Yes, it is possible for someone to pass all six sections of the CPA exam in one attempt, though it is quite challenging. Here are some key points to consider:

Exam Structure and Difficulty

• The CPA exam consists of three core sections (Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxation and Regulation (REG)) and three discipline sections (Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Control (ISC), and Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)). Each section is designed to test different areas of accounting knowledge and skills.

• The exam is known for its difficulty, with varying pass rates for each section. For example, in the first quarter of 2024, the pass rate for the Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) section was only 41.92%.

Time Constraints

• Each section of the CPA exam takes four hours to complete, totaling 16 hours for all six sections. Candidates must pass all sections within an 18-month period from the date of their first exam section.

Preparation and Study Time

• Successful candidates typically study for at least 300-400 hours, with around 100 hours per section. This extensive study time is necessary to cover the broad range of topics and to develop the skills required to pass each section.

Success Stories

• While it is rare, there are individuals who have managed to pass all six sections of the CPA exam in one attempt. These individuals usually have strong academic backgrounds, extensive preparation, and effective study strategies. They often dedicate significant time and effort to understanding the material and practicing with exam-style questions.

In summary, while it is possible to pass all six sections of the CPA exam in one attempt, it requires exceptional dedication, extensive preparation, and a deep understanding of the material. Most candidates take the exam in stages over several months to manage the workload and increase their chances of success.