About the CPA exam
Certified Public Accountant Examination is one of the better-known exams for study, work or licensing abroad. It is administered by American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and NASBA and attracts a large number of candidates each cycle. The exam is held available year-round in testing windows.
Format of the real exam: Computer-based test at Prometric centres. Practising in the same style is the quickest way to remove surprises on exam day, which is exactly why CPA mock tests matter.
CPA eligibility
Educational and credit requirements set by the state board; many state boards accept international graduates.
Eligibility rules, age limits and relaxations can change between cycles, so always confirm the details in the latest official notification from American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and NASBA before you apply.
CPA exam pattern and marking scheme
Candidates pass three Core sections (Auditing, Financial Accounting & Reporting, Regulation) plus one Discipline section. Each section is four hours with a pass score of 75 on a 0 to 99 scale.
- Subjects and sections: Auditing & Attestation, Financial Accounting & Reporting, Regulation, Business Analysis & Reporting, Information Systems & Controls and Tax Compliance & Planning.
- Mode of the real exam: Computer-based test at Prometric centres.
- Frequency: Available year-round in testing windows.
CPA syllabus: what to study
The CPA syllabus is organised around 6 main areas. Plan your preparation so that every area gets a revision cycle before your first full-length mock test.
- Auditing & Attestation: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Financial Accounting & Reporting: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Regulation: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Business Analysis & Reporting: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Information Systems & Controls: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Tax Compliance & Planning: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
How to prepare for CPA
A good CPA plan combines concept study, topic-wise practice and regular full-length mock tests. Use the checklist below as a starting point.
- Plan the sections in a sequence that suits your strongest topics first.
- Attempt task-based simulations regularly, because they require applied reasoning.
- Take a mock for each section close to your exam date and review all the errors.
- Analyse every mock test: separate errors into concept gaps, calculation slips and time pressure, and fix one group at a time.
- Keep a short error notebook and revise it weekly, since repeated mistakes cost more marks than new ones.
Why practise CPA mock tests online
Reading and notes build knowledge, but only timed practice builds exam performance. A CPA mock test trains time management, question selection and stress control. Mock Archive gives you instant scoring, subject-wise accuracy, time spent per question and a full answer review the moment you submit.
- Real CBT interface: question palette, section timers and review marking.
- Instant result with accuracy, attempts and a question-by-question review.
- Works on mobile, tablet and desktop, and can be installed like an app.
- Free forever: no login, no signup and no payment.