AUD CPA Exam Syllabus in Detail

Admin 29 Dec, 20239.1k

Introduction to CPA

Being a Certified Public Accountant does not include pursuing a particular career path or holding a certain job title. Rather, it is a professional credential that gives accounting professionals greater career freedom and mobility. Professionals with knowledge in accounting and finance are known as US CPAs or US Certified Public Accountants.

The AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) is the recognized authority that accredits the US CPA certification. It is the world's largest accounting group, headquartered in the United States. The US CPA course trains you in various topics, including accounting and taxation, law, analytics, auditing, regulatory frameworks & procedures, ethics, and money management.

To become a US CPA-certified professional, a person must have the required training and work experience, ideally in accounting. Every state in the US has different requirements for the CPA exam; Indians can take the exam in any state of their choosing. However, the following are some typical qualifying requirements:

a High School diploma or an equivalent Bachelor's degree (preferred in the accounting domain)
Two years of working experience under any CPA.
150 credit hours of college or professional training (Here, 30 credit hours will equal one year of college education)

What is the CPA-AUD Exam?

The CPA Exam Syllabus is broken down into four sections, which are shown below:

Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
Regulation (REG)
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)

Here, this article will discuss the AUD section and AUD CPA Exam Syllabus.

One of the four parts of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam that must be completed to get CPA licensing is Auditing and Attestation (AUD). This part contains five testlets with 72 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and 8 Task-based Simulations (TBSs). This four-hour exam segment tests your ability to execute audits, attestation, and accounting services. It assesses your conceptual understanding as well as how well you can apply it to actual customer circumstances.

How do I pass the CPA AUD Exam?

Each of the Exam techniques listed below can help you reduce stress, complete the AUD CPA Exam Syllabus and pass the exam with flying colors.

Identify the Objectives of an Audit - Understanding the intent of an audit is crucial since it will impact many of the questions on the AUD exam. You will better understand various auditing decisions and be able to question why things are conducted the way they are. Observing an auditor in action is a good way to understand what an audit comprises and its purpose.

Develop a study plan - Your aim of clearing the AUD exam is within reach with the help of a study plan. Create a thorough yet unique study plan to get started.

The complete AUD CPA Exam Syllabus should be written out and divided into smaller sections or topics.
Estimate how many days or months you have until the test, provide some time for review, then divide the remaining time by the number of topics. You will understand how many topics you must study each day.
After assessing the number of topics to be addressed each day and the available time frames, assign the topics to the available time slots.
Set aside some dedicated time each week to review the content you have already learned.

Take Practice Exams - You must take practice tests to get ready for the AUD exam. They will assess your comprehension, point out the areas where you need to devote more time, and offer time management advice. Because you'll be familiar with the exam questions format, taking mock examinations that closely resemble the actual AUD CPA exam will also make you feel more at ease on test day.

Become Well-versed in Internal Control - A significant portion of the AUD CPA Exam Syllabus deals with internal control (manual and automated). Therefore, ensure that you are well-versed in this subject and all of its connected concepts. Internal control is something that will be useful throughout your CPA career, not only for the exam. Try to cover every facet of this subject.

Memorize the subject - Your recall, comprehension, application, analysis, and assessment abilities will be tested in the AUD CPA Exam Syllabus. In this part, the AICPA has given recall and comprehension abilities a 25�35% weightage. So take advantage of memory-boosting techniques. Memorization can decrease the scope of misunderstanding and save you time and effort when taking the exam.

What Are the CPA AUD Pass Rates?

The overall pass percentage for the AUD CPA exam section in 2021 was 49.7% on average. With an overall success percentage of 54% for the CPA exam, the AUD section is somewhat below average and has the second-lowest pass rate among the four exam sections. (FAR being in the first position)

CPA AUD Exam format

The AUD CPA Exam Syllabus can be completed in a maximum of four hours. The exam is split into five testlets, two of which have 72 MCQs and three containing eight TBSs. Each question type's structure is listed below.

