Definition
The term “CPA Exam Scores” refers to the numerical grades received by candidates who take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. This test is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to qualify individuals for the CPA licensure. The scores range from 0 to 99, with a score of 75 or above considered as passing.
Key Takeaways
- The CPA Exam Scores refer to the scores obtained by candidates after taking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Obtaining passing scores is required to become a licensed CPA.
- The minimum passing score for the CPA Exam is a 75 on a 0-99 scale. This doesn’t mean 75% correct, but rather it’s a weighted score drawing from various aspects of the exam including multiple choice questions and task-based simulations.
- CPA Exam Scores are not only about correct answers but also about the difficulty level of the questions. This means that it is possible for one candidate to answer more questions correct, yet score lower than someone who answered fewer but more difficult questions correctly.
Importance
CPA Exam Scores are significant in the finance industry because they serve as a measure of an individual’s competency and understanding in various areas of accounting.
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam is a stringent test conducted to ensure that those in the field of finance and accounting meet the necessary standards to practice professionally.
Therefore, a high CPA Exam score not only confers a level of prestige and competency for the holder, but may also provide a competitive edge in career advancement within the industry.
Basically, these scores reflect one’s ability to comply with and understand the complex and evolving accounting laws and regulations, making the individual a trusted advisor in financial matters.
Explanation
The purpose of CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Exam Scores is to standardize the process of evaluating the competency and proficiency of prospective certified public accountants. These scores are an essential determinant in deciding whether candidates are equipped with sufficient knowledge and skills to provide public accounting services.
Garnering a passing score certifies that the candidate has demonstrated an adequate understanding of the critical accounting principles necessary for a CPA’s professional practice, such as auditing, business concepts, financial accounting, and regulation. CPA Exam Scores are widely used by state boards and employing organizations to validate a candidate’s eligibility for licensure and employment in the field of accounting.
Organizations, particularly accounting firms, often utilize these scores to measure a person’s abilities in the accounting field and readiness to handle various tasks efficiently. Candidates who obtain high CPA Exam Scores exhibit a strong grasp of the CPA exam topics, reflecting their credibility to serve proficiently in roles that require advanced accounting skills.
The scores are, therefore, a valuable tool for discerning the expertise and knowledge caliber of prospective applicants or professionals in the accounting industry.
Examples of CPA Exam Scores
Sam, a recent graduate from the University of Chicago with an accountancy degree, is keen to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He takes the CPA exam and scores 89, which is considerably higher than the minimum passing score of
This showcases Sam’s understanding of the key areas related to accountancy and finance.
Jane, an accountant with a growing firm, has been practicing accountancy for a few years. She decides to boost her career by becoming a CPA. She self-studies for a few months and then takes the CPA exam, scoring a respectable 78, showing that even with practical experience, the exam requires sound theoretical knowledge.
Lastly, consider a different hypothetical situation: a large accountant firm tracks the CPA exam scores of its job applicants. It finds that accountants who scored above 85 in their CPA exams tend to perform better in the company’s internal performance evaluation, reflecting upon the credibility and robustness of the CPA exam in evaluating candidates’ skills and understanding of finance.
FAQ for CPA Exam Scores
How is the CPA Exam Scored?
The CPA exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 99, with a passing score of 75. It is important to note that this does not mean you need to answer 75% of questions correctly to pass, as different questions are weighted differently based on their difficulty. Your score is not a percentage.
When are CPA Exam Scores Released?
CPA Exam scores are typically released by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) on a set schedule, usually within a few weeks after your testing window closes.
What is the CPA Exam Passing Score?
The passing score for the CPA exam is 75. This is a scaled score, not a percentage, and is calculated using a combination of weighted scoring and psychometric scaling.
Can you pass the CPA exam with a 74?
Unfortunately, a 74 is not considered a passing score. You need a minimum score of 75 to pass each section of the CPA exam.
How many times can you retake the CPA exam?
There is no limit to the number of times you can retake a CPA exam section. However, you must wait until the next testing window to retake a failed section.
Is it possible to request a CPA exam score review?
Yes, if you believe there may be an error in your score, you can request a score review through your state’s Board of Accountancy or through NASBA.
Related Entrepreneurship Terms
- Uniform CPA Examination
- AICPA – American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Score Release Dates
- Passing Rate
- Section Weightings
Sources for More Information
- American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): As an authoritative organization, AICPA has plenty of resources about the CPA exam, including the scoring.
- National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA): NASBA provides details about the CPA Exam and its scores, as they release official score notices.
- Becker Professional Education: Becker is a provider of CPA exam review courses and offers deep insights into understanding the CPA exam scores.
- Roger CPA Review: Roger offers CPA review courses and has detailed blog posts and articles about the CPA exam scores.
