Definition
The CPA Exam Schedule and Dates refer to the timeframe within which individuals can sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. This exam is organized into four testing windows per year, each consists of three months. The exact dates can vary, and specific scheduling is generally handled through a Prometric testing center after an individual has applied for and received their Notice to Schedule.
Key Takeaways
- The CPA Exam is divided into four parts: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Candidates are allowed to take them in any order within an 18-month frame.
- The CPA Exam is offered in four testing windows each calendar year. These windows are Q1(Jan-Mar), Q2(Apr-Jun), Q3(Jul-Sep), and Q4(Oct-Dec). However, in each window, the exam is unavailable during the blackout month being the second month of each quarter (Mar, Jun, Sep and Dec).
- It’s important to schedule your CPA exam as soon as possible to secure your preferred date and testing location. Failure to schedule in time may mean your location of choice is booked up and you would need to travel further or reschedule your exam.
Importance
The CPA Exam Schedule and Dates are essential elements in the finance field, primarily for individuals aspiring to become Certified Public Accountants.
These schedules and dates inform candidates when they can take the rigorous CPA exam, thereby allowing them to adequately plan their study time and prepare to cover all necessary modules within the exam syllabus.
The CPA exam has four sections that can be taken at different times, but they must be completed within an 18-month window, making the schedule pivotal for efficient and effective preparation.
Furthermore, understanding these dates avoids missing exam registrations and aligning with testing center availability.
Therefore, adhering to the CPA Exam Schedule and Dates is a crucial step towards achieving a successful CPA certification and progressing in a finance career.
Explanation
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam schedule and dates serve as a roadmap for candidates preparing to take the significant milestone in their accounting career. Candidates must schedule their exams within specified testing windows throughout the year to ensure they meet the educational, examination, and experience requirements necessary for licensure.
These dates and schedules allow candidates to meticulously plan and prepare for the challenging test, which covers four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). The purpose of the CPA exam schedule and dates is to provide structure and clarity in the preparation process for candidates. By offering a set timeline, candidates can effectively manage their study hours, ensuring thorough understanding and application of exhaustive accounting topics.
Essentially, the CPA exam schedule and dates enable the candidates to pace themselves and develop a comprehensive study plan that suits their learning needs. This, in turn, increases their chances of achieving a passing score and steps them closer to becoming certified public accountants.
Examples of CPA Exam Schedule and Dates
John Smith Example: John Smith, a recent college graduate in the U.S. with a degree in Finance, wanted to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He began by understanding the CPA Exam schedule and dates. The CPA Exam is offered during 4 testing windows each year—January/February, April/May, July/August, and October/November. John planned his study schedule accordingly and fixed a date in May to take the exam.
XYZ Accounting Firm Example: A mid-sized accounting firm, XYZ Accounting, encouraged its employees to become Certified Public Accountants. They annually reviewed the CPA exam schedule and dates, and accordingly facilitated their employees by providing paid leaves and conducting special training sessions to help them prepare. They decided to provide these leaves during April and October, given that these months are part of the CPA Examination testing windows.
Sarah Johnson Example: Sarah Johnson had a full-time job in Canada and was studying to become a Certified Public Accountant in her spare time. Owing to her busy schedule, she opted for the Continuous Testing model, which allowed her to take the CPA Exam year-round, excluding blackout dates. Additionally, she learned that she could receive her scores immediately after exams for AUD, FAR, and REG sections if she took them before the 10th of the month. Sarah scheduled her exams keeping these factors in mind to utilize her time and preparation effectively.
FAQs on CPA Exam Schedule and Dates
Q1. When is the CPA exam offered?
The CPA exam is offered typically during the first two months of each quarter. These are referred to as testing windows.
Q2. How can I schedule my CPA exam?
You can schedule your CPA exam through the Prometric website after you receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS).
Q3. How often can I take the CPA exam?
You can take each section of the CPA exam up to one time within a testing window. There are four testing windows per year.
Q4. What happens if I fail a section of the CPA exam?
If you fail a section of the CPA exam, you must wait until the next testing window to retake that section.
Q5. How long do I have to pass all four sections of the CPA exam?
Typically, you have 18 months to pass all four sections of the CPA exam once you pass your first section.
Related Entrepreneurship Terms
- Exam Sections: The CPA exam is divided into four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG).
- Testing Windows: Typically, the CPA exam becomes available during specified “Testing Windows” throughout the year. The schedules are usually in the first two months of each quarter.
- Prometric Testing Centers: The CPA exam is administered at Prometric Testing Centers. Candidates must schedule their tests with Prometric.
- Continuous Testing: As of July 1, 2020, Continuous Testing replaced the previous Testing Window model in the United States allowing CPA candidates to take the exam year-round.
- Notice to Schedule (NTS): Once a candidate has applied to take the CPA exam and their application is approved, they receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) that allows them to schedule their exam dates.
