{"id":2794,"date":"2024-10-26T20:34:11","date_gmt":"2024-10-26T16:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/?p=2794"},"modified":"2025-09-21T10:29:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-21T15:29:06","slug":"best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Order to Take the CPA Exams"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deciding on the order to take the CPA exam can be as crucial as studying for them.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Did you know that only about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/resources\/article\/learn-more-about-cpa-exam-scoring-and-pass-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">half<\/a> of CPA candidates pass each CPA exam section?<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This statistic shows just how challenging each section of the exam can be. Here\u2019s where a strategic approach comes into play to maximize your chances of success. Getting the CPA exam order right can be a game-changer for your CPA journey.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s break down the order in which to take each CPA exam section to set yourself up for success.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Start with FAR:<\/strong> FAR is often the most difficult section, so tackle it when you\u2019re fresh.<\/li> <li><strong>Follow up with AUD or REG:<\/strong> These sections let you keep the momentum going without burning out after FAR.<\/li> <li><strong>Leave a discipline section for last:<\/strong> Since these are new, saving them for last gives you time to settle into the CPA exam structure.<\/li> <li><strong>Stick to a study schedule:<\/strong> Aim for 80-100 hours per section, with extra time for FAR to build a comprehensive understanding.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-the-order-matters\">Why the Order Matters<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the best CPA exam order can make a huge difference in your CPA journey. Each exam section tests different skills, so tackling them strategically helps you build on your foundational knowledge and take advantage of your strengths. Think of the CPA exam structure like a marathon; starting strong is important, but so is conserving your energy for the long haul.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I took the CPA exam, I started with FAR, which proved to be the right decision. FAR was the most difficult section for me, but tackling it first meant I had maximum focus and energy. This approach allowed me to build momentum and ease into the other core sections afterward. If the discipline sections had been around back then, I\u2019d likely have saved them for last to give myself time to adapt to the CPA Evolution format.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-start-with-far\">Start with FAR<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting) is often regarded as the toughest section. It covers everything from accounting standards to financial reporting for local governments and requires a deep understanding of financial statement knowledge and select financial statement accounts. With FAR, you\u2019re not just recalling concepts\u2014you\u2019re applying detailed accounting principles, making this the most difficult section for many CPA candidates.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During my prep, I spent around 100 hours studying for FAR, covering a lot of complex topics like financial accounting and reporting and tax compliance principles. I spread these hours over two months, studying consistently for a few hours each day, which helped me stay fully prepared without feeling overwhelmed. Completing FAR first gave me a huge confidence boost because I\u2019d conquered the toughest section early in my CPA journey.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-move-on-to-aud-or-reg\">Move on to AUD or REG<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After FAR, many CPA candidates find it helpful to move on to either AUD (Auditing and Attestation) or REG (Regulation). These sections, while challenging, are a bit lighter in scope compared to FAR. AUD requires knowledge of internal controls, professional responsibilities, and obtaining evidence\u2014all key aspects of auditing principles. REG, on the other hand, focuses on federal tax procedures, business law, and federal taxation.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For me, moving from FAR to AUD was a smoother transition. The conceptual framework of AUD was different from FAR\u2019s intense focus on accounting and reporting, so it felt like a mental break. I invested about 80-90 hours for AUD, working on task-based simulations and sample questions to familiarize myself with assessing risk and forming conclusions. This steady study schedule made it easier to absorb the material and approach exam day confidently.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-save-the-discipline-section-for-last\">Save the Discipline Section for Last<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CPA Evolution introduced three discipline sections to replace the BEC section: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP), and Information Systems and Controls (ISC). Each chosen discipline is more specialized than the core sections, so saving a discipline section for last allows you to build a strong foundation in the core concepts before diving into these specifics.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If I\u2019d had the chance to take one of the new discipline sections, I would probably have chosen Business Analysis and Reporting last. After covering FAR, my knowledge of business analysis and select transactions would have been sharper, making BAR a fitting section to wrap up my exam order. This approach allows you to confidently tackle the new exam content with the benefit of established study habits and a solid understanding of the core sections.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-planning-your-study-time\">Planning Your Study Time<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CPA exam isn\u2019t just about knowing the material; it\u2019s about managing your time effectively. Each section requires careful planning, and your study schedule should account for the depth of each topic. While each CPA section requires around 80-100 hours of study time, FAR typically demands closer to 120 hours. Here\u2019s a recommended breakdown:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>FAR:<\/strong> 100-120 hours<\/li> <li><strong>AUD:<\/strong> 80-90 hours<\/li> <li><strong>REG:<\/strong> 80-90 hours<\/li> <li><strong>Discipline Section:<\/strong> 60-80 hours<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I was studying, I devoted around 2-3 hours each day to stay on track and cover the material comprehensively. One of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-cpa-review-courses\/\">top online CPA prep courses<\/a>, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/becker-vs-gleim-cpa-review\/\">Becker or Gleim<\/a>, can be incredibly helpful, especially for task-based simulations and multiple-choice questions that mirror the CPA exam. Becker\u2019s practice questions and task-based simulations helped me build confidence and ensure I was fully prepared for each exam section.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-practical-study-tips\">Practical Study Tips<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A solid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-study-for-the-cpa-exam\/\">study schedule<\/a> can make all the difference. Aim for shorter, focused sessions to keep up your momentum. Cramming the week before exam day isn\u2019t nearly as effective as consistent, steady study over weeks or months. Breaking down challenging topics, like federal taxation in REG or data management in ISC, into digestible parts is key.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During my CPA prep, I found that setting small weekly goals, like finishing a set of multiple-choice questions each session, helped me stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. Practice exams and task-based simulations were essential tools in building my test-taking stamina and gaining confidence in handling exam-style questions.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-bottom-line-stick-to-a-plan\">The Bottom Line: Stick to a Plan<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, the order to take the CPA exams depends on your unique strengths and study preferences. But if you\u2019re looking for a tried-and-true order, start with FAR, follow up with AUD or REG, and wrap up with one of the discipline sections. Whatever path you choose, sticking to a study schedule that fits your lifestyle and allows you to stay consistent will set you up for success.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\">FAQs<\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729949376115\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What section of the CPA exam should I take first?