For the FAR CPA Exam, a commonly recommended study range is 150-200 hours, but this is a guideline. Your optimal number depends on your background, learning style, and the study materials you use. Effective preparation focuses on quality over sheer quantity.

Key Takeaways

• Estimate 150-200 hours for FAR prep.
• Assess your accounting knowledge base.
• Choose a structured CPA review course.
• Prioritize active recall and practice questions.
• Adjust your study schedule as needed.
• Focus on understanding, not just memorization.

How Many Hours To Study For FAR CPA Exam: Crucial Prep

Figuring out how many hours to study for the FAR CPA Exam can feel like a daunting task. Many aspiring CPAs wonder about the magic number that guarantees success. It’s a common question because the Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) section is one of the most comprehensive parts of the CPA exam. You want to be prepared, but you also have a life and other commitments. This guide will break down the factors influencing your study time and provide a clear path to effective preparation, ensuring you feel confident and ready to tackle FAR.

Understanding the FAR CPA Exam Scope

The FAR section of the Uniform CPA Examination tests your knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It covers a vast array of topics, from basic accounting concepts to complex financial statement analysis. You’ll encounter areas like:

• Conceptual Framework, Standards Codification, and Financial Reporting
• Processing Transactions and Events
• Reporting Income, Expenses, and Financial Position
• Statement of Cash Flows
• Selected Financial Statement Elements

Given this breadth, it’s clear why a significant study commitment is necessary. The AICPA, the body that develops and scores the exam, emphasizes a deep understanding of these principles and their application. You can find detailed blueprints and content specifications on the AICPA’s official website, which outline the specific areas and their weightings on the exam.

The 150-200 Hour Guideline: Where Does It Come From?

The widely cited range of 150-200 study hours for the FAR exam is an average derived from various sources, including CPA review course providers and surveys of successful candidates. This guideline is based on the assumption of a candidate with a solid undergraduate accounting background. It accounts for:

• Reviewing foundational accounting principles.
• Learning new or complex topics specific to CPA exam standards.
• Practicing a large volume of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and task-based simulations (TBSs).
• Reinforcing knowledge through review and mock exams.

However, it’s crucial to understand that this is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Several personal and external factors can significantly shift this number.

Factors Influencing Your FAR Study Hours

Your personal journey to mastering FAR will be unique. Consider these key elements when estimating your study time:

1. Your Accounting Background and Experience

This is perhaps the most significant factor. If you have:

• A recent accounting degree with strong grades: You might be on the lower end of the spectrum, closer to 150 hours. Your foundational knowledge is likely fresh and robust.
• Extensive professional accounting experience: You might also be on the lower end, as practical application can reinforce theoretical knowledge. However, be mindful of how your experience aligns with current GAAP/IFRS.
• A non-accounting degree or significant time since your last accounting course: You will likely need more time, potentially 200+ hours. You’ll need to build or rebuild your foundational knowledge from the ground up.
• Experience with IFRS: While FAR heavily focuses on US GAAP, familiarity with IFRS can help in understanding comparative standards, but don’t underestimate the GAAP specifics.

2. Your Learning Style and Efficiency

How do you learn best? Are you a visual learner, an auditory learner, or do you learn by doing? Some people can absorb information quickly by reading and listening, while others need to actively work through problems. If you:

• Learn quickly and efficiently: You might need fewer hours.
• Need more repetition and practice: You will likely need more time.
• Are easily distracted: You’ll need to factor in more focused study time.

3. The CPA Review Course You Choose

The quality and structure of your CPA review course can greatly impact efficiency. Reputable courses are designed to cover all exam topics systematically and provide ample practice materials. Some courses offer:

• Comprehensive video lectures: Good for auditory and visual learners.
• Extensive question banks: Essential for all learners.
• Personalized study planners: Can help optimize your time.
• Live tutoring or support: Beneficial for clarifying complex topics.

Courses vary in their suggested study hours, but most align with the 150-200 hour range as a starting point. A well-structured course can help you use your study hours more effectively, ensuring you cover all necessary material without wasting time.

