How Long to Study for the CPA

How long to study for the CPA is one of the most important planning questions CPA candidates face. The CPA exam is not designed to be rushed, and success depends on how well your study time aligns with your background, schedule, and responsibilities. On average, most candidates spend 300–450 total hours preparing for the CPA exam, typically over 6 months to 1 year.

At Vishal CPA Prep, CPA candidates are guided to plan their study time based on exam section requirements, individual learning pace, and consistency. Understanding these factors allows candidates to follow a realistic schedule and maintain steady progress throughout the CPA exam journey.

Why Study Time Varies by CPA Exam Section

Each CPA exam section tests different skills, concepts, and application levels, which is why study time varies.

FAR – Financial Accounting and Reporting

FAR typically requires the most study time because it covers:

• Financial accounting principles
  
  
• Financial reporting standards
  
  
• Financial statement analysis
  
  
• Complex technical accounting topics

Many CPA candidates find FAR challenging due to the volume of material and the depth of concepts covered.

REG – Regulation

REG focuses on:

• Federal taxation
  
  
• Tax laws and tax compliance
  
  
• Business law and legal responsibilities
  
  

Success in REG requires both memorization and the ability to apply rules to various scenarios.

AUD – Auditing and Attestation

AUD emphasizes:

• Professional and legal responsibilities
  
  
• Business ethics
  
  
• Audit planning and reporting
  
  

AUD questions often test judgment rather than calculation, making conceptual clarity essential.

Discipline Sections (BAR, ISC, TCP)

Discipline sections allow candidates to specialize based on career goals:

• BAR: Business analysis, advisory services, advanced financial topics
  
  
• ISC: Information systems, data management, information technology audit
  
  
• TCP: Advanced tax compliance and tax planning
  
  

Choosing a discipline aligned with your experience can reduce study time.

For a complete overview, review the CPA Exam Syllabus to understand how each section is structured.

CPA Exam Eligibility and Application Timeline Considerations

Before finalizing a CPA exam study schedule, candidates must confirm that they are eligible to sit for the exam and understand the application timeline. These steps can directly affect when you are able to begin studying and schedule exam sections.

CPA exam eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction. The exam is administered across multiple U.S. states and territories, and each jurisdiction sets its own rules for education, credit hours, and degree qualifications. Candidates should first determine where they plan to obtain licensure and verify that they meet that jurisdiction’s eligibility requirements before committing to a study timeline.

If eligibility requirements are not yet met, it may be necessary to complete additional coursework before beginning CPA exam preparation. In these cases, study timelines should be adjusted accordingly.

Once eligibility is confirmed, candidates must complete the CPA exam application process through the appropriate jurisdiction. This process includes submitting academic transcripts, required documentation, and exam fees. Application approval is not immediate and typically takes several weeks.

After the application is approved, candidates receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS), which allows them to book their CPA exam date. Because application processing and NTS issuance can take time, candidates are encouraged to apply 6–8 weeks before their intended exam date. Delays at this stage can impact planned study schedules, especially for candidates aiming for a 6-month or accelerated timeline.

At Vishal CPA Prep, candidates are advised to align their study plan with eligibility confirmation and application approval to avoid interruptions or unnecessary delays in their CPA exam journey.

Recommended Study Time for CPA Exam by Section

The CPA exam consists of four sections, and each section requires a different amount of study time. The table below shows recommended study hours by section, based on what many CPA candidates need to feel fully prepared.

These study hours are averages, not guarantees. Some candidates may need more time depending on their learning style, educational background, and comfort level with the topics covered.

Passing the CPA Exam in 6 Months

Passing the CPA exam in 6 months is achievable, but only for candidates with significant available study time.

This timeline is best suited for:

• Students or recent graduates
  
  
• Candidates without a full-time job
  
  
• Those able to study consistently every week

What a 6-month plan typically looks like:

• One CPA exam section every 6–7 weeks
  
  
• 22–26 study hours per week
  
  
• Minimal breaks between sections
  
  

With continuous testing available in most states, candidates can schedule exams more frequently. However, it’s important not to pause studying while waiting for exam score release dates. This approach requires discipline. Missing study sessions can quickly put you behind schedule.

