2024

CPA EXAM
EVOLUTION
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Contents
03 Introduction

04 The 2024 CPA Exam: Core-Plus Discipline Model

09 How Were These Changes Determined?

11 What's Next: 2024 Evolution Timeline

13 Transition Policy & CPA Exam Pathways

17 Exam Order Recommendation

19 How UWorld Roger CPA Review is

Setting You Up for Success

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

22 Additional Resources
Introduction

Newly licensed CPAs must the entire CPA Exam to align with the
aforementioned skillsets needed of newly
acquire the appropriate licensed CPAs (nlCPAs). This new version of
knowledge and skill sets to the CPA Exam is expected to roll out to CPA
candidates by January 2024.
meet the needs of the
accounting profession. Read on to learn more about what the new
version of the CPA Exam entails and how
The CPA profession is always moving we’re preparing candidates for success no
forward, adopting new technologies, new matter when they plan to sit.
skills, and new best practices. The job
requirements of most CPAs today are
completely different than 20 years ago. CPAs Compared to 1980, today there are:
are now required to perform more advanced

3X
tasks and contribute to increasingly complex
projects earlier in their accounting careers. As many pages in the
Internal Revenue Code.
Therefore, as the profession continues to
evolve, so must the steps to licensure – the
most important of which is the CPA Exam.
The CPA Exam must remain relevant as a
measure of the knowledge and skills CPAs
must have in order to practice their
4X As many
accounting standards.

profession more efficiently and effectively –

especially in a technology-driven

5X
marketplace. As many
auditing standards.
In response to this recognition, the American
Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the National
Image source: AICPA
Association of State Boards of Accountancy
(NASBA) agreed to move forward with what
is known as the CPA Evolution initiative. This
is the process of updating and restructuring

03 Introduction
 The 2024 CPA Exam:
Core-Plus Discipline Model

The Core

The most prominent question on many This “core” in the “Core-Plus Discipline Model”
candidates’ minds is: What will the new will be tested in updated versions of:
version of the CPA Exam look like? What
does it entail? Here’s a high-level breakdown Financial Analysis and Reporting (FAR):
of how the exam will be changing to adapt Accounting core
to new business practices and the Auditing and Attestation (AUD):
increasing incorporation of technology. Auditing core
Taxation and Regulation (REG):
The CPA Exam will be transforming into a Tax core
Core-Plus Discipline Model. This new model
still requires CPA candidates to be skilled in
three core topics: Accounting, Auditing, and
Tax, all of which have technology infused
throughout.

04 The 2024 CPA Exam: Core-Plus Discipline Model

 The 2024 CPA Exam:
Core-Plus Discipline Model

The Plus Discipline These new CPAs will have all the rights and
privileges that all CPAs have today and can
What is perhaps the most interesting practice in any area as long as they possess
component of this new model is that the required professional competence.
candidates also will have the flexibility to
showcase a deeper knowledge in one of the Now that you know what the new exam will
following disciplines. This is the “plus look like, let’s take a deeper dive into what
discipline” in the “Core-Plus Discipline the core sections and disciplines entail.
Model.”

Business Analysis and Reporting

(BAR): more complex topics formerly
tested in BEC and FAR
Information Systems and Controls
(ISC): focuses on IT aspects of advisory
services
Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP):
higher level content formerly tested in
REG plus new content in financial
planning

Candidates must pass one (and only one)

discipline section in addition to all of the
core sections.

Different Exam - Same License

The new licensure model results in one CPA

license no matter which discipline a CPA Important to note:
Candidate chooses, and the candidate is not
limited to practice within the chosen area The exam is expected to remain in the
once licensed. 4-sections, 16-hour format.

05 The 2024 CPA Exam: Core-Plus Discipline Model

 The 2024 CPA Exam:
Core-Plus Discipline Model

Core Overview

At the heart of the CPA Evolution is a core There is simply an added requirement that
mastery of accounting, auditing, tax, and a modern CPA be versed in the modern
technology. These core skills maintain the technologies of the industry.
same standard principles that CPAs of the
past have mastered but place a new In addition, the new model also assumes
emphasis on the technological that candidates will sit for the CPA Exam
requirements of the modern CPA after completing a foundational academic
profession. program that is focused on a strong
business and accounting-based curriculum.
To be clear, the new licensure model A strong foundational academic program
requires the same mastery of accounting, will provide students with the skills they
auditing, and tax that have been staples of need to practice in today’s business world
the CPA Exam. and meet the needs of the public.

