How Many Attempts Are Available In The CPA Exam?

What is a CPA exam?

The CPA, also known as Certified Public Accountant, is a licensed exam required to become a CPA in the United States. The exam checks whether or not the candidate has the necessary skills to practice as a public accountant.

Regulated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), CPA exams are like the Olympics of accounting where the exam consists of multiple parts, each designed to check your knowledge, skills, and abilities in various areas of accounting. 

The exam retake policy is a breath of fresh air for all those wondering how many attempts are available in CPA exam. Understanding the rules around how often and when you can re-attempt the exam is crucial for planning a steady path for a successful journey. 

Understanding the CPA Exam Structure

The CPA exam is composed of 6 main sections, 3 among them are core sections and the remaining 3 are discipline sections. To pass the exam and become a certified CPA, the candidate has to pass all three core sections and one discipline section which totals 16 hours of exam time (4 hours for each section).

CORE Sections (all must be passed)

• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
• Regulation (REG)
• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

DISCIPLINE Sections (choose and pass one)

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
• Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

Candidates have to pass each section within a limited period of 18 months. Each section within the exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 99, the minimum passing score being 75. 

What You Need to Know About CPA Exam Attempts Limit?

The CPA exam attempts limit is easy to understand. Candidates have to follow a few general rules to plan their exam strategy effectively.

General Rules for CPA Exam Attempts

• There is no restriction on the number of attempts but you have to pay fees for each attempt.
• According to state policies, there is a mandatory waiting period after failing the exam which can range from a few days to a few weeks.
• CPA exams offer continuous testing windows throughout the year, which means that students can take the exam anytime they want.

State-Specific Policies

While CPA exam attempt rules are almost similar for each state, there are some state-specific policies and variations that a student must get acquainted with.

• Waiting period: Different states offer varying waiting periods between retakes. Some might impose longer waiting periods while others might impose shorter ones aligning with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) guidelines.

• Application Process: Some states may ask you to reapply for the exam or submit some documents before attempting a retake. 

• Exam Fee Policies: The fee for CPA exam reattempts can vary between states, affecting how quickly a student decides to retake the exam. 

The 18-Month Rolling Window

The 18-month rolling window is one of the most important aspects of the CPA exam. After attempting one section, the remaining three sections must be completed within the time frame of 18 months, or else, the section attempted will expire. It is a catastrophe if you do not pay attention to it.

CPA Exam Retake Policy

Failing a CPA exam can be a blow to one’s morale but treat them just like the bumps in the road in your CPA journey. 

Steps to Retake a Failed Section

After you fail a section, you will receive a detailed report of your exam. This will help you figure out what went wrong so that you can prepare accordingly for the next attempt.

• Step 1: Go through your report and look for areas of improvement.
• Step 2: Mold your study strategy according to the feedback in the report. Use guides, review courses, or practice exams to improve your weaknesses.
• Step 3: After the waiting period, go to the CPA exam portal and reapply for the exam. 
• Step 4: Utilize the time given to practice and study for the exam.

CPA exam failure policy is fairly simple. It’s almost identical to how you applied for it the first time. However, check your state policies before applying again as they can vary this time. Update your application status, pay the fees, reschedule the exam and you are ready to take the exam again.

Factors to Consider Before Retaking the CPA Exam

Your Score Report

Your score report is not just a sheet with numbers, it’s a treasure trove that will guide you and give you valuable insights about your performance. The report will show you your performance in different areas of the exam. You need to pay close attention to the areas with the lowest marks. Understand where you stand in comparison to your competitors.

Common Reasons Why Candidates Fail

Given the difficulty level of a CPA exam, it’s understood that some candidates fail at scoring well but failure in a CPA exam is not the end of the world, because why fret when you have the CPA exam retake policy? Let’s look at some of the common reasons why students fail at these exams;

• Insufficient Preparation: Many students either overestimate themselves or underestimate the difficulty level of a CPA exam, therefore, allocating less time for preparation which ultimately leads to failure.

• Test Anxiety: A CPA exam can make you feel like walking on eggshells. Extreme nervousness or anxiety is one big reason why students fail their CPA exams.

• Poor Time Management: Every exam is a race against time. The constant ticking bomb can lead to incomplete answers. Practice the pace of your exam through mock exams.

• Not Familiar with Exam Format: Being familiar with the layout of the exam is one condition that might upgrade your marks. Familiarize yourself with the format and practice with similar questions to build confidence.

Tips for Preparing for a Retake

Following are some tips for CPA exam reattempts that you can follow to improve your scores. 

• Invest in high-quality study materials such as guides or practice papers and make sure their content aligns with the exam requirements. 
• Based on your report, engage in targeted practice and try to overcome your weaknesses.
• Join study groups or seek help from teachers for expert guidance.
• Practice different time management techniques and simulate the real exam scenarios for realistic practice.
• Manage your health and maintain a positive mindset.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Retakes

Making mistakes is a common human trait especially when you are dealing with something as daunting as a CPA exam. Here are some of the common mistakes to steer clear of;

Overlooking Areas of Weakness

Failing to identify your weaknesses is one common error everyone falls prey to. Sweeping your mistakes under the rug can cost you your future and if you don’t pinpoint where you went wrong, you risk repeating the same mistake.

Your knowledge gaps are like holes in a bucket, until patched, they’d keep disturbing the flow of information. 

Relying on Ineffective Study Techniques 

Relying on ineffective or outdated study material is a misguided approach when tackling CPA reattempts. Sticking to these old habits won’t yield the results you want.

You can adopt active learning techniques like using flashcards, and practice questions, or you can even teach someone. 

Poor Time Management During Preparation and the Exam

Time is of the essence, so learn to manage it effectively. Failure to do so might result in inadequate preparation. This will affect your exam on a massive level. Learn to prioritize tasks and set aside some specific time for preparation. You can also practice with timed exams to practice time management.

Let’s Wrap up!

So, here’s the bottom line, yes—CPA exams can feel like a marathon but remember! There are plenty of chances to cross the finish line. The 18-month window might bring excitement for some but is a challenge for many. Your failed steps are the building blocks of your success. Don’t let them stop you! 

Take your time, prepare thoroughly, and keep an eye on the prize, your CPA license is just an attempt away! 

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