Exam Section	Number
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)	72
Task-Based Simulations (TBSs)	8
Written Communication	0

What is the Testing process of CPA AUD?

You must complete all five testlets sequentially, starting with the two MCQ testlets and moving on to the three TBS testlets. The MCQ testlets employ a multi-stage adaptive exam delivery mechanism. The exam progresses based on your performance, according to the model. The first MCQ Testlet is the same level for everyone. However, the complexity of the second Testlet fluctuates depending on your achievement. When you perform well, you receive a harder Testlet; when you don't, you get a moderate Testlet. Out of the 72 MCQs, 12 are pretest questions that are not taken into account.

You must understand that the more difficult a question is, the greater the marks it will get you. Yes, the merit of each question is determined by its level of difficulty.

The TBS testlets are also of the same level of difficulty. Keep in mind that you only get them after completing the MCQ testlets.

Question Types of CPA AUD?

As previously stated, the AUD exam consists of two question types: MCQs and TBSs. Let's understand both of these:

Multiple-Choice Questions - MCQs have multiple-choice answers. You must choose the perfect one. During the AUD section, applicants must answer 72 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These questions are divided into two testlets, each of which has 36 While evaluating. Instead, these are the AICPA's trial questions, which are being used to determine if they will ever be operational MCQs. In the test, the other 60 operational MCQs are graded.
Task-Based Simulations - Eight TBSs are allocated throughout the three testlets in this exam. Seven of these eight TBSs�which are all now operational�are taken into consideration for review. One task-based simulation is introduced as a pretest. Each TBS may include two tabs - Information Tab and Work Tab to determine whether it is appropriate for operational TBSs in the future.

How is AUD CPA graded?

Predetermined computer programs grade every CPA MCQ and TBS Testlet. Your grade is tiered based on how difficult the MCQs you properly answered were and how much credit you earned on the TBSs. You must obtain at least 75 points out of a possible 99 on the AUD test segment to pass. The AUD score is calculated by combining and assessing the scaled results of MCQs and TBSs. MCQs and TBSs contribute equally to the final score.

CPA AUD Exam Content

AUD CPA Exam Syllabus encompasses the whole audit procedure. Candidates must exhibit expertise in the following areas:

Audits of the issuer and non-issuer entities
Attestation engagements for issuer & non-issuer entities
The compilation, preparation, & review of engagements for non-issuer entities
Reviews of interim financial information for issuer entities

The exam's material is divided into four categories:

Content	Percentage
Ethics, Professional Responsibilities & General Principles	15-25%
Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response	25-35%
Forming Conclusions and Reporting	10-20%
Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence	30-40%

The above table lists the weightage limit of each area in terms of question distribution. Make a study plan based on these weights. Give the content group with the highest weightage additional time. More information on the AUD CPA Exam Syllabus subject areas may be found in the AICPA's Uniform CPA Examination Blueprints.

How hard is it to pass the CPA AUD Part?

AUD CPA Exam Syllabus is regarded as one of the most difficult areas of the exam. This is due to the fact that it is the only component that assesses your evaluating skills. To respond to real-life auditing scenarios, you must utilize your expertise. Furthermore, it has over 70 MCQs, making it a long exam. Because AUD MCQs are subjective, they are regarded as extremely difficult. There might be more than one valid solution. All of this contributes to the apparent difficulty.

What are the Skills Test in the AUD Exam?

The AUD CPA exam assesses four abilities:

Memory and comprehension,
Application,
Analysis,
Assessment

You must be able to express your expertise in implementing auditing topics in addition to having a thorough comprehension of them. The following is the weightage distribution for each skill in the AUD section:

Skills	Weightage
Assessment	5-15%
Analysis	20-30%
Memory and comprehension	25-35%
Application	30-40%

CPA AUD Exam Time Management

The Exam preparation process for AUD CPA Exam Syllabus requires a lot of time and work to ensure success. With so much to concentrate on when studying for the exam, it's crucial to know how to manage your time on test day. A sample time strategy breakdown for the four-hour AUD Exam is shown in the chart below.

