CPA Exam FAQ: 50 Best Questions and Answers from Readers

Here are answers to readers’ most common CPA Exam FAQ. If you have a question that you cannot find an answer to, drop a note on my Facebook page and I’ll do my best to respond as soon as I can.

CPA Exam FAQ I Collected Since January 2010

General Questions on Accountancy and CPA

• 5 great reasons to become a CPA
• What’s the number of CPA in the US (i.e. do I have an edge)?
• What can accountants specialize in?
• What is public accounting vs non-public accounting?

CPA Exam FAQ on Starting the Process

• How do I become a CPA?
• What are CPA exam requirements?
• Does CMA qualify for the educational requirements?
• Do I get the CPA qualification immediately after the CPA exam?
• CPA Certificate vs License: What is the difference, do I need both?
• Will a past bankruptcy (Chapter 7) prevent me from getting the CPA license?

Should I Go For CPA or Other Professional Qualifications / Degree?

• CPA vs ACCA
• CPA vs CMA
• CPA vs CIA
• CPA vs Masters Degree
• CPA vs CFA

CPA Exam FAQ on The Most Efficient Way to Apply

• When should I take the test / when is the testing window?
• Should I take all 4 exams together or one by one?
• Which exam should I take first?
• How long does it normally take to pass all parts?
• Prometric center for the CPA exam: how do I schedule an exam and other tips

Qualification Questions

• What should I do if I need extra credit hours to reach the 150-hour requirement?
• I have a 3-year bachelor degree. Do I qualify?
• I did not get my degree in the US. Does my coursework fit the educational requirements?
• Does CMA/CFA/ACCA/CA qualify for the educational requirements?

Other Questions for International Candidates

• What should I watch out for in the CPA application?
• Which state is best for CPA international students?
• I’ve picked a state, but can I take the exam in another state?

How Do I Become A US CPA If I Am From…

• Canada
• Hong Kong
• The Philippines
• India
• Pakistan

Taking The CPA Exam Outside The US

• General information
• Japan
• Middle East (4 countries)
• Brazil

Questions on Passing the CPA Exam

• What is the CPA exam pass rate?
• How do I start my CPA exam preparation?
• How the CPA Exam grading is done: Is it scored on a curve or not?

Questions on CPA Exam Review Courses

• How do I know if I need a review course?
• How can I compare the review courses?
• Which review course do you recommend? This and this

Questions On CPA Exam Tactics

• CPA Simulation: What are they and how are they graded?
• How can I practice using the Authoritative Literature search function?
• How to ace the Written Communications in BEC
• What should I bring (or not to bring) on the exam day?
• What’s your last minute advice?

Questions on CPA Exam Motivation

• Do you have any good exam motivational quotes?
• Experience sharing from past candidates
• Do you have other goodies to cheer me up?

Questions on Life after CPA Exam

• My CPA exam score can’t be correct. Can I ask for a score review?
• I am done with the exam. What’s next?
• Is the CPA Ethics Exam difficult?
• I’m now a CPA. Should I get a CFA / MBA?
• What is CGMA? Is it Worth “Buying” this Designation?

CPA CPE Requirements

• How many CPE credit hourss do I need to take every year?
• Can you recommend a CPA CPE course provider?
• 8 Free CPE courses on Taxation, Excel tips and Quickbooks

Licensing Issues

• CPA licensing requirements at a glance
• I need to transfer my CPA exam credits. How can I do that?
• Do CPA exam credits expire?
• How can I make up for the extra 30 credit hours as required by the license?

Other Accounting Qualifications

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA US)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Questions On Career With A CPA

• 2010 CPA salary guide
• Accounting Big 4: CPA Salary Guide
• What’s my career path with a CPA qualification?
• I am looking for an accounting job. Can you help?

May I Help You Plan, Study And Pass The CPA Exam?

The process may sound awfully complicated, but once you take the first step in your CPA journey, it’s completely doable. I am more than happy to help you along the way!

If you find these Q&As helpful, please consider signing up to my mini-course which is completely free. I have two versions designed for candidates with different background:

If you find this article helpful, please consider signing up to my mini-course which is completely free. I have two versions designed for candidates with different background: