Why is the passing percentage on the cpa exam so low?

Question

15%?!?!?!?! whats the deal? How could it be so low? Is it really that hard? Is it harder than the bar exam?

Answer 1

I'm surprised to see that low a percentage, but I suppose it might be possible in your state.  Let's face it... it probably all boils down to training.  Attorneys spend a lot of time (not to mention money)  going through law school with the ultimate goal of passing the bar.  All those years after college are focused on law.  Now, what about that CPA after college?  He probably tried to pass it based on the few accounting classes he took.  But this exam is more than accounting... it's law...it's taxes... its' corporate paperwork... it's very specialized.  Perhaps if CPA's went to CPA school out of college those percentages would be hire :)

Answer 2

The CPA exam covers every aspect of accounting, and there are many fields in accounting.  It is a 4-part test, and you don't have to take all 4 parts at once. But it covers everything you learned in college, regardless of your degree type. It is an awful lot of knowledge to remember at one time. Some of my accounting books are 3" thick. But most eventually do pass it, even if it's not on the first try. It is a standard-setting certification, a mark of a professional.