Background

• Every state relies on the four-part Uniform CPA Examination, which is prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that less than one-half of all prospective CPAs pass all four sections on their first try.
  
  

Timing

• Although candidates don't have to pass all sections simultaneously, prospective CPAs must pass all four sections within 18 months of passing the first section. Testers may schedule their exam up to five days in advance, although the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy recommends registering 45 days before the test date.
  
  

Administration

• The CPA exam is computerized and offered two months of every quarter at testing locations around the country. As of 2011, the CPA exam is only offered in English. The exam's four sections -- Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation -- represent 14 hours of testing. The passing score is a 75 on a scale of 0 to 99; it doesn't reflect a percentage of correctly answered questions. The American Institute of CPAs indicates that the scores are not curved. Prospective CPAs don't need to take the exam at a particular location; instead, they may register at a preferred test site of their choosing.
  
  

Candidates

• To take the CPA exam in some states, regulations state that candidates be at least 18 years old and have completed 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours from an accredited college or university, according to CPATrack.com. Of those credits, 21 units must be related to accounting in the fields of financial accounting, audit, management accounting and taxation; introductory courses count toward this credit minimum. Some locations require that test-takers have additionally completed nine units of business credits including business law, finance and information systems. Students unsure of meeting credit requirements can pay a fee for professional transcript review to determine eligibility. Most locations require candidates to have their bachelor's degree before sitting for the CPA exam.