Passing the CPA Exam in 1 Year

For many CPA candidates, passing the CPA exam within 1 year is more realistic and sustainable.

This timeline works well for:

• Candidates with a full-time job
  
  
• Professionals managing family or personal commitments
  
  
• Those who prefer a steady, lower-stress pace
  
  

Typical study structure:

• One exam every 2–3 months
  
  
• 13–15 study hours per week
  
  
• Weekday review sessions and longer weekend study blocks
  
  

This approach allows more time to absorb complex concepts, practice questions thoroughly, and avoid burnout.

Variables That Affect Your CPA Study Time

A structured study schedule is important, but CPA exam study time is not the same for every candidate. The number of hours required depends on several personal and professional factors, which means one candidate’s timeline may not work for another.

CPA study hours are influenced by:

• Educational background – Candidates with recent accounting or finance education often require fewer hours than those returning to study after a long break.
  
  
• Time away from formal learning – The longer you’ve been out of school or “student mode,” the more time it may take to rebuild study habits.
  
  
• Work experience – Experience in auditing, tax, or accounting roles can reduce study time for related CPA exam sections.
  
  

These factors also play a role in determining eligibility to sit for the CPA exam. Before finalizing a study plan, candidates should confirm they meet their state boards’ CPA exam and licensure requirements.

Another important consideration is language proficiency. Candidates for whom English is a second language may need additional study time, particularly for reading-intensive sections and multiple-choice questions. Internationally educated candidates should also verify CPA exam eligibility requirements in their jurisdiction before setting a test date.

Daily and Weekly CPA Study Time Breakdown

Understanding how CPA exam study hours translate into daily and weekly commitments helps candidates plan more effectively and avoid unrealistic expectations. Study time should be spread across frequent sessions rather than concentrated into long, infrequent blocks.

Most CPA candidates follow one of the schedules below:

Typical Daily Study Time

• 2–4 hours per day on weekdays
  
  
• 4–6 hours per day on weekends when available
  
  

Typical Weekly Study Time

• 10–15 hours per week for candidates with a full-time job
  
  
• 18–25 hours per week for students or candidates with fewer commitments
  
  

Frequent study sessions improve retention of complex accounting concepts and allow more time for practice questions, multiple-choice questions, and task-based simulations. Consistency is more important than total study hours in a single day.

CPA Study Time by Candidate Scenario

CPA exam study time varies widely based on a candidate’s background, responsibilities, and learning pace. Below are common CPA candidate scenarios and how study timelines typically differ.

Working Professionals (Full-Time Job)

Candidates working 40+ hours per week often study 13–15 hours weekly and complete the CPA exam in 9–12 months. Longer timelines allow flexibility for work deadlines and personal commitments.

Recent Accounting Graduates

Students or recent graduates with strong financial accounting and audit foundations may require fewer total study hours. Many complete the CPA exam within 6–9 months by studying 18–25 hours per week.

Career Switchers or Non-Accounting Backgrounds

Candidates without a recent accounting education often need additional time, particularly for FAR and REG. Study timelines of 12 months or longer are common to fully absorb foundational concepts.

International and ESL Candidates

Candidates for whom English is a second language may require extra study time for reading-intensive exam sections. Allowing more time for review and practice exams can improve comprehension and confidence on test day.

At Vishal CPA Prep, candidates are encouraged to choose a study timeline that aligns with their real-life obligations rather than forcing an aggressive schedule that leads to burnout. The how to become a CPA guideline will make your path simple and successful. 

Start Your CPA Study Plan With the Right Timeline

Knowing how long to study for the CPA is the foundation of a successful exam strategy. By understanding section-wise study hours, eligibility timelines, and personal commitments, CPA candidates can create a study plan that is realistic, sustainable, and aligned with their test dates. With structured guidance from Vishal CPA Prep, candidates can move forward confidently and stay on track throughout their CPA exam journey.

FAQs – CPA Exam Study Time