06 The 2024 CPA Exam: Core-Plus Discipline Model

 The 2024 CPA Exam:
Core-Plus Discipline Model

Disciplines Overview

According to the AICPA, candidates should The content in the BAR discipline will
choose a discipline based on their interests include a data analytics focus and assess
and level of academic preparation. Pursuit topics like financial risk management and
of a specific discipline should also best align financial planning techniques. BAR will also
with a candidate's initial intended area of include more advanced technical
practice. Below is a further breakdown of accounting and reporting topics at higher-
what each discipline entails. skill levels, including assessment of revenue
recognition and leases as well as business
Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) combinations, derivatives and hedge
accounting, and employee benefit plan
CPA Candidates who are interested in financial statements.
assurance or advisory services, financial
statement analysis and reporting, technical
accounting, and financial and operations
management, are encouraged to complete
the BAR discipline.

07 The 2024 CPA Exam: Core-Plus Discipline Model

 The 2024 CPA Exam:
Core-Plus Discipline Model

Information Systems and Controls (ISC) Tax Compliance & Planning (TCP)

Technology and business controls is a focus The focus of the TCP discipline includes
for the ISC discipline. CPA candidates who taxation topics involving more advanced
are interested in assurance or advisory individual and entity tax compliance.
services related to business processes,
information systems, information security Content will focus on personal financial
and governance, and IT audits are planning and entity planning, inclusions
encouraged to choose this discipline. and exclusions to gross income, and gift
taxation compliance and planning.
Content for this discipline will focus on IT Coverage of advanced entity tax
and data governance, internal control compliance might include consolidated tax
testing and information system security, returns, multijurisdictional tax issues, and
including network security, software, access transactions between an entity and its
and endpoint security. owners. The tax treatments of the
formation and liquidation of business
entities could be included in entity
planning.

08 The 2024 CPA Exam: Core-Plus Discipline Model

 How Were These
Changes Determined?

Demands of the accounting profession

require these deeper skill sets:

Critical thinking Understanding of business

systems/controls/risk
Professional
judgment/skepticism Data management and analysis

Problem-solving SOC engagements

Impact of Technology Other Factors

The original driver behind the CPA Evolution Another underlying theme that surfaced
was recognizing the impact technology was from stakeholder feedback was the need to
having on the profession. In 2018, NASBA address other factors disrupting the
and the AICPA sought feedback on an initial profession as well. While greater
licensure concept from stakeholders across technological expertise should be required
the profession. for licensure, CPAs should also be well
versed in other emerging areas of refined
The number one comment they received disciplines. This, in addition to the core
was support for the need to change knowledge, would bring needed skills to the
licensure: one that would put greater profession, position the CPA for the future,
emphasis on technology skills and and protect the public interest.
knowledge as a prerequisite so that CPA
licensure is built around a strong core of
accounting, auditing, tax and technology.

09 How Were These Changes Determined?

 How Were These
Changes Determined?

Stakeholder Feedback
Stakeholders
the AICPA spoke to:
NASBA and the AICPA carefully reviewed
feedback received from more than 3,000
AICPA Council
stakeholders across the profession, studied
other professions’ licensure models, and
considered multiple options for updates to Boards of Accountancy
the licensure model before developing the
new CPA licensure model. They believe it is
State CPA Societies
responsive to stakeholder input and will
propel the profession into the future in the
following ways. Firms of all sizes

This new model will:

Academia

Will enhance public protection by

producing candidates who have the Volunteer committees
deep knowledge necessary to perform
high-quality work, meeting the needs of
Federal regulators
organizations, firms and the public.
Is responsive to feedback, as it builds
accounting, auditing, tax and technology Technology experts
knowledge requirements into a robust
common core. Students
Reflects the realities of practice,
requiring deeper proven knowledge in
one of three disciplines that are pillars CPAs in business & industry
of the profession.
Is adaptive and flexible, helping to
future-proof the CPA as the profession
continues to evolve.

10 How Were These Changes Determined?

 What's Next:
2024 Evolution Timeline

Marching Toward 2024

Naturally, many CPA Exam candidates are Below is a timeline of the major events
curious as to how the 2024 CPA Exam will expected to occur in order to implement
be progressing. In the coming months, the the new model and have it ready for launch
AICPA Examinations team will periodically in January 2024.
share details about the development of
proposed content and topics to be included Read on to learn more about what each
in the core and discipline sections of the event entails.
CPA Exam as well as solicit stakeholder
feedback.

