Should I take FAR first?

Many candidates [take FAR first](/study/first-section) because it covers foundational accounting concepts that apply to other sections. However, if you work in tax, starting with [REG](/guides/reg) might leverage your current knowledge better — and [TCP](/guides/tcp) (roughly 80% pass rate) becomes a natural discipline choice later.

Should I take FAR first?

Many candidates [take FAR first](/study/first-section) because it covers foundational accounting concepts that apply to other sections. However, if you work in tax, starting with [REG](/guides/reg) might leverage your current knowledge better — and [TCP](/guides/tcp) (roughly 80% pass rate) becomes a natural discipline choice later.

Core SectionCPA Exam 2026· Last updated: July 27, 2026

FAR Exam Guide

Q: Is FAR the hardest CPA exam section?

FAR has the lowest [pass rate](/study/pass-rates) (43%) but "hardest" depends on your background. If you have a strong accounting foundation, FAR may feel manageable. The volume of content and conceptual depth make it challenging for most candidates. Choosing a review course with strong FAR coverage can make a significant difference — see our [Best CPA Review Courses (2026)](/best-cpa-review-course) ranking for a full comparison.

Q: How long should I study for FAR?

Plan for [120-150 hours](/study/how-long) of dedicated study time. Most candidates spend 6-8 weeks on FAR when studying full-time, or 10-12 weeks when balancing work.

Financial Accounting and Reporting

43%

Pass Rate

120-150

Study Hours

MCQs (50%)

TBSs (50%)

Quick Answer

FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting) has the lowest CPA exam pass rate at 43% and requires 120–150 study hours. It tests three content areas: financial reporting, select balance sheet accounts, and select transactions. [Becker](/reviews/becker) and [Gleim](/reviews/gleim) offer the strongest FAR content.

Tests knowledge and skills related to financial accounting and reporting frameworks, including FASB, U.S. SEC, and AICPA standards for both for-profit and non-profit entities.

Pass Rate Insight: Among the lowest pass rates of all sections. Requires deep understanding of financial statement impacts.

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The CPA exam is now available year-round with continuous testing. Score releases happen quarterly — plan your study timeline to align with your target testing date.

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Exam Format & Time Management

Exam Structure

Duration4 hours

Multiple Choice Questions50 (50% weight)

Task-Based Simulations7 (50% weight)

Optional Break15 minutes (after testlet 3)

Recommended Pacing

Time per MCQ~2.4 minutes

Time per TBS~17 minutes

MCQ Testlets2 testlets × 25 questions

TBS Testlets3 testlets (varies by section)

Testlet Progression

Testlet 1: MCQs→Testlet 2: MCQs→Break (Optional)→Testlets 3-5: TBSs

Content Blueprint

Area	Content	Weighting
I	Financial Reporting	30-40%
II	Select Balance Sheet Accounts	30-40%
III	Select Transactions	25-35%

Key Topics Tested

General purpose financial statements for various entity types
Cash, receivables, inventory, property/plant/equipment
Investments, intangibles, liabilities, and equity
Revenue recognition and income taxes
Fair value measurement and leases
Business combinations and consolidated statements
Nonprofit financial statements and basic state/local government concepts
Accounting changes and contingencies

Study Tips for FAR

1Focus on understanding how transactions impact financial statements — you cannot memorize your way through FAR
2Allocate more time to complex topics like pensions, leases, and consolidations — Pass with Jack offers targeted FAR topic courses ($15-$50 each) if your main review course isnt clicking on these
3Governmental content in FAR is now light — just basic state and local government concepts. The heavier governmental reporting moved to BAR under the 2026 blueprint, so do not over-invest study time here for FAR
4Time management: ~2.08 minutes per MCQ, ~18 minutes per TBS
5Use practice exams to build stamina for the 4-hour test — Gleim offers the largest question bank (12,000+ MCQs) for extensive FAR drilling
6Need extra MCQ volume on a budget? NINJA at $67/month and Meridian (currently free in beta) are the two most affordable ways to add practice reps without committing to another full-priced course

Free · 5 questions · ~90 seconds

Get a personalized FAR study plan

Tell us your timeline, stage, and biggest challenge, and we'll build a FAR plan from the 2026 AICPA Blueprint: weighted topic priorities and a schedule that fits how you study.

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Best Courses for FAR

Top-rated CPA review courses for mastering Financial Accounting and Reporting

#1 for FAR4.4 ★

Becker

$2,499–$4,999

Exam Day Ready students pass FAR at an 81% higher rate than all other exam takers (2024-2025 data)

Read Full Review

#2 for FAR3.9 ★

Gleim

$2,499–$3,499

Largest question bank (10,000+ MCQs) for extensive practice

Read Full Review

#3 for FAR4.3 ★

UWorld

$1,999–$2,899

Visual explanations help with complex accounting concepts

Read Full Review

Get Personalized Recommendations See all courses ranked Or browse by candidate profile

Study Resources for FAR

Exam Day Checklist

Prometric walkthrough, what to bring, calculator policy

Score Release Calendar

2026 score release dates and timeline

CPA Exam Resources

Supplements, practice tests, YouTube, podcasts, and more

Took FAR recently?

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FAR Frequently Asked Questions

FAR has the lowest pass rate (43%) but "hardest" depends on your background. If you have a strong accounting foundation, FAR may feel manageable. The volume of content and conceptual depth make it challenging for most candidates. Choosing a review course with strong FAR coverage can make a significant difference — see our Best CPA Review Courses (2026) ranking for a full comparison.

Many candidates take FAR first because it covers foundational accounting concepts that apply to other sections. However, if you work in tax, starting with REG might leverage your current knowledge better — and TCP (roughly 80% pass rate) becomes a natural discipline choice later.

Plan for 120-150 hours of dedicated study time. Most candidates spend 6-8 weeks on FAR when studying full-time, or 10-12 weeks when balancing work.

Under the 2026 blueprint, governmental accounting is no longer a separate FAR content area. FAR now covers only basic state and local government concepts — measurement focus, basis of accounting, and fund purpose — inside Area I (Financial Reporting). The deeper governmental financial reporting moved to BAR, where State and Local Governments is a full content area weighted at 10-20%.