Cpa Exam Tips: Time Management

Cpa Exam Tips: Time Management

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The CPA exam consists of four different sections, each of which is broken up into three smaller tests or "testlets," with three of the four sections also containing two simulation sections; each section has a different time limit. As with any test, the CPA exam is a balancing act between what you know and suitable time management. Read on to learn some helpful time management tips for each section that will help you in your quest to pass the CPA exam.

Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)

Although the BEC section covers a variety of topics like economics, information technology (IT), and business structure, it is the shortest section of the CPA exam with a time limit of only 2.5 hours. However, don't let its short length fool you; it can be very difficult. The BEC section is the only section without simulation questions; it consists of three testlets with 30 multiple choice questions each. In order to allow for time on each question, you should spend 45 minutes per testlet and 1.5 minutes per question.

BEC Summary:

Multiple Choice Questions: 90 (1.5 minutes per question)

Simulations: 0

Time Limit: 2.5 hours

Regulation (REG)

The REG section has the fewest multiple questions of the CPA exam, with 24 questions in three testlets for a total of 72 questions (18 fewer questions than the other three sections). That means that each question is worth more points. There are also two simulations, which are multi-part questions that require skills such as written communications, research, and calculations. Topics in the REG section include Federal Security regulations, individual tax and corporate tax. The time limit is three hours, which breaks down to 75 seconds per multiple choice question and 45 minutes per simulation.

REG Summary:

Multiple Choice Questions: 72 (75 seconds per question)

Simulations: 2 (45 minutes each)

Time Limit: 3 hours

Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)

The FAR section covers the most topics by far, and is widely thought of as the most difficult section of the CPA exam. It has three multiple choice testlets, with 30 questions each, plus two simulations. Topics in the FAR section include: accounting for public, private, governmental and non-profit organizations, pensions, bonds and intangible assets. The time limit is four hours, which breaks down to 90 seconds per multiple choice question, and 45 minutes per simulation.

FAR Summary:

Multiple Choice Questions: 90 (90 seconds per question)

Simulations: 2 (45 minutes each)

Time Limit: 4 hours

Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

The AUD section includes topics such as planning and reviewing an engagement, internal controls and documentation. It has three multiple choice testlets, with 30 questions each, plus two simulations. The time limit is the longest of the four sections at 4.5 hours long, which breaks down to two minutes per multiple choice question, and 45 minutes per simulation.

AUD Summary:

Multiple Choice Questions: 90 (2 minutes per question)

Simulations: 2 (45 minutes each)

Time Limit: 4.5 hours

When in Doubt, Guess

Maybe you encounter an extremely difficult question, or maybe you stumble upon some concept you've never heard of before. Whatever the obstacle is that's holding you up, just know that even test takers with the best time management skills can still run out of time. But unlike some other standardized tests, you aren't penalized for wrong answers, which means you should never leave a question blank. If you start to run out of time, just guess - even when guessing you still have a 25% chance of getting the answer right.

You Don't Need a Perfect Score

If you find yourself having a panic attack right before you walk into the exam, just remember, you don't need a perfect score, you just need 75 points. Just focus on managing your time and get those 75 points.

A CPA review course can offer even more detailed information regarding the content of the CPA exam, plus additional study tips and information on the updates to the exam that will be implemented in 2011.

About the Author:
Roger CPA Review is the foremost CPA exam review course dedicated to helping students pass the CPA exam. Over the past 20 years, Roger CPA Review's unique RogerMethod system has combined motivational lectures, flexible CPA review options, outstanding preparation textbooks with software, and excellent customer service to help more than 80,000 students succeed in their goal to pass the exam. Read our CPA exam review article.



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