To become a CPA, candidates must pass a rigorous, four-part exam called the “Uniform CPA Examination” that is prepared and administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
The four parts of the CPA exam include:
CSO Outline
Content Specification Outlines (CSOs) that detail the specific testable content on each of the exam parts are available through the AICPA. Visit cpa-exam.org.
 Financial Accounting and Reporting (Financial)
- Concepts and standards for financial statements
- Typical items in financial statements
- Specific types of transactions and events
- Accounting and reporting for governmental entities
- Accounting and reporting for nongovernmental and not-for-profit entities
Exam Focus:
This section covers skills and knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles for business enterprises, not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities.
Exam Format:
4 hours, 3 Multiple-Choice Question testlets, 2 Simulation testlets
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 Auditing and Attestation (Auditing)
- Planning the engagement
- Internal controls
- Obtaining and documenting information
- Reviewing the engagement and evaluating information
- Preparing communications (reporting)
Exam Focus: 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.
Exam Format: 4.5 hours, 3 Multiple-Choice Question testlets, 2 Simulation testlets
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 Regulation
- Ethics and professional responsibility
- Business law
- Federal tax procedures and accounting issues
- Federal taxation of property transactions
- Federal taxation - individuals
- Federal taxation - entities
Exam Focus: This section focuses on skills and knowledge of federal taxation, ethics, professional and legal responsibilities, and business law.
Exam Format: 3 hours, 3 Multiple-Choice Question testlets, 2 Simulation testlets
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 Business Environment and Concepts (Business)
- Business structure
- Economic concepts
- Financial management
- Information technology
- Planning and measurement
Exam Focus: This test section encompasses knowledge of the general business environment and business concepts that candidates need to know for accounting.
Exam Format: 2.5 hours, 3 testlets of multiple-choice questions.
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What are Simulations?
Simulations are a unique question format that allows the examiners to go in-depth in a particular subject area. They are similar to case studies that will test candidates' knowledge and skills using real-life work situations.
The Financial, Auditing and Regulation exams include simulations. Currently, the Business Exam consists only of three multiple-choice question testlets.
In the three exams that use simulations, 30% of a candidate's score will be related to simulation performance. Approximately one-third of this 30% relates to the candidate's ability to demonstrate effective writing skills.
