Are you an aspiring accountant wanting some help with preparing for your upcoming exam? Varsity Tutors can help you study for it with a CPA prep course. If you've ever spent time looking up things like "CPA help near me" online, then you probably already know how beneficial it can be to work with an expert instructor while preparing for your upcoming exam. The Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination is created by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) with some assistance from the NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy). The test assesses your skills and the knowledge that you need to have in order to work as a public accountant, either for yourself or for a company. Reach out to us to learn more about our CPA prep classes.
Why Take the CPA Examination?
The Uniform Certified Public Accountant Exam is typically taken by individuals who envision themselves having a career in the accounting industry. The test is widely respected in the industry and may be right for you if you'd like to work as an accountant. Individuals who earn this certification demonstrate their knowledge of the field of accounting to potential employers and clients. However, the exam can be difficult to perform well on without any test preparation guidance. If you plan on taking this exam, then taking CPA classes through Varsity Tutors could be the right move for you.
Exam Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin the CPA classes of your choice, it's a good idea to spend some time researching in order to make sure that you're actually eligible to take the exam. The first exam requirement is that, at least in most states, you need to be a US citizen in order to take the CPA. If you satisfy this requirement, then you're well on your way towards becoming eligible to take the CPA exam.
Similarly, the majority of states also require test takers to have a valid social security number in order to register to take the CPA. You also will need to be at least 18 years old. Finally, the biggest qualification hurdle for most individuals is that test takers must have either completed their bachelor's degree or have taken at least 120 college credit hours in the pursuit of a bachelor's degree. State requirements may vary slightly so you may want to check in with the state you live in to make sure you satisfy this educational requirement.
Unlike some professional certification exams, there are no work experience requirements that you must satisfy in order to take the CPA exam. Do you satisfy all of the CPA exam eligibility requirements? If so, then you can confidently sign up for CPA courses with Varsity Tutors without having to worry about whether or not you'll actually be able to register for your test when you're ready to take it. Continue reading for more information on the exam and how CPA courses can help you prepare for it.
Breaking Down the Exam
The CPA exam covers one of three E's that is a requirement for getting a license as an accountant working in the United States: education, examination, and experience. Fifty-five jurisdictions require successful completion of the CPA exam, though experience and education requirements differ for each jurisdiction or state. Some jurisdictions require that you successfully complete an exam in ethics, also known as the fourth "E." Below are its sections, time limits, and the number of questions the test has:
Section |
Time |
Multiple-choice Questions |
Task-based simulations |
Written Communication |
AUD |
4 Hours |
72 |
9 |
NA |
BEC |
4 Hours |
62 |
4 |
3 |
FAR |
4 Hours |
66 |
9 |
NA |
REG |
4 Hours |
76 |
9 |
NA |
The CPA exam contains four sections, and here's a breakdown of some of the topics you'll face:
- Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and General Principles
- Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response
- Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence
- Corporate Governance
- Economic Concepts and Analysis
- Financial Management
- Conceptual Framework, Standard-Setting and Financial Reporting
- Select Financial Statement Accounts
- Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and Federal Tax Procedures
- Business Law
- Federal Taxation of Property Transactions
As touched on briefly above, in its current form, the CPA exam is composed of four distinct sections. These sections are Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Each of these sections has a slightly different test format, so you'll need to be prepared to answer a variety of question types that demonstrate your accounting knowledge.
Your grade on the Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation test sections are scored similarly. 50% of your score on these sections will be based on your responses to the section's multiple-choice sections. The other 50% will be based on the responses you provide to the task-based exercises. The Business Environment and Concepts section of the CPA is slightly different. For this section of the exam, 15% of your score will come from the written responses you provide, 33% from the task-based work you do, and 50% from your multiple-choice selections. A strong The CPA prep course can help you develop the skills you need to feel confident taking each section of your upcoming test.
Varsity Tutors Can Help you Prepare for Your CPA Examination
You have a few different options to consider when deciding which CPA prep course you should sign up for. The CPA prep courses you ultimately decide on should reflect your learning style, test goals, and scheduling requirements. Read on to get more information on the different CPA prep courses options you can consider adding to your test preparation plan.
