AICPA Exam & AICPA Certification Info
Who is the AICPA?
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is a national professional organization for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the United States. It provides a wide range of resources for its members, including education, professional standards, certification, and advocacy services. The AICPA also develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination.
Steps to Take AICPA Certification Exams
Step 1: Eligibility and Application
Firstly, you need to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the CPA Exam. These requirements vary by state, but generally include a certain level of education (typically a bachelor’s degree and a certain number of accounting credits), and in some cases, work experience. Once you have confirmed eligibility, you can apply to take the exam through your state board of accountancy or its designee. You can find more information on the AICPA website or your state board's website.
Step 2: Scheduling the Exam
After your application has been processed and approved, you will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS). You can then schedule your exam at a Prometric test center. Test centers are located across the United States and in several international locations. You can find a testing center near you and schedule your exam on the Prometric website.
Step 3: Taking the Exam
On the day of the exam, ensure you arrive at the testing center well in advance of your scheduled exam time. You will need to bring your NTS and two forms of identification. The exam is computer-based and divided into multiple sections, each of which must be completed in a specific order. You will have a set amount of time to complete each section.
Location Information
The AICPA is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Washington D.C., Durham, N.C., Ewing, N.J., and Lewisville, TX. However, the CPA exam is administered at Prometric test centers, which are located across the United States and in several international locations.
Website
You can find more information about the AICPA and the CPA exam on the AICPA's official website: https://www.aicpa.org/
AICPA - Certified Public Accountant Exams
The AICPA Auditing and Attestation (AUD) certification test is a part of the Uniform CPA Examination. It evaluates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in auditing and attestation. The test covers topics such as ethics, professional responsibilities, audit procedures, and various reporting issues. It is a 4-hour exam consisting of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. The AUD exam emphasizes understanding, analysis, and application of auditing principles. Passing the AUD test, along with three other sections, is required to obtain the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response - 20-30%
Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence - 30-40%
Forming Conclusions and Reporting - 15-25%
The AICPA Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) certification test is one segment of the Uniform CPA Examination. It assesses a candidate's understanding of business concepts, the economic environment, financial management, information technology, and operations management. The test comprises multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations, and written communication tasks. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to evaluate, analyze, and apply these concepts in various business situations. This examination plays a crucial role in qualifying a candidate's readiness for professional practice as a Certified Public Accountant.
Economic Concepts and Analysis - 17-27%
Financial Management - 11-21%
Information Technology - 15-25%
Operations Management - 15-25%
The AICPA Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) certification test is a section of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination, assessing competencies in financial accounting for business entities, not-for-profit organizations, and state and local governments. It covers topics like conceptual framework, standards, financial statement presentation, specific transactions, events, and disclosures. The test evaluates a candidate’s ability to apply knowledge, skills, and professional judgment in these areas. It is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), a leading organization in accounting standards and credentialing.
Select Financial Statement Accounts - 30-40%
Select Transactions - 20-30%
State and Local Governments - 5-15%
The AICPA Regulation certification test, also known as REG, is a component of the Uniform CPA Examination. It assesses the knowledge and skills of aspiring Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the US. Candidates are tested on topics such as business law, federal taxation, and ethics and professional responsibilities. The exam comprises multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. Passing this rigorous test is a crucial step towards achieving the CPA certification, demonstrating the candidate's ability to apply critical thinking and technical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Business Law - 10-20%
Federal Taxation of Property Transactions - 12-22%
Federal Taxation of Individuals - 15-25%
Federal Taxation of Entities - 28-38%