CPA Practice Exams: 180 Mini Exams + 30 Full-Length Simulations
The most comprehensive CPA practice exam library available. 180 section-specific mini exams plus 30 full-length practice exams that mirror the real CPA exam experience.
Two types of practice exams
Arteura offers two distinct exam formats designed for different stages of your CPA study plan. Both include detailed explanations for every answer choice so you understand the reasoning behind each option.
Mini Exams
180 exams across all 6 sections
20 questions per exam
15-20 minutes per session
Section-specific -- focus on one area at a time
Detailed explanations for every answer choice
Best for daily study sessions. Mini exams let you target specific CPA sections and track your mastery of individual topics without committing to a full-length exam.
Full-Length Practice Exams
20 practice exams available
5 per section (FAR, AUD, REG, BAR, ISC, TCP)
4 hours timed, matching the real exam
MCQs + TBS format -- mirrors actual exam structure
Score report with topic-level breakdown
Best for the final weeks before each section. Full-length practice exams build stamina, test time management, and give you a realistic score prediction.
Practice exams by the numbers
Section coverage breakdown
Each CPA section has 30 mini exams with 20 questions each, plus 5 full-length practice exams. Click through to start practicing in any section.
GAAP, financial statements, governmental accounting, not-for-profit accounting, and consolidations. The most content-heavy CPA section.
Audit procedures, professional standards, ethics, internal controls, engagement planning, and attestation standards.
Federal taxation for individuals, businesses, and entities. Business law, professional ethics, and tax planning strategies.
Business concepts, economics, information technology, operations management, and financial management. Formerly BEC.
Information systems, data management, IT governance, cybersecurity, data privacy, and system development and change management.
Why practice exams matter for the CPA
Research on certification exam preparation consistently shows that active recall through practice testing is the single most effective study method. Reading textbooks and watching video lectures builds familiarity, but practice exams build the ability to retrieve and apply knowledge under pressure.
Mini exams build targeted mastery. When you score below 75% on a section-specific mini exam, you know exactly where to focus your flashcard review. When you consistently score above 85%, you can confidently move on to the next topic. This targeted approach is far more efficient than re-reading an entire chapter.
Full-length exams build section stamina. Each CPA section is 4 hours long with both MCQs and task-based simulations. Many candidates who know the material still struggle with fatigue and time management. Taking at least 2-3 full-length practice exams per section before your test date trains your endurance.
Detailed explanations accelerate learning. Every question in Arteura's practice exam library includes an explanation for each answer choice. Understanding why incorrect answers are wrong is just as valuable as understanding why the correct answer is right.
How to use practice exams in your study plan
Weeks 1-4: Mini exams by topic
Start with one section at a time. Complete 3-5 mini exams per topic area, reviewing the explanations for every question you miss. Use your scores to identify which topics need the most flashcard review.
Weeks 5-6: Mixed topic mini exams
Start mixing topics within the section. Take mini exams from different topic areas on the same day to build your ability to switch between content, just like the real exam requires.
Weeks 7-8: Full-length practice exams
Take your first full-length practice exam under timed conditions (4 hours). Review your score report to identify remaining weak spots, then use targeted mini exams and flashcards to shore them up.
Final week: Confidence check
Take one final full-length practice exam 3-5 days before your section date. If you score above 80%, you are well-prepared. Spend the remaining days reviewing flashcards for any topics you missed.
How Arteura compares to other CPA prep
| Feature | Arteura | Becker | Wiley | Surgent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0-$499 | $2,500-$3,500 | $1,500-$2,500 | $1,500-$2,000 |
| Practice questions | 3,600+ | 9,200+ | 12,000+ | 7,700+ |
| Mini exams | 180 | Included in MCQ bank | Included in MCQ bank | Adaptive quizzes |
| Full-length exams | 30 | Simulated exams | Simulated exams | Simulated exams |
| Flashcards | 1,800 | 1,400+ | 4,000+ | Included |
| Free tier | Yes | No | Free trial | Free trial |
Arteura is designed as a focused practice platform. For candidates who want affordable, high-volume practice without paying thousands for a full review course, Arteura offers the most value per dollar.
Frequently asked questions
How realistic are the practice exams compared to the actual CPA exam?
Our practice exams are designed to match the format, difficulty, and question types of the actual CPA exam. They include multiple-choice questions across all tested topics within each section. The full-length practice exams mirror the real exam's 4-hour format with both MCQs and simulation-style questions.
Can I retake practice exams?
Yes. You can retake any mini exam or full-length practice exam as many times as you want. Your scores are tracked over time so you can see your improvement. We recommend waiting at least a few days between retakes of the same exam to avoid memorizing answers rather than learning concepts.
What score should I aim for before taking the real CPA exam?
Consistently scoring 80% or higher on practice exams is a strong indicator of readiness. The real CPA exam requires a score of 75 to pass. Scoring above 80% on practice exams gives you a comfortable buffer to account for test-day nerves and unfamiliar questions.
Do the practice exams include answer explanations?
Yes. Every question includes a detailed explanation for each answer choice, not just the correct answer. Understanding why incorrect answers are wrong builds the analytical judgment that CPA exam questions require, especially for task-based simulations.
How do Arteura practice exams compare to Becker?
Becker is the industry standard CPA review course at $2,500 to $3,500 and includes comprehensive video lectures, textbooks, and practice questions. Arteura is a focused practice platform starting at $0 with 180 mini exams and 30 full-length practice exams. Many candidates use Arteura alongside their primary review course for additional practice volume.
Are practice exams available for all six CPA sections?
Yes. Arteura covers all six CPA exam sections: FAR, AUD, REG, BAR, ISC, and TCP. Each section has 30 mini exams (600 questions) and 5 full-length practice exams. You can focus on one section at a time or mix sections as your study plan progresses.
Start practicing today
Access free practice exams in every CPA section. Upgrade to unlock all 180 mini exams, 30 full-length practice exams, and 1,800+ flashcards.