The first option you have is to work with a CPA prep class instructor in a one-on-one setting. This may be the right option for you if you've previously enjoyed getting direct feedback from your instructor. If you sign up for this style of CPA prep classes, your CPA prep class instructor can set you up with a customized learning plan that is based on your specific needs. These CPA prep classes offer a personalized learning experience that is hard to match through other test preparation resources.
A CPA prep class tutor can help you try to understand any of the exam's sections. The great thing about our CPA prep courses is that instructors can conduct lessons at a speed that suits you, whether you want them to explain something slowly or speed things up. Maybe you want some advice on organizing your notes because they're scattered everywhere, making it tough for you to concentrate. In a CPA course, a tutor can assist you with getting organized by providing an outline on how to neatly arrange notes. Being organized also cuts down on wasted time better spent studying. Do you absorb information better through visual or auditory learning? A CPA class tutor can offer a sound file or slides to try to help you comprehend a topic like financial accounting better. Our CPA courses help students study, as well as build effective work skills.
If you want to go over subjects like financial management or business law, a CPA class tutor can review them with you. You can request practice questions to get a taste of the real thing, or flashcards if you prefer a fun way of reviewing topics. Does the thought of taking the CPA exam scare you a little? Feel free to talk about your feelings with a tutor because it's okay to feel intimidated about taking a test. A tutor can try to reduce your fears by giving you some confidence-boosting tips.
The next CPA course option you should consider is a CPA class that takes place in a small group setting. This may be the right test preparation option for you if you've enjoyed learning in a traditional classroom environment in the past. Your CPA course will take place online and give you the chance to learn alongside a group of peers. A group-based CPA course combines all of the benefits of a traditional CPA course in a convenient online setting.
Varsity Tutors offers a variety of CPA class options that can easily fit the needs of most students. We make every effort to connect our students with CPA class educators who are able to work with them around their existing scheduling obligations. That means you can easily sign up for the CPA class that makes the most sense for your learning needs without worrying how it will affect the other important parts of your life.
Finally, your test preparation instructor can also spend some time helping you with developing your general test-taking skills. For example, test anxiety is a common occurrence among individuals who are preparing to take the CPA exam. Anxiety is a common response to taking an important exam like the CPA that has the potential to impact your future. Unfortunately, test anxiety can make it hard to focus on the day of your exam. It can also make it difficult to remember the preparation work you did in the lead up to your test. Your instructor can show you techniques that you can use to deal with any test anxiety you experience. This can make your test day flow more smoothly.
Your instructor can also show you how to manage your time more effectively while taking the CPA exam. Since you'll need to complete a lot of work within each section's four hour time window, a great time management plan could help you feel more comfortable while taking your test. These skills that your test preparation instructor can provide you with are ones that you can utilize on the entire CPA exam as well as on any future exams you may take. To get this type of assistance, you don't need to search online for "CPA tutors near me". Instead, you can easily get started by contacting Varsity Tutors today.
Facts About CPA Test Takers
The CPA is a challenging exam that requires a strong test preparation process. This is a fact that is backed up by the statistics provided by AICPA regarding the individuals who take the CPA exam. In fact, the average passing rate for each section of the CPA exam usually sits at around just 50%. That means that around half of the individuals who take the CPA exam each year won't pass.
This exam is a popular one and usually has around 100,000 test takers depending on the year. This is why internet searches for things like "CPA help near me" have also grown in popularity recently. If you want to rise to the top of this group in terms of exam performance, then taking an exam preparation course is a smart way to work towards doing so. Rather than spending time online looking up "CPA tutoring near me", you can easily get started with the test preparation option of your choice by contacting Varsity Tutors.
Getting Started
Taking the CPA is a smart career move if you plan on working in the accounting industry. However, as detailed above, it can be a difficult exam to pass without any test preparation guidance. You can easily start building your own ideal study plan by getting in touch with Varsity Tutors today. Educational directors are standing by to help you identify the test prep option that is the best fit for your specific needs. Working with an expert while you prepare for the CPA exam could help you create a test preparation plan that is more effective and efficient overall. Why not let us help you get more out of your study sessions?