4. Your Target Score and Comfort Level

Are you aiming to just pass, or do you want to achieve a score significantly above the 75-point threshold? Some candidates feel more comfortable with a deeper dive into every topic, while others focus on mastering the areas they find most challenging and ensuring they can confidently answer questions in all tested domains.

5. Time Available Per Week

The total number of hours is less important than how you distribute them. If you have:

• 10 hours per week: It will take you 15-20 weeks to reach 150-200 hours.
• 20 hours per week: It will take you 7.5-10 weeks.
• 30+ hours per week (full-time study): You could potentially achieve the target hours in 5-7 weeks.

Consistency is key. It’s generally more effective to study for 2-3 hours daily than to cram 15 hours into one weekend day.

Creating Your Personalized FAR Study Plan

Now, let’s translate these factors into a practical study plan. The goal is not just to log hours but to maximize learning and retention.

Step 1: Assess Your Starting Point

Before diving in, take a diagnostic assessment or a practice exam from your review course. This will highlight your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be discouraged by low scores; this is valuable information for tailoring your study.

Step 2: Choose Your CPA Review Course Wisely

Select a course that fits your budget, learning style, and the level of support you need. Popular options include:

• Becker CPA
• Roger CPA Review
• Gleim CPA Review
• Wiley CPAexcel
• Yaeger CPA Review

Many offer free trials or demo versions. Explore these to find the best fit. A good course provides structure, practice questions, and feedback mechanisms.

Step 3: Map Out Your Study Schedule

Based on your estimated hours and the time you have available, create a realistic weekly schedule. Divide the FAR syllabus into manageable sections. For example, you might dedicate:

• Weeks 1-3: Conceptual Framework, Financial Reporting
• Weeks 4-6: Processing Transactions and Events
• Weeks 7-9: Reporting Income, Expenses, and Financial Position
• Weeks 10-11: Statement of Cash Flows, Selected Financial Statement Elements
• Weeks 12-14: Review, practice exams, and targeted remediation

This is a sample; adjust based on the complexity of each module and your personal progress.

Step 4: Active Learning Techniques

Simply reading or watching lectures isn’t enough. Employ active learning strategies:

• Practice Questions (MCQs): This is non-negotiable. Do hundreds, even thousands, of practice MCQs. Focus on understanding why an answer is correct and why the others are incorrect.
• Task-Based Simulations (TBSs): These are critical. Practice applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios. Your review course should provide ample TBSs.
• Flashcards: Great for memorizing definitions, acronyms, and key principles.
• Summarizing Notes: After each lecture or reading, write your own summary in plain language.
• Teaching Concepts: Try explaining a complex topic to someone else (or even to yourself) without looking at your notes.

The Efficient Learning website offers great insights into effective CPA exam study techniques.

Step 5: Track Your Progress and Adjust

Regularly assess your understanding. Most review courses provide performance metrics on MCQs and TBSs. If you consistently miss questions on a particular topic, dedicate more time to it. If you’re excelling in an area, you might spend slightly less time there, but ensure you don’t neglect it entirely.

Sample FAR Study Hour Allocation

To visualize how those 150-200 hours might be spent, consider this breakdown. This is a flexible model and should be adapted to your needs.

Study Activity	Estimated Hours (Low End: 150 hrs)	Estimated Hours (High End: 200 hrs)	Notes
Initial Review of Core Concepts (Lectures, Readings)	40-50	60-70	Focus on understanding the “why” behind accounting rules.
Practice MCQs	50-60	70-80	Crucial for testing knowledge and identifying weak areas. Aim for 2,000-3,000+ MCQs.
Task-Based Simulations (TBSs)	30-40	40-50	Apply knowledge to practical scenarios. Work through at least 30-5 TBSs per topic.
Review and Mock Exams	15-20	20-30	Simulate exam conditions, identify remaining gaps.
Targeted Remediation	5-10	10-15	Focus on topics where you consistently struggle.

Remember, this is a guide. Some candidates might spend more time on MCQs and less on lectures if they have a strong foundation.

Pro Tip: The Power of Spaced Repetition

Don’t just study a topic once and move on. Implement spaced repetition. Revisit topics you studied weeks ago. Use flashcards, practice questions, or quick review notes to refresh your memory. This technique significantly improves long-term retention and is highly effective for comprehensive exams like the CPA FAR.

