AICPA Solicits Feedback on Exam Exposure Draft

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is soliciting feedback on the Exposure Draft of the new design of the Uniform CPA Examination® (CPA Exam). Developed through research and input from the profession, the Exposure Draft informs the content and scope of the CPA Exam expected to launch in January 2024. State boards and other stakeholders are asked to provide feedback through September 30, 2022.

This request for stakeholder input is the next step in the AICPA and NASBA joint CPA Evolution initiative, which is transforming the CPA licensure model to recognize the rapidly changing skills and competencies the accounting profession requires.

The Exposure Draft is the result of two years of research conducted through a Practice Analysis to align the CPA Exam to the CPA Evolution initiative. The Practice Analysis collected input about the work newly licensed CPAs are required to perform from various stakeholders who share an interest in preserving the strength and mission of the accounting profession.

The Exposure Draft includes the draft Uniform CPA Examination® Blueprints, which is the official document that presents content eligible for assessment on the Exam, based on the knowledge and skills required of a newly licensed CPA.

Under the CPA Evolution licensure model, all candidates will be required to take three Core sections: Financial Accounting and Reporting, Auditing and Attestation and Taxation and Regulation. Then, each candidate will choose a Discipline in which to demonstrate additional skills and knowledge: Business Analysis and Reporting, Information Systems and Controls and Tax Compliance and Planning. Regardless of a candidate’s chosen discipline, this model leads to a full CPA license.

NASBA and AICPA will be holding a webcast on Monday, July 11th from 4-5pm ET for state board members and staff, and state society representatives. A separate invitation will be sent soon, but please save the date.

NASBA encourages state boards to share their thoughts on the Exposure Draft via email to [email protected] by September 30, 2022. NASBA will also be developing a response to the Exposure Draft through input from pertinent committees. NASBA’s response will be shared with the state boards in August.

A final report, including the final CPA Exam Blueprints, will be published in early 2023, well in advance of the expected launch of the CPA Evolution-aligned CPA Exam in January 2024.

More information on the CPA Exam is available online and updated regularly.