As someone studying accounting, you're probably juggling other responsibilities as well. We understand how tough it can be, so we try to make things easier for you by offering flexible CPA classes through our Live Learning Platform. The Live Learning Platform allows you to communicate with a tutor via computer, tablet, or smartphone. Take your first step toward reaching for your vocational objectives by contacting Varsity Tutors and signing up for a CPA course. We'd love to use our experience in the test preparation industry to help you pursue your CPA goals. We hope to hear from you soon!
Jonathan: CPA course instructor
...every level of my education career. From helping fellow students in high school with math to assisting graduate students with accounting as a TA, I understand the impact a good tutor can have not only on the bottom line grade but on overall confidence in a subject. Studying for the CPA exam (and scoring FAR-93, AUD-90, BEC-95, REG-94) puts me in a unique position to break complicated accounting subjects into their most basic components. Most...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting
- The University of Texas at Austin - Masters in Business Administration, Taxation
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- Accounting
- High School Accounting
- College Accounting
- +21 subjects
Shane: CPA course instructor
...math. While a grad student, I was a TA. All students that visited me in office hours received a higher score on their second exam than on their first exam. I have always said accounting is like a foreign language, and once you have a solid foundation, you can apply it everywhere. I have a passion for teaching, and I look forward to bringing my energic and positive energy to all my sessions.
Education & Certification
- Miami University-Oxford - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Miami University-Oxford - Masters in Business Administration, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- NMLS - Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- SAT Writing and Language
- +58 subjects
Education & Certification
- Malone University - Bachelor in Arts, Organizational Leadership
- Baldwin-Wallace College - Masters in Business Administration, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- CLU - Chartered Life Underwriter
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- +25 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of St Thomas - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- Professional Certifications
- CPA FAR - CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting
- High School Accounting
- +7 subjects
Maura: CPA course instructor
Accounting Nerd. Excel Wizard. Leader. I am a computer geek at heart who loves to apply the basics of accounting to an ever-changing technological world. I am a compassionate and focused leader responsible for applying new technologies to accounting practices and small businesses. My hope is to empower those coming up through the business industry by training everyone to become a leader by learning constantly and always failing forward.
Education & Certification
- Eastern Oregon University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Business Management
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- CPCE - Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination
- CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
- Managerial Accounting
- +13 subjects
John: CPA course instructor
...Dame in South Bend, IN. While at Notre Dame I was a tutor for student athletes. I currently work full time as a public accountant in Big 4 as an international tax associate. My tutoring style is to be very thorough and ensure that you will be prepared for each topic and all the possible questions and variations that could come out of each topic. I am also a big believer understanding the theory behind...
Education & Certification
- Merrimack College - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- University of Notre Dame - Master of Science, Taxation
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- CPA BEC - CPA Business Environment and Concepts
- CPA REG - CPA Regulation
- College Business
- +22 subjects
Shane: CPA course instructor
As a Licensed CPA and Accounting, Finance and Economics triple major from the University of Michigan, I seek to share my passion for learning with others. My experience in Big 4 tax and SEC reporting for a major bank gives my knowledge a real world background in addition to a conceptual one.
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Dearborn - Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Management
- Economics
- +26 subjects
Education & Certification
- Berea College - Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- AP Microeconomics
- High School Business
- College Economics
- +22 subjects
Danish: CPA course instructor
Cum Laude graduate and coming with an intellectual approach to take on and complete challenging tasks. Having received formal training of accountancy and financial concepts through school and work, instills confidence and ability to hit the ground running with minimum ramp up time in any environment. Demonstrated ability of being a strong team player as well as adding value in an individual contributor role.
Education & Certification
- LUMS - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Finance
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- NASBA - National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
- College Economics
- IB Economics
- +28 subjects
Hongmei: CPA course instructor
I have seven plus years of accounting, auditing and consulting experience. and I have been helping CPA students who were struggled with study themselves.They successfully passed their all four sessions with my help. My tutor style is flexible to fit your way of learning. I will look forward studying together on Varsity platform.
Education & Certification
- Harbin University - Bachelor of Science, Automation Engineer Technology
- Avila University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- CPA AUD - CPA Attestation and Auditing
- Professional Certifications
- CPA FAR - CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting
- +2 subjects
Audrey: CPA course instructor
...approach. I also taught a second year Hospital Accounting class that emphasized cost accounting. All of my students graduated and have successful careers. I also have more than 20 years experience in the auditing, government, public finance and project management, fixed income (bonds), mutual fund, and financial services industry. I use my knowledge and experience to help students visualize their future and make learning more fun and relevant! Financial Accounting and Cost/Managerial Accounting: I tutor...
