FAQs about the CPA exam

As with any exam, the CPA exam requires much advanced preparation, hours of studying and dealing with stressful moments. Don't let your hard work and persistence go to waste — be sure to take care of the details.

Complete details about the exam

You can find answers to all of your CPA exam-related questions -- including information on how to prepare for the exam and the learning resources that are available -- by visiting the exam's official Web site. Visit www.cpa-exam.org here. >

What should I know about the computerized CPA exam?

In April 2004, the Uniform CPA Examination was introduced in a computer-based format. Read about the exam's computerized format here.

What else do I have to do to apply?

New applicants must have an original, official transcript (from all colleges / universities attended) sent directly from the school to the State Board of Public Accountancy. The transcript must be received by the Board by the 90-day deadline.

The transcript supplied must be an official transcript from the school(s) that you attended. In most cases, an official transcript contains an original copy of your records in a sealed envelope with your school's official seal on that envelope.

Don't leave it up to chance: Contact your school's enrollment service department, records office or office of the registrar. They should be able to direct you on how to obtain the correct documents.

Where do I send my application?

All Maryland applicants must send all materials, including your fee and application, to:

    Maryland Board of Public Accountancy
    500 North Calvert St., Room 308
    Baltimore, Md. 21202-3651
    ATTN: Exam

What is the deadline for sending my application and transcript?

The filing deadline for first-time applicants is 90 days prior to the first day of the examination period. For re-examinees, the deadline is 60 days prior to the first day of the examination period.

IMPORTANT: Postmarks are not acceptable. The application / transcript(s) must be received by the Board by the stated deadline. It is suggested that all applicants consider courier or express mail when filing within two weeks of the deadline to ensure timely delivery.

NOTE: Certified mail does not guarantee a delivery date.

How often is the revised exam offered?

As of April 5, 2004, the computer-based CPA exam will be offered up to six days a week, during two out of every three months throughout the year (the "testing windows").

In most jurisdictions, eligible candidates will be able to take any or all sections of the exam during any testing window. However, you will not be allowed to take the same section more than once during any testing window.

What are the testing windows for the exam?

Testing is available in:

January and February
April and May
July and August
October and November
The test is NOT avaible in March, June, September or December.

Details about the most current testing windows are available here.

Do I need to take all four sections at the same time?

In most jurisdictions, eligible candidates will be able to take any or all sections of the exam during any testing window. However, you will not be allowed to take the same section more than once during any testing window. Candidates are encouraged to contact the state board in the jurisdiction in which they plan to test to get specific requirements.

How soon after taking a section of the computer-based CPA exam will I receive my grade?

Distribution of grades is the responsibility of state boards of accountancy. Initially, advisory grades and diagnostic information will be provided to state boards, or their designee, at the end of the third month of each testing window.

Each board may set its own schedule regarding the frequency with which it will approve and release grades.

Will all candidates take the same examination, or will each candidate take a different test?

Candidates will take different, equivalent exams. In the computerized testing environment, each candidate's examination will consist of items drawn from a pool of test questions according to defined specifications. Although candidates will take different tests, the specifications will ensure that the results are comparable. The specifications will also include "exposure controls" to limit the extent to which examinees are administered the same sets of questions.

Will I get confirmation my application / transcripts were received?

Approved / repeat candidates will be sent examination admittance and general examination information at least 10 days prior to the examination. If such information is not received at least 10 days prior to the examination, contact the State Board of Public Accountancy by e-mailing cpaexam@dllr.state.md.us or calling (410) 230-6258.

How much does the exam cost?

Fees are set by Law and Regulation and are subject to change with public notice given. Estimated costs for first-time candidates applying to take all four sections will be approximately $950.

How often can I take the exam?

It is likely that jurisdictions will allow candidates to take each section of the exam four times a year. Candidates may take any or all four sections of the exam during any testing window. No candidate will be allowed to take the same section more than once during any given testing window.

Where are the test centers?

For general test center information, or to use the Test Center Locator & Scheduler, go to www.prometric.com/cpa. From this site, CPA candidates can quickly determine the most convenient center at their chosen location, and schedule or "reserve" a seat and time.

What is the format of the exam?

Each of the four parts of the examination is graded on a scale of 0 to 100. The minimum passing score is 75. Scores are reported to candidates three months after the exam is administered.

What is the structure and length of the exam?

The AICPA Board of Examiners has approved a revised examination with four sections and a total length of 14 hours. The sections are as follows:

Auditing and Attestation. This section covers knowledge of auditing procedures, generally accepted auditing standards and other standards related to attest engagements, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge in those engagements.
Financial Accounting and Reporting. This section covers knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles for business enterprises, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental entities, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.
Regulation. This section covers knowledge of federal taxation, ethics, professional and legal responsibilities and business law, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.
Business Environment and Concepts. This section covers knowledge of general business environment and business concepts that candidates need to know in order to understand the underlying business reasons for and accounting implications of business transactions, and the skills needed to apply that knowledge.

How much time will I have to complete each examination section?

Auditing and Attestation: 4.5 hours
Financial Accounting and Reporting: 4 hours
Regulation: 3 hours
Business Environment and Concepts: 2.5 hours
Total examination length: 14 hours

The exam will include multiple-choice questions and case studies called simulations. The multiple-choice portion of the examination will appear as sequential testlets. Testlets are groups of questions that are constructed to appear together. Each exam section will include approximately three multiple-choice testlets. Each testlet will contain approximately 25 operational items (questions). Each exam section, except Business Environment and Concepts, will also initially include two simulations. Each simulation is also considered a testlet.

Simulations are condensed case studies that will test candidates’ accounting knowledge and skills using real life work-related situations. Each simulation is approximately 35-45 minutes in length and will complement the multiple-choice portion of the examination.

All simulations are intended to assess knowledge and skills that are appropriate to expect of an entry-level accountant.

Will I have to learn any special software or programs in order to complete the simulations?

CPA candidates are expected to know how to use common spreadsheet and word processing functions, including writing formulae for spreadsheets. They must also have the ability to use a four-function calculator or a spreadsheet to perform standard financial calculations. In addition, candidates will be asked to use online authoritative literature. Many of the question types used in the simulations are based on familiar computer interface controls (e.g., text entry, mouse clicks, highlighting, copy and pasting). In order to become familiar with the electronic tools provided for research questions, further practice may be required.

All CPA candidates are strongly encouraged to review the exam tutorial at www.cpa-exam.org/lrc/exam_tutorial.html. The tutorial explains the design and operation of the computer-based test, and reviews the types of questions and responses used in the new exam.

What resources will I have access to during the test-taking session?

Resources available depend on the simulation that the candidate receives. Those common to all simulations include a four-function pop-up calculator, a blank spreadsheet with some elementary functionality, and authoritative literature appropriate to the section of the test.

All CPA candidates are strongly encouraged to review the exam tutorial at www.cpa-exam.org/lrc/exam_tutorial.html. The tutorial explains the design and operation of the computer-based test, and reviews the types of questions and responses used in the new exam.