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most experts recommend starting with FAR, as it\u2019s the most challenging and covers extensive financial accounting material. Tackling this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/which-cpa-exam-section-to-take-first\/\">CPA exam section first<\/a> allows you to take it on with a fresh focus.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729949385973\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How much time should I dedicate to studying for each CPA exam section?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Plan to spend 100-120 hours on FAR and around 80-90 hours each on AUD and REG. The discipline sections typically require 60-80 hours. When I studied, spreading this time out over several weeks was key to retaining the material and building confidence.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729949393534\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is there a particular order for CPA exams?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">There\u2019s no required CPA exam order, but many recommend starting with FAR and ending with one of the discipline sections. I took FAR first, which worked well because it built my confidence for the remaining exam sections.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729949416364\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Which CPA exam section has the highest pass rate?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">AUD usually has a higher pass rate than FAR and REG, but rates vary each quarter and year, so check updated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/cpa-exam-pass-rates\/\">CPA exam pass rates<\/a> for more details.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729949431662\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I switch the order of my CPA exam sections?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, you can take the CPA exams in any order. However, a strategic approach, like starting with FAR, can boost your chances of success by tackling the most difficult section first.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729949445521\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How many hours a week should I study for the CPA exam?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">This depends on your schedule, but aiming for 10-15 hours a week is common. I found that daily study sessions of 2-3 hours kept me on track without leading to burnout.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729949569710\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How long do I have to pass all CPA exam sections?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You have 18 to 30 months from the date you pass your first exam section to complete the remaining sections. Setting a steady study schedule can help you meet this timeline comfortably.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729949575558\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do I need a CPA prep course?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">While not required, CPA prep courses like Becker, Surgent, or Gleim can help you tackle multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations and create a structured study schedule. When I used Becker, their task-based simulations and sample questions made a big difference in my readiness for each exam section.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729949743763\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What\u2019s new in the updated CPA exam?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The updated CPA Evolution includes three discipline sections that replaced BEC, focusing on areas like Business Analysis and Reporting, Tax Compliance, and Information Systems and Controls. If I had taken the updated exam, I would\u2019ve saved one of these discipline sections for last, as they require specific knowledge that\u2019s best built on core foundational skills.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Deciding on the order to take the CPA exam can be as crucial as studying for them. Did you know that only about half of CPA candidates pass each CPA exam section? This statistic shows just how challenging each section of the exam can be. Here\u2019s where a strategic approach comes into play to maximize [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":2795,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2794","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-accounting"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/10\/What-is-the-Best-Order-to-Take-CPA-768x427.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Best Order to Take the CPA Exams<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get expert insights on see pass rate statistics so you can plan your strategy for the best order to take the CPA exams and pass the first time.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best Order to Take the CPA Exams\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Get expert insights on see pass rate statistics so you can plan your strategy for the best order to take the CPA exams and pass the first time.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Charlotte Observer - Careers &amp; Education\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-10-26T16:34:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-21T15:29:06+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/10\/What-is-the-Best-Order-to-Take-CPA.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1001\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"image\":false,\"name\":null,\"jobTitle\":\"Writer\",\"url\":false,\"description\":\"\"},\"headline\":\"Best Order to Take the CPA Exams\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-10-26T16:34:11+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-21T15:29:06+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1502,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/8\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/What-is-the-Best-Order-to-Take-CPA.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Careers &amp; 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Tackling this <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/which-cpa-exam-section-to-take-first\\\/\\\">CPA exam section first<\\\/a> allows you to take it on with a fresh focus.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#faq-question-1729949385973\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#faq-question-1729949385973\",\"name\":\"How much time should I dedicate to studying for each CPA exam section?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Plan to spend 100-120 hours on FAR and around 80-90 hours each on AUD and REG. The discipline sections typically require 60-80 hours. When I studied, spreading this time out over several weeks was key to retaining the material and building confidence.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#faq-question-1729949393534\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#faq-question-1729949393534\",\"name\":\"Is there a particular order for CPA exams?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"There\u2019s no required CPA exam order, but many recommend starting with FAR and ending with one of the discipline sections. I took FAR first, which worked well because it built my confidence for the remaining exam sections.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#faq-question-1729949416364\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#faq-question-1729949416364\",\"name\":\"Which CPA exam section has the highest pass rate?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"AUD usually has a higher pass rate than FAR and REG, but rates vary each quarter and year, so check updated <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/cpa-exam-pass-rates\\\/\\\">CPA exam pass rates<\\\/a> for more details.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#faq-question-1729949431662\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#faq-question-1729949431662\",\"name\":\"Can I switch the order of my CPA exam sections?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, you can take the CPA exams in any order. However, a strategic approach, like starting with FAR, can boost your chances of success by tackling the most difficult section first.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#faq-question-1729949445521\",\"position\":6,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/best-order-to-take-the-cpa-exams\\\/#faq-question-1729949445521\",\"name\":\"How many hours a week should I study for the CPA exam?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"This depends on your schedule, but aiming for 10-15 hours a week is common. 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