The Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) section is widely considered the hardest CPA exam section due to its vast scope, comprehensive material covering everything from governmental to not-for-profit accounting, complex standards, and generally lower pass rates compared to other core sections. While difficulty can vary by individual, FAR's sheer volume and technical depth make it the most challenging for most candidates, with Auditing and Attestation (AUD) often cited as the second hardest.
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) is widely considered the hardest CPA subject due to its sheer volume of information, covering vast topics like consolidations, governmental accounting, and complex transactions, often requiring significant memorization and understanding of foundational concepts. While individual experiences vary, FAR consistently appears as the most challenging section for many candidates, even more so than sections with notoriously tricky questions like AUD (Auditing & Attestation) or REG (Regulation).
BEC, on the other hand, is usually considered the easiest section. It has the highest pass rate. The remaining sections, AUD and REG, are thought to be a medium level of difficulty. At the end of the day, all 4 sections of the CPA exam are going to be challenging.
FAR was the most popular answer, with 63% of all candidates choosing this as the most difficult section. Surprisingly, AUD came in second place as the hardest CPA Exam, with 24%. BAR had just 8% of votes, while REG, TCP, and ISC fell much lower.
Yes, many candidates find that starting with FAR, followed by AUD, then REG, and finishing with a discipline section is the most effective sequence. This order builds a strong foundation and keeps topic overlap fresh between sections.
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.
Some candidates claim that it's easier to study for the LSAT than the CPA Exam and that the LSAT requires fewer study hours to get a good score. The CPA Exam requires a lot of memorization, and most candidates need to take several practice exams before they can pass.
Furthermore, the average CPA exam score for FAR among all test takers is below passing: around 68.6. According to page 127 of the NASBA Report Jurisdiction Edition, female test takers have a FAR pass rate of 45.4% and an average score of 67.1.
What are the pass rates for each section of the CPA Exam? Now let's discuss what's top of mind for all CPA Exam candidates–passing it. About half of the individuals who take the CPA Exam don't pass on their first attempt. According to the AICPA, the national average pass rate is 45-55%.
It's never too late to become a CPA. In fact, you may find the process more manageable at this stage in life. And, most importantly, you'll still get to enjoy the many benefits of becoming a licensed CPA.
How to Pass the CPA Exam
Yes, tax attorneys generally earn more than CPAs because they handle complex legal issues, court representation, and high-stakes tax litigation, commanding higher fees than CPAs who focus more on accounting, financial planning, and return preparation, although both can earn high salaries, especially in senior roles at large firms. A tax attorney's specialization in law often leads to higher earning potential, with median lawyer pay significantly exceeding that of accountants, though specific salaries depend heavily on experience, firm size, and location.
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) is widely considered the hardest CPA subject due to its sheer volume of information, covering vast topics like consolidations, governmental accounting, and complex transactions, often requiring significant memorization and understanding of foundational concepts. While individual experiences vary, FAR consistently appears as the most challenging section for many candidates, even more so than sections with notoriously tricky questions like AUD (Auditing & Attestation) or REG (Regulation).
List of Easiest Exams in the World
Compared to other finance certifications, the CFA exams are widely seen as some of the most grueling. Many candidates call it the hardest finance exam in the world.