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What CPAs do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Exam format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Sample questions
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The CPA— a multi-dimensional What CPAs do
professional CPAs typically begin their careers in public accounting
As the traditional role of a CPA expands to include because it gives them the fastest and broadest exposure
all aspects of business from performance to growth to a variety of businesses. Many CPAs move into
strategy, the future for CPAs is bright. Today’s CPAs corporate positions as they advance in their careers,
are leaders as well as close collaborators in high-profile or pursue opportunities with governmental and
organizational initiatives that require skills far beyond not-for-profit entities. Others choose academia.
“number-crunching.” In addition to the typical accounting functions,
As critical members of cross-functional teams, CPAs there are many specialty disciplines:
must possess strong interpersonal and communication
• Audit and Assurance – Ensuring that financial
skills. Likewise, diplomacy and persuasion skills
statements properly reflect the financial performance
are necessary, as CPAs are frequently interpreting
of the company.
information and presenting it to non-financial audiences.
• Tax and Financial Planning – Recommending
The 5 Core Competencies of the CPA* savings, investment, and tax options to eliminate
1. Communications and leadership skills debt, control expenses, minimize tax burdens,
Able to give and exchange information within a and optimize investments.
meaningful context and with appropriate delivery
• Internal Auditing – Assessing the effectiveness of
and interpersonal skills. Able to influence, inspire,
an entity’s control structure either as an employee
and motivate others to achieve results.
or an outside consultant. These professionals are
2. Strategic and critical thinking skills in high demand as a result of new corporate
Able to link data, knowledge, and insight governance regulations.
together to provide quality advice for strategic
• IT Services – Designing, integrating, and implementing
decision-making.
advanced software systems, acting as a bridge
3. Focus on the customer, client, and market between hardware/software and organizational goals.
Able to anticipate and meet the changing needs
• Forensic Accounting – Preventing, detecting,
of clients, employers, customers, and markets better
and investigating financial frauds such as
than competitors.
embezzlement, securities fraud, tax evasion,
4. Interpretation of converging information and money-laundering schemes. Demand for
Able to interpret and provide a broader context this specialty has grown significantly as a result
using financial and non-financial information. of recent corporate scandals.
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• Environmental Accounting – Addressing how What CPAs earn
companies can be both environmentally responsible
Factors such as geographic location, years of experience,
and profitable. This includes focusing on a variety
level of education, and the size/revenue of an employer
of projects like environmental compliance audits
all play a role in determining the salary of a CPA.
and managing and preventing claims and disputes.
But in general, CPAs earn at least 10% more than
• Consulting Services – Providing a variety of specialty non-CPAs in similar positions.
services for companies, including performance
management, financial planning, and strategy
2006 Projected Non-CPA CPA
and operations planning. Accountant Salaries Salaries**
Salaries (Large Firms*) Up To Up To
• Financial Analysis – Evaluating business data,
Senior Manager/
identifying trends, and participating in the long-term $130,000 $143,000
Director
strategy of a firm.
Manager $95,000 $104,500
• General Accounting – Processing journal entries,
performing account analysis and reconciliation,
Senior $75,000 $82,500
and preparing payroll, sales, and use tax, and
other local tax filings.
1 to 3 Years $60,000 $66,000
The Academic CPA
Regulatory changes have impacted the academic Up to 1 Year $52,000 $57,200
professors near retirement. Many universities are suffering *Large public accounting firms = $250 million + in sales
from a shortage of professors who are CPAs. Salary does not reflect overtime or bonuses which may be
significant portions of compensation for these positions.
Furthermore, colleges and universities must now offer
**CPAs earn up to 10% over peers without professional designations.
new courses in areas such as internal auditing, enterprise
risk management, forensic accounting, and ethics.
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About the CPA license Qualifying to take the
Candidates must pass a rigorous, four-part exam called Uniform CPA Examination
the “Uniform CPA Examination” that is prepared and It’s important to know the prerequisites of the state or
administered by the American Institute of Certified jurisdiction in which you will apply for the CPA Exam
Public Accountants (AICPA). and to plan to meet their individual requirements.
Candidates must also meet educational, work experience, Currently, most states require the completion of all
and other requirements specific to the state or jurisdiction educational requirements before a candidate is
in which they intend to be licensed to practice. These qualified to take the CPA Exam. States generally require
requirements are determined by the appropriate State a bachelor’s or higher degree, and in fact most states
Board of Accountancy. There are 55 separate Boards require 150 semester hours in specific subject areas
of Accountancy, and all of these boards are members as determined by the applicable State Board of
of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. Subject areas may include:
Accountancy (NASBA).