Education & Certification
- University of Ghana - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Accounting and Finance
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- Insurance License
- Series 66
- Series 65
- +26 subjects
Jaquinthia: CPA course instructor
I was once a single mother, full-time employee, and part-time student, all at the same time. I understand the struggles and how the pressures of school and not comprehending a specific topic can make you want to give up. My goal is to be the person who helps students realize they do not have to give up on their academic dreams and help them however possible.
Education & Certification
- Florida Atlantic University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- University of Phoenix-Atlanta Campus - Master of Science, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- Professional Certifications
- Test Prep
- Corporate Finance
- +13 subjects
Rebecca: CPA course instructor
...investigation and federal VCR instructions (a natural sleep aid). But I also have a passion for English and literature. I excelled throughout school in writing and literature analysis. Want to figure out what on earth MacBeth is saying or why e.e. cummings thought grammar was optional? Let's do this! While very professional, my style is energetic and a bit quirky. I would love to tutor at any level: middle school, high school, college. Even those...
Education & Certification
- Washington State University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- High School English
- Elementary School Math
- Middle School Reading
- +35 subjects
Education & Certification
- Duquesne University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting
- Duquesne University - Masters in Business Administration, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- PMP
- CMA - Certified Management Accountant
- College Accounting
- +16 subjects
Benard: CPA course instructor
I am a graduate of the University of Akron in Ohio where I received my Bachelor of Science in Accounting. My career includes working in public and private accounting and auditing, and governmental auditing. I am passionate about learning and sharing my experience. I believe that earning certifications during my career show competency in those areas. Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, auto mechanics, and developing a farm business.
Education & Certification
- University of Akron Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- CIA - Certified Internal Auditor
- Finance
- Business
- +9 subjects
Patrick: CPA course instructor
...your career by pursuing the CPA exams. I understand that these exams can be challenging, but with the right guidance, you can achieve your goals. As a CPA myself who has gone through the experience of balancing work, family, and studying, I am excited to offer my expertise and support as your tutor. I have successfully passed the exams and I am eager to share my strategies and tips with you. Please don't hesitate to...
Education & Certification
- University of South Florida-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee - Masters in Business Administration, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- NMLS - Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- CPA FAR - CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting
- +4 subjects
Edward: CPA course instructor
...always tutor and taught class to engaging students that are willing to learn. When helping student achieve their desire to obtain a goal it has always been in my belief that no matter how difficult it has been they were able to obtain their goal. I obtained a BBA in Accounting at the University of Texas at El Paso. Started my Masters though not complete I had enough hours to sit for the CPA exam...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at El Paso - Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- NMLS - Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System
- Accounting
- Microeconomics
- +18 subjects
Delphine: CPA course instructor
I've been an entrepreneur, business consultant, and faculty member for over 16 years. My credentials include being a CPA with a Juris Doctor, Master of Accountancy, and Bachelor of Science in Business. My greatest strengths are being a good listener, creating strategy, and following through. I'm empathetic, but I don't back down from excuses because I know that within every "can't" is a "can". I admire truth and transparency.
Education & Certification
- Wake Forest University - Bachelor of Science, Business, General
- Washington and Lee University - Juris Doctor, Law Enforcement Administration
- University of Phoenix-Online Campus - Master of Science, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- NMLS - Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System
- Finance
- LSAT
- +36 subjects
David: CPA course instructor
...to education. I incorporate these values into my instruction. Through working as an instructor for the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, I have had the opportunity to instruct students from diverse backgrounds and intellectual passions. I have real-world experience in tax, audit, and accounts payable and receivable. I look forward to helping students with the CPA and CMA exams in addition to accounting, finance, and economics courses. Outside of academia, I enjoy playing the...
Education & Certification
- Cabrini University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Cabrini University - Master of Arts, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- CMA - Certified Management Accountant
- Managerial Accounting
- Other
- +6 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Massachusetts-Boston - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Nichols College - Masters in Business Administration, Human Resources Development
Subject Expertise
- CPA
- Managerial Accounting
- Elementary School Math
- Cost Accounting
- +24 subjects