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Here is a quick overview about the CPA exam syllabus. A CPA requires a broad spectrum of knowledge
and proficiency in it. So, the entire CPA exam syllabus is broken down into 4 sections, each section
dealing with a body of related knowledge. Each of this section has its own syllabus and exam which you
need to be proficient in, to crack the exam. The 4 sections of the CPA exam are as follows.

  • Auditing and Attestation (AUD),
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
  • Regulation (REG),
  • Business Environment Concepts (BEC)

The following will give you important insights about the above sections and will take you through the
syllabus of the most stringent accounting qualification exams in the world, CPA. We’ll be explaining
each of the exam syllabus in detail in our next blog posts.

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1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD) –

Considered as the hardest section of the CPA exam, the Auditing and Attestation (AUD) section mainly
focuses on the all aspects of auditing. This section tests the examinee’s knack to handle professional tasks
of certified public accountant and how they would further apply in real-life scenarios. Candidates are
exposed to different International auditing standards and requirements to perform audit procedures.

2. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) –

Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) covers tests the various aspects of the financial reporting
practiced in the modern day business enterprises, or government entities. FAR encompasses the key
differences between GAAP basis and IFRS basis. Detailed explanation of the syllabus can be found in
CPA FAR syllabus.

3. Regulation (REG) –

This section comprises of basic understanding of business ethics. All in all, Regulation (REG) is
combination that covers the ethics and responsibilities of business laws and federal taxation.

4. Business Environment and concepts (BEC)

Business Environment and concept (BEC) section is touted as one of the most challenging exams because
of its extensive material, and deals with business and economic concepts. It acquaints you with financial
management information technology, and business strategies. In addition to accounting concepts, you will
also be introduced to English writing skills.

So, if you’re planning to become a CPA, there’s not one but 4 exams you need to write. In layman terms
you can consider each of the sections as a subject for CPA, and the entire CPA exam syllabus is the
cumulative of each of these sections.