Testlet # 1 - 36 MCQ	45 Min
Testlet # 2 - 36 MCQ	45 Min
Testlet # 3 - 2 TBS	30 Min
Testlet # 4 - 3 TBS	60 Min
Testlet # 5 - 3 TBS	60 Min
Total Time	4 Hrs

You have a maximum of four hours to complete the MCQ and TBS testlets. You can finish the exam on time by paying attention to the aforementioned advice. If you finish earlier than expected, you can use the extra time to check your responses.

How can I prepare For the CPA AUD Exam?

It is difficult to prepare for the AUD CPA Exam. The easiest method to prepare for the exam is to begin by choosing studying materials. There are several online and offline study resources, tutorials, books, videos, and so on. Always check the content to make sure it addresses all tested topics of the AUD CPA Exam Syllabus before choosing it. Additionally, ensure the course materials are current. Your time and effort will be better spent if you choose the right material, which will also boost your performance. You may receive a list of all testable subjects relevant to each part by using the AICPA's Exam Blueprints.

Tips to Study For the CPA AUD Exam Section

If you're ready to begin preparing for the AUD Exam right now with the help of the AUD CPA Exam Syllabus, we recommend taking a look at some of our study recommendations below.

Thoroughly familiarize yourself with auditing principles, and keep up with current auditing rules and practices.
Establish limits and a plan for your studies, and when it's time to study, say "no" to other offers.
You'll save time on the exam if you practice simulations and don't skip the research-based questions.
To fully comprehend the instructions and guidelines for the test, read the question paper.
Planning and Allocating enough time for TBSs is important because simulations usually take more time. Attempt to finish the questions within the allotted time as well.
Get lots of rest, eat a balanced diet, and continue to exercise.

FAQs

1. Is the AUD CPA exam hard?

Auditing and Attestation (AUD), with its rigorous exam style and a vast number of subjects, is generally difficult for most CPA candidates. The CPA Audit exam tips provided above in the article and a thorough grasp of the AUD CPA Exam Syllabus will assist you in better understanding how to prepare for the challenging questions and subjects on the next CPA exam.

2. What is on the AUD CPA exam?

The AUD CPA Exam Syllabus includes four major areas of study: ethics and professional obligations, risk assessment and planning a response, audit processes and evidence collection, and formulating findings and reports. The AUD exam consists of 8 task-based simulations and 72 MCQs. The AUD CPA exam lasts for four hours.

3. How long should I study for the AUD CPA exam?

The AICPA advises CPA candidates to dedicate between 300 and 400 hours to studying for the CPA Exam. If you are fully aware of the AUD CPA Exam Syllabus, it will also benefit you in your preparation.

4. How do I study for the AUD CPA exam?

The enlisted tips will help you in preparation for the AUD CPA exam:
Pacing practice for exam questions.
Check multiple-choice questions twice before submitting.
Consider taking a professional review course.
Strategically time the exam and learn the AUD CPA Exam Syllabus thoroughly.
Learn the audit reports by heart.
Understand the AICPA's Ethical Professional Conduct Code.
Stick to your study strategy, and don't rely on a last-minute cram session.

5. How long is AUD CPA?

With one 15-minute break incorporated in between the first and second task-based simulation testlets, the real AUD Exam lasts four hours.

6. Is the audit CPA exam easy?

According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, with a 49% passing rate in 2021, the AUD test is one of the two CPA exam components that are regarded as being the most challenging.

Conclusion

By now, this article should have provided you with a thorough understanding of the CPA AUD section, the AUD CPA Exam Syllabus, its difficulty, and the strategies to employ in order to clear it with ease. Knowing everything about the Us CPA certification exam allows you to prepare properly for it and gain an advantage over other job hopefuls who have applied to various companies.

The ambition of becoming a certified public accountant has been realized by accounting professionals with the aid of NorthStar Academy. NSA offers a high level of student support as well as a guarantee of passing the CPA exam. Our US CPA course curriculum and AUD CPA Exam Syllabus have been created to help you pass US CPA tests whether you have a background in commerce or are a total newcomer.