What score do I need on practice exams to pass the CPA?

Aim for consistent scores of 75% or higher on practice exams. However, practice scores dont guarantee actual results. Focus on understanding why you miss questions, not just hitting a number.

Are CPA practice exams harder than the real exam?

It varies by review course. Some courses questions are slightly harder to over-prepare you. The AICPA sample tests are the best approximation of actual difficulty. Dont read too much into individual practice scores.

Study Resources6 min read

CPA Practice Exams

How to use practice tests to prepare for exam day

Take at least 3-5 full practice exams per section

Simulate real exam conditions (timed, no breaks, no resources)

Use the free AICPA sample tests for exam format familiarity

Review every wrong answer thoroughly

Practice exams are essential for CPA preparation. They help you gauge readiness, identify weak areas, build test-taking stamina, and reduce exam day anxiety. Heres how to use them effectively.

Last updated: February 1, 2026

3-5 per section

Practice Exams Needed

75%+

Target Score

4 hours

Full Exam Time

Free

AICPA Sample Tests

When to Take Practice Exams

Practice exams serve different purposes at different stages of preparation.

Midpoint (50% content)

Diagnostic

Identify major gaps

75% content complete

Progress check

Assess weak areas

Final review week

Readiness test

Simulate exam conditions

2-3 days before exam

Confidence boost

Light review, build confidence

How to Simulate Real Conditions

Practice exams are most valuable when they mirror the real exam experience.

Set a 4-hour timer (no extensions)
No notes, textbooks, or external resources
Take in a quiet location without interruptions
Take only the scheduled breaks
Turn off phone notifications

AICPA Sample Tests

The AICPA provides free sample tests that every candidate should complete. These use the actual exam interface and are the most authentic preview available.

Available free on the AICPA website
Use the real exam interface (Prometric tutorial)
Questions are representative of actual difficulty
Take at least one per section before your exam

Interpreting Your Scores

Practice exam scores are useful indicators but not perfect predictors.

Consistently scoring 75%+ suggests readiness
Scores 65-74% indicate you need more preparation
Below 65% means significant gaps remain
Actual exam can be 5-10 points different from practice
Trend matters: improving scores are encouraging

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Related Exam Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Take 3-5 full practice exams per section. More may be needed if youre consistently scoring below 70%. At minimum, take one mid-study diagnostic and two full exams in your final review week.