Get to know the CPA Exam Blueprints
Transcript of Get to know the CPA Exam Blueprints
Get to know the CPA Exam BlueprintsPresented by:
Joseph Maslott, CPA, Senior Manager, AICPA
Lori Kelly, CPA, Lead Manager, AICPA
Poll Question
Which best describes you?
A. I plan to take the Exam in the near future
B. I have taken 1-2 sections of the Exam
C. I have taken 3-4 sections of the Exam
D. This question is not applicable to me
Poll Question
Which Exam section are you currently studying for?
A. AUD
B. BEC
C. FAR
D. REG
E. This question is not applicable to me / I haven’t begun studying
Exam Basics
Exam basics
5
18months to pass
all sections
75or higher on
each section
15minute break
option to pause
the Exam timer
5testlets per section
4Exam sections
4hours of testing per section
x
What does the Exam test?
Higher order skills
Critical thinking
Analytical ability
Problem solving
Professional skepticism
Effective communication
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Skill levels
8
Evaluation
Analysis
Application
Remembering and Understanding
Poll Question
Which best describes you?
A. I have accessed and thoroughly reviewed the Exam Blueprints
B. I am aware of the Exam Blueprints and have glanced at them
C. I am aware of the Exam Blueprints but haven’t looked at them
D. I wasn’t aware of the Exam Blueprints before today
Poll Question
If you are currently signed up with a review course provider,
please answer the following:
My review course provider incorporates the Exam Blueprints into its
curriculum:
A. Yes
B. No
C. I’m not sure
CPA Exam Blueprints
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aicpa.org/examblueprintsaicpa.org/examblueprints
Content Organization
& Weighting
Skill Allocation
& Weighting
Representative
Tasks
References
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AUD
72MCQ
8TBS
Skill Weighting
• 5-15% Evaluation
• 15-25% Analysis
• 30-40% Application
• 30-40% Remembering and Understanding
Auditing and Attestation
Content Areas
• Ethics, Professional Responsibilities, and General Principles
• Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response
• Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence
• Forming Conclusions and Reporting
Allocation
15-25%
20-30%
30-40%
15-25%
Task Statement
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15
Inventory Count Reconciliation - Exhibits
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Inventory Count Reconciliation - Exhibits
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Inventory Count Reconciliation - Exhibits
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Inventory Count Reconciliation - Exhibits
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Inventory Count Reconciliation - Exhibits
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Inventory Count Reconciliation
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Inventory Count Reconciliation
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BEC
Skill Weighting
• 20-30% Analysis
• 50-60% Application
• 15-25% Remembering and Understanding
Business Environment and Concepts
62MCQ
4TBS
3Written
Communication
Content Areas
• Corporate Governance
• Economic Concepts and Analysis
• Financial Management
• Information Technology
• Operations Management
Allocation
17-27%
17-27%
11-21%
15-25%
15-25%
Task Statement
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25
Variance Analysis
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FAR
66MCQ
8TBS
Skill Weighting
• 25-35% Analysis
• 50-60% Application
• 10-20% Remembering and Understanding
Financial Accounting and Reporting
Content Areas
• Conceptual Framework, Standard-Setting and Financial Reporting
• Select Financial Statement Accounts
• Select Transactions
• State and Local Governments
Allocation
25-35%
30-40%
20-30%
5-15%
Task Statement
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29
Document Review
30
Document Review
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Document Review
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REG
76MCQ
8TBS
Skill Weighting
• 25-35% Analysis
• 35-45% Application
• 25-35% Remembering and Understanding
Regulation
Content Areas
• Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and Federal Tax Procedures
• Business Law
• Federal Taxation of Property Transactions
• Federal Taxation of Individuals
• Federal Taxation of Entities
Allocation
10-20%
10-20%
12-22%
15-25%
28-38%
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Task Statement
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S Corp.
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Poll Question
After learning more about the Exam Blueprints, which best describes
you?
A. I understand the Exam Blueprints and their value as a study tool
B. I’m still unclear how the Exam Blueprints work but I see their value
as a study tool
C. I don’t see the value of the Exam Blueprints and will use other
methods for my preparation
What’s ahead for the Exam?
New User (UX) Experience Software
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Coming in April 1, 2018
Modernized design optimized for HD monitors
Highlights:
• Intuitive interface
• Dedicated “work space”
• Seamless cut/copy/paste
• Highlight function
• Microsoft Excel
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aicpa.org/cpaexam
Candidate Resources
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aicpa.org/cpaexam
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ThisWayToCPA.com
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LinkedIn CPA Exam Candidate Group
• 11,000+ members
• Active discussions among candidates
• Frequent exam news and updates straight
from the AICPA
• Search for the “CPA Exam Candidate” group
and request membership
Poll Question
What would you most like to hear discussed in future presentations?
(Select all that apply)
A. Exam content (Exam Blueprints, weighting, skill levels)
B. Exam scoring (score release, pass rates)
C. Exam administration (NTS, eligibility, time windows)
D. CPA Licensure (eligibility, career paths, pay)
E. Something else?
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