Are all CPA exams 4 hours?

Asked by: Reinhold Champlin  |  Last update: August 23, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (2 votes)

Yes, all sections of the Uniform CPA Examination—including the three core sections (FAR, AUD, REG) and the one discipline section (BAR, ISC, or TCP)—are 4 hours long. The total exam consists of 16 hours of testing time, designed to assess both knowledge and practical application.

Is the CPA Exam 4 hours?

CPA Exam Overview

To become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you must meet the education, examination, and experience requirements. All candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Examination ® (CPA Exam), which consists of three four-hour Core sections and one four-hour Discipline section of your choice.

How long is each CPA Exam test?

Each section of the Exam is four hours in length with a total testing time of 16 hours.

Is the CPA Exam still 4 parts?

The CPA Exam is comprised of Core and Discipline sections. Each section has a specific format, content, and time allocation. The three Core sections are required and must be passed. Only one Discipline section must be passed.

How many hours does it take to take the CPA Exam?

If you're wondering, “How long is the CPA exam?” here's the quick answer: It's 16 hours long, split into three main parts — Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Auditing and Attestation (AUD), and Regulation (REG), plus a separate discipline section.

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44 related questions found

What happens if I fail core 1-3 times?

You have three attempts to pass a Core or Elective module-end examination. If you are unsuccessful on your third attempt of either the Core 1 or Core 2 examinations, you will be removed from the CPA PEP. For Cap- stone 1, if you are unsuccessful in the module, you will be required to repeat it.

Should I take reg or tcp first?

TCP tests advanced tax topics similar to the content in the Regulation (REG) exam, so if REG is your strongest Core exam topic, it's a good idea to take the TCP exam. You should plan on sitting for TCP immediately after passing REG while the tax content is still fresh for you.

Do CPA Exam scores expire after you pass all 4?

A: No. Once you have passed all four sections of the Uniform CPA exam, your exam credits do not expire. However, the ethics examination expires within 24 months of passing, so it is recommended that you take that examination close to the time you are ready to apply for licensure.

Is 100 hours enough for AUD?

Auditing and Attestation (AUD) - 110 to 140 hours

AUD is a Core section consisting of 78 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and seven task-based simulations (TBSs) covering the auditing process across four specific areas: Ethics, professional responsibilities and general principles.

Is the CPA Exam all in one day?

The CPA Exam consists of three, four-hour Core sections and one, four-hour Discipline section. You'll take one section at a time. Each Exam section consists of five part that we call testlets.

Can you get a CPA without 150 credits?

In California, you'll need to complete at least 150 college credits before you can become a CPA. A traditional bachelor's degree usually includes 120 credits, which means you'll need to complete additional education, such as a master's degree or graduate certificate.

What happens if you get a 74 on the CPA Exam?

Your 74 on the CPA Exam does not mean you were one point away from passing. Instead, your 74 means once they determined you failed, they compared your score with other people that failed and determine you performed better than them but still failed.

How to dress for a CPA Exam?

Dress for success

In this case, you don't need to go for fancy dress! Instead, be sure to dress comfortably to avoid any distractions during the exam. You should also dress in layers, so if the room is too hot or cold, you're ready and can still be as comfortable as possible.

Are CPA exams curved?

Calculating your CPA Exam score

Scores are reported on a scale that ranges from 0 to 99. It's important to know that your total reported score does not represent a percentage correct, nor can you interpret it as such. Scores are not curved.

Why are CPA pass rates so low?

A common complaint from CPA candidates concerns the enormity of the exam material. Since accounting concerns itself with frequently changing statutes and laws, there are many details one has to commit to memory. Another way to put it is that there are more than 600 key points packaged into representative tasks.

What is a 99 on the CPA Exam?

A 99 is the highest score your can receive on the CPA exam. How likely is it that you will score a 99 on any section of the CPA exam? Well, it's highly unlikely, but aim high, miss high, right? While the passing CPA score is a 75%, Ryan, a Universal CPA student, recently scored a 99 on the REG section of the CPA exam.

Is Becker good for CPA?

Nearly 2 million CPA candidates have passed the exam with Becker's CPA review, including 90% of Watt Sells Award winners since 2007. Becker Exam Day ReadySM students achieve a 64% higher CPA Exam pass rate than all other test takers, proving that Becker students are better prepared and more likely to pass.