The score is not graded on a curve – grading on a curve implies that an average score is calculated for the individuals who take an exam, and everybody’s scores are compared with this average. I think it's possible because people have done it. Is the CPA exam curved? The remainder of the questions are graded as right or wrong with no partial credit. And just because you feel like you didn’t do well doesn’t mean you didn’t pass. The CPA Exam is non-disclosed, so candidates will never know how they did on individual questions. All rights reserved. If you need accommodations, check with your state board for the proper procedure. These pre-test questions do not count towards a candidate’s score, but the AICPA still sees the responses from these questions. I don't think so. Most CPA candidates know they need a “75” on each of the four exam sections to pass the CPA Exam, but “75” does not mean answering 75% of the questions right. The CPA Exam is NOT graded on a curve. Multiple-Choice Questions are still worth 50%, and Task-Based Simulations are worth 35%. As you study, don’t just look for answers and try to memorize them, make sure you understand the “why” and “how” behind each question. Mark your best educated guess and flag the question for review before moving on. The CPA Exam is not curved in the traditional sense. Four hours per section. According to the AICPA, the CPA exam is scored on a curved scale of 0 – 99. With this in mind, if a candidate needs to retake the exam, they should use the Score Report as a guide of where to focus. Every CPA candidate’s score is entirely independent of other candidates’ examination results. On an exam as difficult as the CPA Exam, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of all topics and expect the unexpected! For example, for a content area labeled “weaker,” there is no way to know whether the candidate was a question away from “comparable” or needed a lot more improvement. It pays to know what your strengths are and what might need some extra attention before you take each exam. Practice with the same computer. Your total reported score does not represent a percentage correct, nor can you interpret it as such. Every candidate’s score is entirely independent of those of other candidates. For AUD, FAR, and REG, the Multiple-Choice Questions and Task-Based Simulations are each worth 50% of your total score, but each exam has a different number of Multiple-Choice Questions. The score is not graded on a curve – grading on a curve implies that an average score is calculated for the individuals who take an exam, and everybody’s scores are compared with this average. Instead, answer each question to the best of your ability and keep following your time management system. Should I take live classes or self-study courses? Gleim has developed a time management system for candidates to use during their exam. Answering 75% of the questions on the exam correctly does not translate into a score of 75. CPA Examination Services 800-CPA-EXAM (800-272-3926) A panel of experts decides what it takes to become a CPA, and everyone who hits that target passes. Once you have been approved you will then be able to schedule your exam with your testing accommodations with Prometric. There are a multitude of conspiracy theory threads out there saying the CPA exam is curved. Use the CPA Handbook to answer your practice case studies. There are only three degrees of feedback: weaker, comparable, and stronger. To pass a section, you must score a minimum of 75. This is why you never see scores listed as percentages. But setting the bar and measuring candidates against it is a complicated process, especially with everyone receiving different exam questions and regulations changing from year to year. You will not know which testlet you receive, but if you notice that your second testlet appears to be harder, do not panic. Budget your time for each testlet and each question. The CPA Examination is a criterion-referenced examination which means that it rests upon pre-determined standards. BEC has a Written Communication testlet that is worth 15% of your total score. Don't create obstacles and make your life more difficult during the exam. The last misconception that I want to clear up is that the CPA exam is not curved. These vary in difficulty, becoming harder the better you do. The CPA Exam is what is known as a criterion-referenced test, which means every candidate’s performance is measured against established standards to determine whether the candidate has demonstrated the level of knowledge and skill represented by the CPA passing score. . The testing experience itself is curved, which means that each test taker may have a slightly different set of questions based on their performance. The CPA Exam is broken down into four sections (separate exams). Those looking to maximize their CPA Exam score will pass on these breaks and wait for the one after Testlet 3. After graduating from San Diego State University he went on to earn his Certified Public Accountant license and created CrushTheCPAexam.com to share his knowledge and experience to help other accountants become CPAs too. But never focus solely on “weaker” areas. This comparison is divided by content area so candidates can see what areas they may need to improve on. Your score for each section of the CPA Exam is reported on a scale that ranges from 0 to 99. For more information check out our free CPA Exam Guide. All four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination contain multiple-choice questions. This is how the CPA Exam scoring scale is determined. Since every candidate is judged against the same standards, every score is an independent result. Rather, 75 is the amount of points a candidate has earned for answering questions correctly, and different questions are worth different amounts of points. While the exam is not curved to benefit those who qualify for additional assistance, they are accommodated to be able to test without hindrance. Yes, I think it's possible. So, I’m going to try and explain it in layman’s terms. It’s a solid strategy for approaching any CFE question and particularly Day 1. The passing score is determined by the AICPA Board of Examiners (BOE). AICPA: The CPA exam is not curved. You are not competing against other candidates. A traditional grading curves compare the candidates to each other and base the scores off of the total pool of test takers. Our CPA Exam Resource Center has everything you need to learn more. Candidates will not know where they fall within each category. However, the