• Accounting, including Accounting Principles,
Cost Accounting, Federal Taxation, and Auditing
• Finance
• Business Statistics
• Economic Principles
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Applying to take the What to expect
Uniform CPA Examination after you apply
Candidates should apply with the state or jurisdiction Approved candidates are sent a Notice to Schedule (NTS)
in which they intend to practice. The process consists by mail, e-mail, or fax. Candidates must have the NTS
of submitting forms and transcripts, along with fees, to schedule an actual test date at one of the 300 Prometric
to the State Board or its designee. Test Centers across the United States and the five additional
jurisdictions that are approved to administer the CPA Exam.
Important items to note when applying:
Generally, candidates must sit for their first exam
• Candidates may apply to any state or
within six months of receiving the NTS, although
jurisdiction, but may only register to take
this can vary by jurisdiction.
the exam in one jurisdiction at a time.
Exams must be scheduled at least five days in advance
• Candidates may take the exam at any authorized
of your choice of date. However, it is best to contact
test center in the United States. The test center
Prometric at least 45 days in advance to get your first
doesn’t need to be located within the jurisdiction
choice of date and time. Test Center locations are
in which a candidate applies.
available at www.prometric.com/cpa.
• Application and exam fees for first-time
candidates vary by state, but range from
$575 to $800 for all four parts of the exam.
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Navigating the complex
The CPA Exam Process
CPA Exam process
For many years, the CPA Exam was only offered twice
Learn about a year. Candidates in most states would set aside two
requirements
full days in May or November to take the four-part exam.
This grueling ordeal gave the CPA Exam its well-deserved
reputation as being one of the most difficult licensure
Fulfill exams. Only about 10 –12% of candidates passed all
requirements1
four parts the first time they took the exam.
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Candidates are generally allowed a rolling 18-month The CPA Exam
timeframe to take and pass all four exam parts. If a
The AICPA has made Content Specification Outlines
candidate fails to successfully pass the next three parts
(CSOs) that detail the specific testable content available
within that window, credit for the first part is lost. Credit
at www.cpa-exam.org. Here is an outline of the CSOs:
for subsequent parts passed will also be invalidated
18 months after the exam dates, until the candidate has Financial Accounting
passed all four parts within 18 months. and Reporting (Financial)
Candidates who take the exam parts at a leisurely pace 1. Concepts and standards for financial statements
run the risk of paying additional application fees as 2. Typical items in financial statements
well as possibly even needing to retake previously 3. Specific types of transactions and events
passed exam parts.
4. Accounting and reporting for governmental entities
5. Accounting and reporting for nongovernmental
Valuable resources for CPA candidates
and not-for-profit entities
Organization Information
Auditing and Attestation (Auditing)
Prometric Testing Centers • CPA Exam Test Center
1. Planning the engagement
prometric.com locations
2. Internal controls
National Association • State Boards
3. Obtaining and documenting information
of State Boards of of Accountancy
Accountancy 4. Reviewing the engagement
• Links to jurisdictions’ CPA
nasba.org and evaluating information
licensing requirements
5. Preparing communications (reporting)
American Institute • CPA Exam tutorial
& sample test Regulation
of Certified Public
Accountants 1. Ethics and professional responsibility
• CPA Exam Content
cpa-exam.org Specification Outlines 2. Business law
aicpa.org (CSOs) 3. Federal tax procedures and accounting issues
Becker CPA Review • CPA Exam Review 4. Federal taxation of property transactions
beckerCPA.com courses and materials 5. Federal taxation – individuals
6. Federal taxation – entities
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Exam format Exam challenges & solutions
During three of the exams (Financial, Auditing, and A number of challenges confront CPA candidates. The
Regulation), candidates will face three consecutive process can be daunting, especially as many candidates
“testlets” made up of multiple-choice questions, plus two work full-time while preparing. To achieve success, it
additional testlets called simulations. At present, the is important to address the challenges from the very
Business Exam consists only of three multiple-choice beginning. This is when the Becker CPA Review can be
question testlets, but the AICPA has projected that an invaluable aid in keeping candidates on track to pass.
simulations will likely be added by 2007.
Sample simulation
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Challenge 1: Solution: A comprehensive
Lack of complete preparation review program
Comprehensive and rigorous preparation is the key Successful CPA candidates must have a thorough
to passing all four parts of the CPA Exam. To succeed, academic understanding of exam material, but equally
candidates need a disciplined program of study that critical is the ability to apply their knowledge instinctively.
prepares them for both the idiosyncrasies of the exam Becker CPA Review courses are both comprehensive
environment as well as the exam subject material. and highly focused on what candidates need to
Taking a review course for the CPA Exam will significantly know and how to pass. No other CPA review
improve your chances of passing. Choose a review provides Becker’s level of instructional excellence
course based on: and content quality.
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Challenge 2: Time management Solution: Practice and planning
Time management during the CPA Exam is critical. Gaining practical experience in managing time under
To manage exam time effectively, a candidate must test-like conditions is an invaluable advantage on exam
be well prepared and be able to respond to day. Becker’s PassMaster Software administers timed
questions instinctively. drills, so students can improve both speed and endurance.