Maximizing Your Study Efficiency

Beyond just counting hours, focus on the quality of your study sessions. Here’s how:

1. Be Consistent

Regular, shorter study sessions are more effective than infrequent marathon sessions. Aim for daily study, even if it’s just for an hour. Consistency builds momentum and reinforces learning.

2. Eliminate Distractions

Find a quiet study environment. Turn off notifications on your phone and computer. Inform family and friends about your study schedule to minimize interruptions.

3. Understand, Don’t Just Memorize

FAR is about applying principles. While some memorization is necessary (e.g., journal entries, ratios), strive to understand the underlying logic. This will help you tackle unfamiliar questions and TBSs.

4. Take Breaks

Burnout is real. Schedule short breaks during study sessions (e.g., 5-10 minutes every hour) and longer breaks weekly. This helps maintain focus and prevents mental fatigue.

5. Simulate Exam Conditions

As you get closer to your exam date, take full-length mock exams under timed conditions. This helps you manage your time effectively during the actual exam and builds stamina.

6. Review Your Mistakes Thoroughly

Every incorrect answer on an MCQ or TBS is a learning opportunity. Understand why you made the mistake, whether it was a knowledge gap, a misinterpretation, or a calculation error. This targeted review is crucial for improvement.

When to Consider More or Less Study Time

It’s essential to be flexible and adapt your plan. Here are signs you might need to adjust:

Signs You May Need More Hours:

• Consistently scoring below 60% on practice MCQs for a module after initial review.
• Struggling to complete TBSs within the allotted time.
• Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material.
• Significant time elapsed since your last accounting coursework.
• Difficulty recalling concepts from previous study sessions.

Signs You Might Be on Track or Need Slightly Less Time:

• Consistently scoring above 80% on practice MCQs for a module.
• Quickly grasping new concepts and applying them correctly in TBSs.
• Feeling confident and comfortable with most topics.
• Your review course indicates you are ahead of schedule.

The CPA Exam is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedication, strategic planning, and consistent effort. By understanding the factors that influence your study time and employing effective learning techniques, you can confidently prepare for the FAR section.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is 150 hours really enough to study for FAR?

For many candidates with a solid accounting background, 150 hours can be sufficient if those hours are spent effectively. However, if you have limited accounting experience or find the material challenging, you may need closer to 200 hours or more. It’s more about the quality of study than just hitting a number.

Q2: How many practice questions should I do for FAR?

Aim to complete at least 2,000-3,000 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and a significant number of task-based simulations (TBSs) from your review course. The key is not just the quantity but understanding why each answer is correct or incorrect.

Q3: Should I study IFRS for FAR?

The FAR exam primarily tests US GAAP. While some questions may involve comparisons to IFRS, your main focus should be on mastering US GAAP. Familiarity with IFRS can be a bonus, but don’t let it distract from the core GAAP material.

Q4: How do I balance studying for FAR with my job?

Create a strict schedule and stick to it. Dedicate specific hours each day or week for studying and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. Utilize your commute for audio lectures or flashcards. Weekends might require longer study blocks, but ensure you schedule in downtime to prevent burnout.

Q5: What’s the best way to study for the FAR simulations (TBSs)?

Start with TBSs after you have a good grasp of the related lecture material. Work through them slowly at first, focusing on understanding the instructions and required tasks. As you gain confidence, increase your speed to simulate exam conditions. Always review the authoritative literature provided in the TBS to practice using it.

Q6: How close to the exam should I start doing mock exams?

It’s generally recommended to start taking full-length mock exams in the last 2-3 weeks before your scheduled exam date. This allows you to practice time management, build stamina, and identify any final areas needing review.

Conclusion

The question of “how many hours to study for the FAR CPA exam” doesn’t have a single, definitive answer. While the 150-200 hour range is a valuable benchmark, your personal circumstances—your background, learning style, and chosen study resources—will ultimately determine your optimal preparation time. Focus on strategic planning, active learning techniques, consistent effort, and adapting your approach based on your progress. By prioritizing quality study sessions and understanding your individual needs, you can confidently approach the FAR exam and pave your way to becoming a CPA.