[citation needed] A detailed overview of each exam is as follows:[3] With the exception of ISC, each section's score is weighted evenly between multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and tasked-based simulations (TBSs).
Requirements of state boards vary, but almost always include a U.S. bachelor's degree and a certain amount of accounting course credits.
According to published AICPA and NASBA reports, all fingerprints collected are immediately transmitted over the Internet to ChoicePoint/Reed Elsevier (Identico Systems) for storage.
As of July 1, 2020, the AICPA has changed the rules and is now allowing for continuous testing, candidates can now re-test for the same section within the same quarter after receiving their failed score.
All persons involved with the Uniform CPA Exam, including candidates, must sign a confidentiality agreement not to disclose the contents of specific questions asked.
Many candidates use a CPA Review course that includes AICPA released multiple choice questions and task-based simulations.
[13] The Elijah Watt Sells Award, named after Elijah Watt Sells, is awarded by the AICPA to high-performing CPA candidates who satisfy the following conditions:[16] Until the mid-1990s, the Uniform CPA Exam was 19.5 hours in duration and was administered over two and one-half days.
In addition, innovative machine-scorable test questions were incorporated to better assess the skills needed by CPAs to protect the public.
Although this is common practice in the world of large-scale testing, it was a policy decision that was momentous at the time, and made only after extensive comments were elicited from all key stakeholders, such as the 55 boards of accountancy, members of the CPA profession, accounting educators, CPA candidates, and testing professionals.
By deciding to release only a small portion of each exam—to help candidates prepare for the examination experience high-quality exam material could be reused.
Maintaining a large database of secure examination materials also made it possible for the CPA Exam to later transition to a computer-based administration format in 2004.
This updated version is the result of comprehensive research and places an increased emphasis on critical thinking, analytical ability, problem-solving and professional skepticism.
The sample tests also include tutorial topics to guide candidates along with explanations of tools and resources.
After months of engaging with stakeholders from the profession, including supervisors of newly licensed CPAs, the AICPA published an Exposure Draft and Invitation to Comment.
The Exposure Draft details major themes from the research along with proposed Exam content additions, changes, and deletions that will take effect sometime in 2021.