How Long to Study for the CPA Exam
Realistic timelines based on your schedule and experience
The average candidate takes 12-18 months to pass all four CPA exam sections, studying 15-25 hours per week. However, your timeline depends on your accounting background, work schedule, and chosen study intensity. This guide helps you create a realistic study plan.
Last updated: July 27, 2026
Study Hours by Section
Each CPA exam section requires different amounts of preparation based on content volume and complexity. FAR is consistently the most time-intensive section due to its broad coverage of financial accounting topics.
| Item | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FAR | 120-180 hours | Most content, lowest pass rates |
| AUD | 80-120 hours | Conceptual, requires understanding |
| REG | 100-150 hours | Tax and business law content |
| BAR | 100-150 hours | Complex business topics |
| ISC | 80-120 hours | IT and systems focus |
| TCP | 80-120 hours | Tax compliance, highest pass rates |
Timeline Scenarios
Your optimal timeline depends on your work and life commitments. Here are common scenarios candidates face — see courses matched to your schedule if you are balancing work and study.
Factors That Affect Your Timeline
Several factors influence how long youll need to prepare. Be honest about your situation when creating your study plan.
- Accounting background: Recent graduates may need less time than career changers
- Work schedule: Busy season at your firm will slow progress significantly
- Learning style: Some candidates need more repetition than others
- Review course: Adaptive courses like Surgent can reduce study time
- Life commitments: Family, health, and other obligations matter
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Claim Becker deal →The 30-Month Window
Remember that you have 30 months from passing your first section to pass all remaining sections. This "rolling 30-month window" resets each time you pass a section. Plan your section order carefully to avoid losing credit.
- Pass one section, clock starts for the remaining sections
- If a section expires, you must retake it
- Plan buffer time for unexpected retakes
- Consider taking hardest sections first
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Brennan Kolar
Founder, Atlas CPA Index
Brennan Kolar is the founder of Atlas CPA Index, an independent CPA review comparison platform covering all 55 U.S. jurisdictions. With over 10 years of experience with CPA review, he built Atlas to help candidates find the right review course based on how they actually learn, not which provider has the biggest ad budget.
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