The software assesses one’s strongest and weakest areas
Candidates must learn to budget the total exam time
and allows students to create their own timed exams on
appropriately amongst the testlets within each part of
the areas that need the greatest focus. Plus Becker’s Final
the exam. In doing so, candidates are urged to reserve
Exam software includes a countdown clock to assist in
15 minutes of “oops and breathe” time, and map out
practicing time management.
where they should be in the exam as time progresses.
Candidates must close each testlet before they may Becker’s expert instructors will show how to structure
move on to the next testlet or simulation and they time for each exam part and provide valuable timesaving
cannot return to previous testlets. So candidates must tips. Becker also offers an optional series of Flash Cards
ensure they stay “on schedule” from testlet to testlet to to be used in conjunction with the textbooks and materials.
devote adequate time to each. These are excellent tools to increase speed of recall.
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Challenge 3: The unique Challenge 4: Lack of self-discipline
computer-based exam environment For many candidates, procrastination, not the exam
Some candidates may be accustomed to computer-based content, can be the biggest enemy.
exams because of their academic coursework. However,
With the ability to schedule and reschedule exam parts,
the CPA Exam environment contains unique tools that
candidates have been known to put off their actual testing
candidates will want to be very comfortable with before
date after having begun preparation. This can result in
taking the exams.
lower scores as well as incremental fees, missing testing
While working the simulations, CPA candidates must windows, or even losing credit for previously passed
demonstrate the ability to perform basic computer skills. parts of the exam.
It’s common to mistakenly believe that proficiency with
To maximize the chance of success, candidates should
popular software is all that is needed. The exam interface
commit to a date of completion and map out a plan to:
is unique and candidates must be experienced in the
use of the exam tools. • Complete preparation for each exam part
• Take the exam parts on schedule
Specifically, to make the most of exam time, candidates
must be skilled in using the provided four-function • Provide for retaking one or more parts of the exam
calculator, spreadsheet, and research function.
Using research, candidates will access authoritative
Solution: Structured methodology
literature to answer auditing, accounting, and
and flexible schedule
taxation questions; to support judgments; and to
create formal audit communications. An exam strategy is imperative to achieving success.
Becker CPA Review has laid out a strategy that can
The AICPA offers a tutorial and sample test on lead to success within eight months. The Becker Plan™
the computer-based exam at www.cpa-exam.org. provides students with a head start in staying on track.
Becker’s proprietary PassMaster™ Software contains over Business Sept Oct Nov
3,000 multiple-choice questions and over 40 simulations
designed to replicate those on the exam.
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Challenge 5: Pre-exam anxiety Solution: Exam confidence
No matter how many exams you’ve taken, the Confidence is the result of thorough preparation. To
weeks leading up to your scheduled CPA Exam achieve success candidates must master—not just
can be riddled with anxiety. This anxiety often memorize—the material to respond with speed and
leads to poor exam performance. accuracy on exam day.
Candidates can battle this syndrome by completing Becker’s comprehensive review course provides students
a comprehensive course of study and by conducting with a command of the exam curriculum as well as
an extensive final review just before the exam. familiarity with the computer exam environment.
But to ensure students have an extra edge on
The purpose of a final review is to ensure that the core
exam day, Becker offers Final! Review.™
subject matter is completely understood, not to “cram”
as a way to make up for not studying. This involves Final! Review is the industry’s only intensive last minute,
hands-on problem solving, rapid recall of concepts, and on-demand pre-exam course—and it is only offered
building mental endurance for a long computer test. to Becker students. Final! Review is a total immersion
session for each part of the exam. Each Final! Review
complements Becker’s main review course and is 6-8
hours of lectures focused on the corresponding exam
part’s core subjects. It provides supplemental exercises,
simulations, problem solving, and other tools to get
students fully prepared and confident for exam day.
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About Becker CPA Review®
The Becker CPA Review combines rigorous methodology, One great course –
all-inclusive content and expert instruction to ensure three flexible formats
students are fully prepared on exam day. Students receive
over 100 hours of instruction from experts, textbooks are
Live Interactive live instruction
organized by test topic and include hundreds of past and dynamic technology create an
exam questions, and the PassMaster™ software provides unrivaled review for the CPA Exam
over 3,000 exam-like questions with explanatory
answers, timed practice tests, and performance summaries.
Becker prepares students for success.
Online Combine the discipline
of lectures with the flexibility of
• Becker CPA students who complete the course pass the
attending “class” anywhere there’s
CPA Exam at double the rate of non-Becker candidates. a web connection.
• Becker students report being more satisfied with their
CPA Exam preparation than non-Becker candidates
using other providers.
CD Study at your own pace
• Over 300,000 candidates have successfully passed when and wherever it’s most
the exam using the Becker CPA Review. convenient for you.
beckerCPA.com • 877.CPA.EXAM
13
1 Tower Lane, Suite 1100
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
877.CPA.EXAM