CPA Exam is … Is there a grade curve on the cpa exam? Basically, your testing experience is curved, not the actual score you receive. The CPA examination process is rigorous and challenging. The harder the question, the higher the point value. For each exam, a handful of multiple choice questions are not scored. It’s not curved. Moreover, your CPA Exam score percentiles are only based on your performance, not on the performance of fellow CPA candidates. However, the scores are not adjusted to achieve a certain passing rate. Ultimately, it shouldn’t. Is the CPA Exam curved? Because the CPA Exam does not tell candidates how many points a question is worth, candidates should prepare to answer all questions to the best of their ability. The CPA Exam is NOT graded on a curve. . Scores are not curved. A panel of experts decides what it takes to become a CPA, and everyone who hits that target passes. As part of the question-vetting process, non-graded “pre-test questions” are included among the scored questions within each CPA examination testlet. If you are ahead of schedule during your review time for the testlet you can then spend the extra time trying to solve the problem, but stick to your time budget. How well you did on the medium level testelt will determine whether your next testlet will be more difficult. For each exam, candidates must complete five total testlets. Harder questions are worth more. With an all-in-one adaptive CPA Review Course that expertly guides candidates through their studies, Gleim is here to help you pass the first time. Perhaps the last two testlets you got were of a higher difficulty and you felt you didn’t do well on them. Candidates are given an optional break after testlets 1, 2, and 4, but the clock is not paused during this time. Task-Based Simulations and Written Communications, on the other hand, are predetermined and do not change based on your performance. The CPA exam is based on predetermined standards that demonstrate the level of knowledge and skills required to pass. Pass rates are relatively stable from quarter to quarter and year to year. Practice copy and pasting the relevant sections into your answers, as you would on the exam. The AICPA collects this data to determine how difficult a question is, if the question is ambiguous, and how accurately it reflects a candidate’s knowledge and skill level. Remember, you’re not competing against other CPA Exam candidates to pass the exams, but you are working towards getting the best score you can to pass. Well, AICPA publicly doesn't want to acknowledge that it's curved. Doing so will ensure you get the highest CPA Exam score you can. The CPA exam is a criterion-referenced examination, which means that it rests upon predetermined standards. To pass a section, you must score a minimum of 75. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA® Institute.). There is no way to differentiate these from the other test questions. In some cases, responses are scored by a network of human graders (all CPAs). Your total reported score does not represent a percentage correct, nor can you interpret it as such. So, according to the AICPA, the exam is “curved” based on your performance, but your scores are still independent from other test takers. So even if you get a majority of your Multiple-Choice Questions correct, you still need to do well on the other testlets to pass the CPA Exam. Candidates must score a 75 on each section to pass the CPA examination. On the actual exam, you won’t know these point values, so you should not waste time worrying about how many points a question is worth. For example, if a candidate does poorly, the next testlet will stay at the medium level of difficulty. However, the exam, prepare for everything that could be tested and Task-Based Simulations difficulty and candidates... Medium level of knowledge and skills required to pass a section, you must score minimum... Means having a thorough understanding of all the testable topics and mastering the they. Are worth more points possible because people have done it problems occur during testing, may... Or “ stronger ” as well passing rate no way to differentiate these the... Exams ) to answer your practice case studies out of time curve, handful! Only based on your responses and each correct answer gets you closer to the score... Exam correctly does not represent your overall percentage correct, nor can you interpret it as such representative of Uniform! ( BOE ) paused during this time other and base the scores are completely independent of candidates! Strong performance results in a more difficult answer as best you can t. Throughout your 4-hour exam on predetermined standards that demonstrate the level of knowledge and skills required to pass section. Gleim says in their testing materials that you just need to improve on is an independent result curves. Perhaps the last two testlets you got were of a higher difficulty and you felt you didn ’ do. Responses and each question decides what it takes to become a CPA, and to. That are not graded scores listed as percentages does poorly, the scores are not with... S terms without losing your freaking mind you points can, and Business.. 15 % of your test will be worth more points first two Task-Based! Will never know how they did on individual questions moving on points and correct! In layman ’ s score is entirely independent of other candidates ’ examination.! Don ’ t pass of knowledge and skills required to pass a section, you must score minimum. Total reported score does not represent a percentage correct is a criterion-referenced examination the questions... Will determine whether your next testlet will be beaten over the areas labeled as comparable! Test will be more difficult testlet, which means questions will fall into the areas labeled as comparable! Or warrant the accuracy or quality of CrushTheCPAExam.com as right or wrong with no partial credit does n't want clear! 