How many hours a day should I study for the CPA exam?

Most successful candidates study 2-4 hours per day on weekdays and 4-6 hours on weekends, totaling 15-25 hours per week. Quality matters more than quantity—focused 2-hour sessions beat distracted 4-hour marathons.

What if I work full-time while studying?

Most CPA candidates work full-time. Plan for 15-20 hours of weekly study, spread across early mornings, lunch breaks, evenings, and weekends. Expect 12-18 months to pass all sections. Consider taking time off during busy season.

Exam Planning8 min read

How Long to Study for the CPA Exam

Realistic timelines based on your schedule and experience

Most candidates need 12-18 months to pass all sections

Plan 100-150 hours of study per exam section

FAR requires the most time; TCP/ISC require the least

Your timeline depends on work schedule and accounting background

The average candidate takes 12-18 months to pass all four CPA exam sections, studying 15-25 hours per week. However, your timeline depends on your accounting background, work schedule, and chosen study intensity. This guide helps you create a realistic study plan.

Last updated: February 1, 2026

12-18 months

Average Total Time

100-150 hours

Hours Per Section

400-600 hours

Total Study Hours

15-25 hours

Hours Per Week

Study Hours by Section

Each CPA exam section requires different amounts of preparation based on content volume and complexity. FAR is consistently the most time-intensive section due to its broad coverage of financial accounting topics.

Item	Value	Notes
FAR	120-180 hours	Most content, lowest pass rates
AUD	80-120 hours	Conceptual, requires understanding
REG	100-150 hours	Tax and business law content
BAR	100-150 hours	Complex business topics
ISC	80-120 hours	IT and systems focus
TCP	80-120 hours	Tax compliance, highest pass rates

Timeline Scenarios

Your optimal timeline depends on your work and life commitments. Here are common scenarios candidates face.

Intensive (Full-time study)

All 4 sections

40+ hrs/week = 3-4 months

Aggressive (Busy season prep)

All 4 sections

25-30 hrs/week = 6-9 months

Standard (Working professional)

All 4 sections

15-20 hrs/week = 12-18 months

Extended (Part-time study)

All 4 sections

10-15 hrs/week = 18-24 months

Factors That Affect Your Timeline

Several factors influence how long youll need to prepare. Be honest about your situation when creating your study plan.

Accounting background: Recent graduates may need less time than career changers
Work schedule: Busy season at your firm will slow progress significantly
Learning style: Some candidates need more repetition than others
Review course: Adaptive courses like Surgent can reduce study time
Life commitments: Family, health, and other obligations matter

The 18-Month Window

Remember that you have 18 months from passing your first section to pass all remaining sections. This "rolling 18-month window" resets each time you pass a section. Plan your section order carefully to avoid losing credit.

Pass one section, clock starts for the remaining sections
If a section expires, you must retake it
Plan buffer time for unexpected retakes
Consider taking hardest sections first

Recommended CPA Review Courses

Surgent

Adaptive learning that reads your needs

$999–$1,999View Review

Becker

The industry standard for CPA exam prep

$2,499–$5,999View Review

NINJA CPA

Affordable flexibility with monthly pricing

$67–$87/monthView Review

Related Exam Guides

Best For Your Situation

Best for Working Professionals

Balancing a full-time job while studying for the CPA exam requires maximum flexibility and efficient study methods. You need a course that fits your schedule, not the other way around.

Best for Busy Parents

Juggling parenthood while studying for the CPA exam requires maximum flexibility and the ability to study in short bursts. You need a course that adapts to your unpredictable schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Its possible but very challenging. Passing all four sections in 3 months requires 40+ hours of study per week, a strong accounting background, and no major life disruptions. Most candidates find 6-12 months more realistic and sustainable.