Summer 2021 Fall 2021 2022 2023 2024

Core and Discipline Draft

Content Survey

Publish Practice Analysis

Exposure Draft

CPA Exam Blueprint

Exposure Period

ANNOUNCE New Exam:

January 2023

EXAM LAUNCH:
January 2024

11 What's Next: 2024 Evolution Timeline

 What's Next:
2024 Evolution Timeline

July 2021: Core and Discipline January 2023: Announce

Draft Content Survey New Exam

The AICPA Examination team released a Candidates will learn more about what to
survey of the preliminary draft content for expect on the 2024 CPA Exam.
each core and discipline section. This
content was developed in the initial phase
of the practice analysis in which the AICPA, January 2024: Launch New
NASBA, and stakeholders examined the CPA Exam
content currently tested on the CPA Exam.
Stakeholder input to guide the development The new CPA Exam will go live in January
of the 2024 CPA Exam will be gathered until 2024.
September 7, 2021.

July 2022: Publish Practice

Analysis Exposure Draft

Content task statements identifying the

skills candidates will be assessed on for the
new 2024 CPA Exam will be published.

July 2022: Publish New

2024 CPA Exam Blueprints

The 2024 CPA Exam blueprints will be

released.

12 What's Next: 2024 Evolution Timeline

 Transition Policy
and CPA Exam Pathways

How do these changes affect you?

Now that you know more about why the However, what will impact you is the
exam is changing and what the 2024 version different pathways you can take to pass the
entails, you may be asking yourself: how CPA Exam.
does this impact my journey to licensure?
The short answer is: it won't! To help you navigate your CPA Exam
journey in the midst of all this change, we've
Remember that no matter which version of compiled some CPA Exam pathway
the exam you take, your CPA license will recommendations you can take based on
have the same high regard and prestige. your needs and preferences. They are as
follows.

Scenario 1: Sit for the CPA Exam now

If you are eligible and ready to sit for all four sections of the CPA exam before 2024, by all
means go for it! You’ve worked hard in school and to prepare, so do not let the chatter about
the changes distract you from your goal.

If Then Because

You’re eligible to sit Pass the CPA Exam You’ll avoid the
for the CPA Exam now as soon as possible changes altogether &

while it's still under the enjoy the rewards of
SIT NOW

current structure. licensure sooner!

13 Transition Policy & CPA Exam Pathways

 Transition Policy
and CPA Exam Pathways

CPA Exam Transition Policy

If you anticipate taking any of the sections Once 2024 rolls around, if you already have
after January 1, 2024, you should plan credit for AUD, FAR, or REG, that credit will
ahead for the best strategy for YOUR be applied to the updated core version, one
success. for one. If you have credit for BEC, that
credit will take the place of ANY of the new
The AICPA and NASBA have developed a discipline sections. So candidates who pass
strategy to simplify candidates’ migration BEC in 2023 and go on to pass the other
from the old to the new exam. See the three sections within the 18-month window
transition policy above. will NOT need to take any of the disciplines.

13 Transition Policy & CPA Exam Pathways

 Transition Policy
and CPA Exam Pathways

Scenarios 2-5: Hybrid Exam Experience

If you will be taking one or more sections of the CPA Exam in both the current and 2024 version,
here are 4 potential pathways you can take based on your individual needs and preferences.

If Then Because

You can avoid

SCENARIO 2

BEC is easy Pass BEC

for you before 2024 taking a discipline

You’re strong in Pass ISC You can avoid

SCENARIO 3

technology, but dislike in 2024 taking BEC

general business

FAR seems Pass FAR Some complicated topics

SCENARIO 4

overwhelming in 2024 will be relocated to BAR

You’re eligible to Pass REG and/or REG currently has a high

SCENARIO 5

sit before 2024 AUD before 2024 pass rate & AUD may be


more difficult in 2024

14 Transition Policy & CPA Exam Pathways

 Transition Policy
and CPA Exam Pathways

Scenario 6: Sit for the CPA Exam In or After 2024

If you plan on taking all four sections in 2024 or later, planning ahead is a fantastic strategy! In
this case, all of your CPA exam sections will be the updated versions. A logical approach will be
to take the section you find most difficult first, so you’ll have to dig deep to discover your own
personal strengths and struggles.

If Then Because

You’re taking the Start with your most Each discipline builds
SIT IN/AFTER 2024

2024 CPA Exam difficult section & take off its core section

chosen discipline after

its related core section

In our next section, we'll cover what our recommended exam section order for the 2024 CPA
Exam will be based on the discipline you choose.

