How Many Hours to Study for the CPA Exam?
We’re frequently asked how long to study for each section of the CPA exam. And with good reason, it’s a great question! Here’s our expert answer…
Variables That Affect Your CPA Study Time
We’re going to recommend a robust study schedule, but you have to remember that your number of CPA exam study hours will be different than someone else with a different background.
CPA study hours depend on:
- Your education.
- How long you’ve been out of school and out of “student” mode.
- Your work experience (you auditors have a leg up).
All of these factors also affect your eligibility to sit for the CPA exam, so you’ll want to make sure you meet your state’s CPA exam and licensure requirements before devising your study plan.
Another big factor, of course, is your familiarity and comfort with the English language. If English is a second language for you, definitely plan on needing more CPA study time. And also plan on checking your eligibility to sit for the CPA exam if you are internationally educated.
Recommended Study Time for CPA Exam by Section
| FAR | 190 hours |
| REG | 120 hours |
| AUD | 110 hours |
| BAR | 120 hours |
| ISC | 100 hours |
| TCP | 100 hours |
How Many Hours to Study for FAR CPA Exam Section
The FAR section consists of 66 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and eight task-based simulations. In UWorld CPA Exam Test Prep, if you took all the lessons and assignments related to FAR, you’d take roughly 190 hours to complete it.
How Many Hours to Study for REG CPA Exam Section
To prepare for the 76 MCQs and eight simulations in this section, you’d spend roughly 120 hours studying with UWorld CPA.
Historically, FAR and REG are the sections with the lowest pass rates (a.k.a. the “hardest”).
How Many Hours to Study for AUD CPA Exam Section
Count it up: 72 MCQs and eight simulations, same as FAR. If you did your work like a good student, using UWorld CPA you’d spend roughly 110 hours studying for this section.
How Many Hours to Study for CPA Exam Discipline Section
The BAR exam tests you on more complex technical accounting topics. It is recommended that you spend at least 120 hours studying for the BAR CPA Exam.
Similarly, it is suggested that 100 study hours are essential for the ISC CPA Exam, which focuses on information technology audit and advisory services, System and Organization Controls (SOC) engagements, and data management.
The TCP exam covers advanced tax compliance and planning. These complex topics require approximately 100 hours of study.
Pro Tip: Focus on Mastering the Material
Knowing how many hours you should expect to study for the CPA exam helps you build your study plan and reduce stress, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee you’ll pass the exam. Rather than worry about the amount of time you spend studying, you can instead focus on mastery of the material.
How Many Hours Should You Study For The CPA Exam?
So, finally, let’s address the main question: “How many hours should I study for the CPA exam?”
UWorld’s Expert Answer: Roughly 550 hours.
Wondering which section you should take first?