org and select the desired state.
*Application materials differ from state to state. Read the application requirements carefully. - Once your application is approved you will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS). Allow 4-6 weeks from the date you submit your application the State Board to the date receive your NTS.
- Once you have received a NTS, you may begin to schedule sections of the exam. A list of testing centers available in the 55 jurisdictions (United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia) and a list of CPA Exam testing center policies and procedures are available at www.prometric.com/cpa.
Review Courses
There are a variety of review courses and packages to fit your learning style. The instruction mode may be self-study or may involve online or live instruction. Review books and software vary as well. Boise State offers a CPA Review course at the Center for Professional Development.
General Information
- The CPA Exam is only offered in computer-based format.
- Exam format includes multiple choice questions and simulations.
- The CPA Exam is offered 5-6 days each week (depending on the jurisdiction) during the first two months of every quarter. Therefore, testing is available in January, February, April, May, July, August, October, and November. Testing is NOT available in March, June, September, and December. PLANNING IS IMPORTANT!!
- For more information and answers to FAQs, visit www.cpa-exam.org.