How Long Does It Take to Pass the CPA Exam?
Real timelines, real data. What to expect when planning your path to CPA licensure across all six exam sections.
The short answer
9-12 mo
Aggressive
25-30 hrs/week study time
12-18 mo
Most common
15-20 hrs/week study time
18-24 mo
Part-time pace
8-12 hrs/week study time
Most CPA candidates pass all six sections in 12 to 24 months. The CPA exam is unique because you must pass six separate sections within an 18-month rolling window. Once you pass your first section, the clock starts. If you do not pass all remaining sections within 18 months, your earliest passed section expires and you must retake it. This window creates real urgency around your study timeline.
Study hours by exam section
Based on survey data from licensed CPAs and CPA review course providers, here is how much study time each section typically requires:
The 18-month rolling window
The CPA exam operates on an 18-month rolling window. When you pass your first section, you have 18 months to pass the remaining three. If any section credit expires before you finish, you must retake it. This rule is the single biggest factor in CPA exam planning.
Best case
Pass all 6 sections within 12 months. Plenty of buffer before the 18-month deadline. Low stress, no retakes needed.
Risky scenario
Spread sections over 16-18 months. If you fail your last section, your first credit may expire. Candidates in this position often get stuck in a retake cycle.
Full-time vs. part-time study comparison
| Factor | Full-Time Study | Part-Time (Working) |
|---|---|---|
| Hours per week | 30-40 hours | 10-20 hours |
| Total timeline | 6-9 months | 12-18 months |
| Sections per quarter | 1-2 sections | 1 section |
| Risk of expiration | Very low | Moderate |
| Best for | Recent graduates, career changers | Working professionals |
| Recommended order | FAR first, then AUD, REG, BAR, ISC, TCP | FAR first, then AUD, REG, BAR, ISC, TCP |
Factors that affect your timeline
Accounting background
Candidates with a masters in accounting or extensive public accounting experience tend to finish faster. Coursework in intermediate accounting, tax, and auditing directly translates to exam content. Career changers without this background should plan for the longer end of the timeline.
Study consistency
Studying 15 hours every week beats studying 30 hours one week and nothing the next. The CPA exam covers an enormous volume of material. Consistent daily sessions build the long-term retention you need across all six sections.
Section order strategy
Most experts recommend taking FAR first because it is the hardest and most content-heavy section. Passing FAR early gives you momentum and the most time before the 18-month window becomes a concern. ISC and TCP are typically taken after AUD, FAR, REG, and BAR.
Work schedule
Busy season at a public accounting firm can effectively halt your study progress for 2-3 months. Many candidates plan around busy season, taking sections during the summer and fall when workloads are lighter.
Review course quality
A structured review course with adaptive learning, practice exams, and progress tracking can reduce your study time by 20-30% compared to self-study with textbooks alone. Arteura offers 1,800 flashcards, 180 mini exams, and 30 full practice exams starting at $0.
Retake buffer
The national CPA pass rate per section is approximately 50%. Most candidates fail at least one section. Build 2-3 months of buffer into your timeline to account for potential retakes without risking credit expiration.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to pass the CPA exam on average?
Most candidates pass all six sections in 12 to 24 months. The total study commitment is approximately 1,500 to 2,200 hours spread across FAR, AUD, REG, BAR, ISC, and TCP. Candidates studying full-time can finish in as little as 9 to 12 months.
What is the 18-month rolling window for the CPA exam?
Once you pass your first CPA exam section, you have 18 months to pass the remaining five sections. If a section credit expires, you must retake it. This rule means strategic planning of your exam schedule is essential to avoid losing credit.
Which CPA exam section should I take first?
Most experts recommend FAR first. It is the most content-heavy section (300-400 study hours) and has the lowest pass rate. Getting FAR out of the way early gives you momentum and maximizes your 18-month window for the remaining sections.
Can I pass the CPA exam while working full-time?
Yes, thousands of candidates pass the CPA exam while working full-time. It typically takes 12 to 18 months at a pace of 15 to 20 study hours per week. The key is consistency and strategic scheduling around busy periods at work.
How many hours should I study for each CPA exam section?
FAR requires the most at 300 to 400 hours. AUD and REG each need 200 to 300 hours. BAR (formerly BEC) needs 150 to 200 hours. ISC requires 350 to 400 hours and TCP needs 300 to 350 hours. Total across all six sections is approximately 1,500 to 2,200 hours.
What happens if my CPA exam credit expires?
If a section credit expires before you pass all six sections, you must retake that section and earn a passing score again. This is why building buffer time into your study plan is critical. Aim to finish all six sections within 12 to 15 months to avoid this risk.
Start your CPA timeline today
Arteura has 1,200 flashcards, 100 mini exams, and 20 full-length practice exams to get you through every CPA section.