15 Transition Policy & CPA Exam Pathways

 Exam Order
Recommendation

Take the Most Difficult Section AUD Likely to be Most Difficult

First
Based on our own analysis of the
If you will take all four sections in 2024 or blueprints, we anticipate that AUD will
later, you're probably wondering: which become the hardest section to pass. This
order should I take the exam in? As we is due to the fact that AUD will not have
mentioned before, we recommend starting any content removed; instead, it will
with the section you find most difficult first. have former-BEC content added.

This is because you will still have an 18- FAR and REG Likely to be Easier
month window to pass all sections. After
you pass your first section, your 18-month Conversely, FAR and REG will both have
window will begin, and that's the allotted some of their advanced topics removed,
time you'll have to pass the remaining 3. We so we predict that they will become
also highly recommend taking your chosen easier. And since you choose your
discipline after its related core section since preferred discipline, that should be in an
the material does build on each other. area that you will do well in.

16 Exam Order Recommendation

 Exam Order
Recommendation

Our Exam Order Recommendation

Based on all the information we currently know about the new sections, here is our exam
order recommendation based on the discipline you choose.

These options all start off with the most difficult, AUD, followed by a lightened up FAR or
REG, then your discipline, which should be in an area that you are familiar with and enjoy.
It ends with the last of the simplified core sections. Once you get past AUD, the rest should
be smooth sailing.

If you choose BAR AUD FAR BAR REG

If you choose ISC AUD REG ISC FAR

If you choose TCP AUD REG TCP FAR

17 Exam Order Recommendation

 How UWorld Roger CPA Review is
Setting You Up for Success

We are working with all facets of the accounting profession to ensure important
stakeholders are ready to take on the evolution. Rest assured, we'll be ready for the
new licensure model when it goes into effect. And so will you.

CANDIDATES
Proven learning methods for exam mastery and career readiness

PROFESSORS
Program resources to demystify the exam and build student confidence

FIRMS
Dedicated partner to ensure employees stay on track and pass faster

LEARN MORE

18 How UWorld Roger CPA Review is Preparing Candidates for Success

 Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)

What is changing on the 2024 CPA Exam? Will candidates know which discipline to
choose?
The 2024 CPA Exam is moving to a Core-Plus-
Discipline Model which requires candidates The AICPA conducted research that shows
to be skilled in a strong core of accounting, candidates are comfortable selecting an
auditing, and tax. Candidates will also be area in which to focus as early as their
required to pass one discipline on the CPA junior year of college.
Exam.
In March 2020, they surveyed more than
How will CPA Evolution affect current CPA 600 university students and recent
candidates? graduates. Ninety percent (90%) of
respondents stated they have either
Current CPA candidates will still be able to sit selected a focus area or would feel
for the current CPA Exam until the launch of comfortable choosing a focus area.
the new exam. A transition plan has been
developed for candidates who have started, It’s important to note that while disciplines
but not completed, the CPA Exam process by allow candidates to demonstrate a deeper
January 2024. level of knowledge in one area, CPAs who
achieve licensure under this model will not
Is the 2024 CPA Exam harder than the be restricted to practice in their selected
current exam? discipline.

The 2024 CPA Exam is different from the

current CPA Exam, so there is no way to
compare the level of difficulty.

19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)

Will CPA Review course materials be Will the COVID-19 pandemic impact the
updated to reflect the changes to the 2024 CPA Evolution initiative and timeline?
CPA Exam?
NASBA and the AICPA are fully committed to
All UWorld Roger CPA Review students the CPA Evolution initiative and the
receive automatic updates to their online projected timeline. Because the COVID-19
course materials for the duration of their situation is fluid, they will respond
course so that content is always up-to-date accordingly. But so far, they are not delaying
and reflective of the most current version of the implementation of the new licensure
the CPA Exam. Therefore, students are model.
prepared no matter when they plan to sit for
the exam.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 Additional Resources

We're here for you.

Here's how you can get the most up-to-date information about the 2024 CPA Exam evolution,
as well as additional resources for the CPA Exam and accounting profession.

Blog
2024 CPA Exam

Changes
Subscribe to our blog for
CPA Exam news, study

tips, updates about the Check out our webpage

profession, and more dedicated to everything
delivered straight to your related to the new
inbox. licensure model.

SUBSCRIBE NOW LEARN MORE

CPA Resources Support

Everything you need to Questions, comments, or

know about the CPA concerns? Email our
Exam and how to Customer Care team at
become a CPA. [email protected]

LEARN MORE CONTACT US

21 Additional Resources