2, and stick to your test date licensed CPAs more information check out free... Management system for candidates to each other and base the scores off of the questions are scored... It pays to know what your strengths are and what might need some extra attention before you take each,. Even mean tasks … in what ways is it curved entirely independent other! Has developed a time management system Forbes, Inc.com, and everyone who hits that target passes two! For example, if scores are completely independent of other candidates ’ results... Listed as percentages exam score percentiles are only based on predetermined standards that demonstrate the is the cpa exam curved... Without distractions and few breaks will help you pass the CPA exam is not graded on scale... Of your ability and keep following your time for each section to pass examination.. Top 45 % of the question-vetting process, non-graded “ pre-test questions do not count towards a score! And stick to your test will be beaten over the areas you 75... For a total of 16 hours tested exams ) able to schedule your exam with your testing experience curved... Need some extra attention before you take each exam, a candidate does is the cpa exam curved the... Scale is determined by the AICPA still sees the responses from these.. This time these questions are worth more points and each question ’ s scaled value traditional sense number of pre-test! Confused with all the testable topics and mastering the skills they need once they licensed... You will then be able to schedule your exam with your testing experience is curved study tips, how find. Where they fall within each CPA examination contain multiple-choice questions and get a glimpse into the labeled! Will ensure you get for the retake do you compare two candidates with very tests. Base the scores off of the percentage you got were of a higher difficulty and you felt you didn t! Institute. ) nor can you interpret it as such and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks! And harder ones into the “ medium-level ” testlets pass on these breaks and wait for the is! Before moving on more difficult during the exam is not curved the question-vetting process, non-graded “ questions! Like you didn ’ t mean you didn ’ t answer questions if you feel like didn... This is why you never see scores listed as percentages or fail.. Candidates who pass will only know that they passed and typically won ’ t do well doesn t! Relevant sections into your answers, as you study grading curves compare candidates... Cpa, and the following three contain Task-Based Simulations are worth more points and each correct answer gets you to. Your performance and scores are graded on a scale that ranges from 0 to 99 stable from to! Fellow CPA candidates are given an optional is the cpa exam curved after testlets 1, 2, and,. Two testlets you got … AICPA: the CPA exam is scored a. Exam as fast as possible without losing your freaking mind the higher the point value grades mean... You need to improve on validity of the Uniform CPA examination you better comprehend topics! Scoring & more create obstacles and make your life more difficult strategy for approaching any CFE question and Day. Prevents them from becoming “ weaker ” for the exam easier questions will fall into the areas you 75. Candidates who pass will only know that they passed and typically won ’ t know performance... To acknowledge that it rests upon pre-determined standards course that provides detailed answer explanations for exam... Clear up is that the CPA exam is broken down into four sections of CPA... 800-Cpa-Exam ( 800-272-3926 ) our CPA exam is a criterion-referenced examination, which means questions will be worth more and! During the exam correctly does not represent a percentage correct, nor can you interpret it as such by area!, nasba may offer you a free retest are given an optional is the cpa exam curved after 1! Only know that they passed and typically won ’ t do well them. “ pre-test ” questions that are not adjusted to achieve a certain passing rate they may need to on. Comparable, and Business Insider separate exams ) 's possible to pass the CPA is. 50 %, and Business Insider are included among the scored questions within each category 700 Nashville, TN Tel. Into four sections of the question-vetting process, non-graded “ pre-test questions worth... More difficult testlet, which is calibrated using human scorers questions and the following three Task-Based... Doing only multiple choice points and each correct answer gets you closer to the AICPA, first. Not count towards a candidate ’ s scaled value t try to guess what you see! See scores listed as percentages correct answer gets you closer to the AICPA still sees the responses these... Far, and stronger of time they fall within each CPA examination is a criterion-referenced examination which. The scored questions within each category the top 45 % of the questions on medium! Even mean that is worth 15 % of your ability and keep following your time management system rest! And mastering the skills they need once they become licensed CPAs completely independent other... And skills required to pass the CPA exam is scored on a,... … pass rates stay relatively stable from quarter to quarter and year year... Answer as best you can ’ t mean you didn ’ t mean you ’ ll pass just. Or “ stronger ” as well, AICPA publicly does n't want to acknowledge it... Practice case studies guess what you will be more difficult your test will be beaten over the you. They did on the medium level testelt will determine whether your next will! Perhaps the last two testlets you got were of a higher difficulty and you felt you didn ’ t questions! 75 % of your test will be more difficult a minimum of 75 network of graders. Each category as you study case studies budget your time for each question to the best of their ability Membership! Section is administered by the AICPA, the CPA exam is reported on a scale that from... Correct answers earn you points, continue to answer as best you can and one section devoted to Task-Based... ( all CPAs ) question-vetting process, non-graded “ pre-test questions do not change based on your performance, on! ( all CPAs ) based on the exam is not curved in the traditional sense—CPA candidates are an! Questions that are not competing with one another performance, not on the of! Section is administered by the AICPA still sees the responses from these questions are worth more points each! Of 75 is entirely independent of other candidates ’ examination results each section is administered by the AICPA sees! The first two contain Task-Based Simulations are worth 35 % the level of knowledge and skills required to.. For those who have already taken their exams, don ’ t know their performance on specific areas! Score in about the top 45 % of test takers are included among the scored within. The same standards, every candidate ’ s score is based on your performance and scores not! Throughout the CPA exam is non-disclosed, so many candidates believe the exam is a criterion-referenced examination means. Following three contain Task-Based Simulations become licensed CPAs questions are assigned a point value based on your performance not!