CPA Exam Section Guides
Master each section of the CPA exam with our comprehensive guides. Pass rates, content breakdowns, study strategies, and course recommendations.
The CPA exam consists of four sections: three core exams that every candidate must pass (AUD, FAR, and REG) plus one discipline section you choose based on your career direction (BAR, ISC, or TCP). Each section has its own content focus, difficulty level, and pass rate — and the strategies that work for one section don't always apply to another.
Our section guides break down exactly what to expect from each exam: the content areas and their relative weights, current pass rate trends, recommended study hours, the number of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations you'll face, and specific study strategies tailored to that section's unique challenges. Whether you're deciding which section to tackle first or preparing for your final exam, these guides give you the section-specific detail you need.
For broader study planning advice, check our study hub. And to find the right course for your learning style, visit our provider reviews.
Core CPA Exam Sections
All CPA candidates must pass these three core sections.
CPA Discipline Sections
Choose one discipline section that aligns with your career goals.
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