Master Reference

CPA Exam Master Reference Last Updated: June 2026 Exam: CPA — Certified Public Accountant (AICPA CPA Evolution Model) --- ## CPA Evolution Model — Exam Structure The CPA Evolution model took effect in January 2024. Every candidate must pass 4 sections total: 3 Core sections (all required) + 1 Discipline section (candidate's choice). ### Core Sections (All Required) | Section | Full Name | Hours | MCQ | TBS | |---|---|---|---|---| | AUD | Auditing and Attestation | 4 | 50% | 50% | | FAR | Financial Accounting and Reporting | 4 | 50% | 50% | | REG | Taxation and Regulation | 4 | 50% | 50% | ### Discipline Sections (Choose One) | Section | Full Name | Hours | MCQ | TBS | |---|---|---|---|---| | BAR | Business Analysis and Reporting | 4 | 50% | 50% | | ISC | Information Systems and Controls | 4 | 50% | 50% | | TCP | Tax Compliance and Planning | 4 | 50% | 50% | --- ## Pass Score and Scale - Passing score: 75 on a 0–99 scale (not a percentage) - Scaled scoring means MCQ difficulty adjusts in real time (adaptive testlets) - TBS is scored on a partial-credit basis — every correct cell counts - Historical pass rates: AUD ~47%, FAR ~45%, REG ~60%, Disciplines ~55% --- ## Section Weights and Blueprint Areas ### AUD — Auditing and Attestation | Blueprint Area | Weight | |---|---| | I. Ethics, Independence, Professional Responsibilities | 15–25% | | II. Assessing Risk and Developing Planned Response | 25–35% | | III. Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence | 30–40% | | IV. Forming…