Guidance for the exam and licensure in New Jersey
To become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you must first pass the Uniform CPA Examination. The exam was designed to assess knowledge and skills CPAs need to practice public accountancy, and it is one of the three “E’s” (Education, Examination and Experience) required for licensure in the U.S. Of the three requirements, only the CPA Examination is uniform (accepted for CPA licensure by all U.S. jurisdictions).
What is the CPA Exam?
The CPA Exam is a 16-hour, computer-based test comprised of four sections. Exam takers must pass all four sections within 30 months, earning a minimum score of 75 on each part. There are three core sections that focus on the knowledge and skills universal to all CPAs. The fourth section is a choice from three discipline sections that focus on knowledge and skills required of CPAs in their specialization.
CORE SECTIONS (must take all three)
Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- 78 multiple choice questions (50%)
- 7 task-based simulations (50%)
- 4 hours long
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- 50 multiple choice questions (50%)
- 7 task-based simulations (50%)
- 4 hours long
Taxation and Regulation (REG)
- 72 multiple choice questions (50%)
- 8 task-based simulations (50%)
- 4 hours long
DISCIPLINE SECTIONS (must take one section)
Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
- 50 multiple choice questions (50%)
- 7 task-based simulations (50%)
- 4 hours long
Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
- 82 multiple choice questions (60%)
- 6 task-based simulations (40%)
- 4 hours long
Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
- 68 multiple choice questions (50%)
- 7 task-based simulations (50%)
- 4 hours long
NJCPA Can Help
Explore the wealth of resources available to help you prepare for and get inspired to take the CPA Exam.