An Examination of Pass Rates on the Computerized CPA Exam: Candidates without Advanced Degrees from AACSB-Accredited versus Unaccredited Institutions

• In Event: Education Issues

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study examines pass rates on the computerized Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam by comparing the results for candidates without advanced degrees from Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited institutions to candidates without advanced degrees from unaccredited institutions. The comparison includes both business-only accredited and accounting-accredited institutions. Prior to 2004, the CPA exam was administered twice a year in May and November in a paper-and-pencil format. In April 2004, the exam was changed to a computerized format in which examinations are administered continuously for a two-month window each quarter.
We examined computerized CPA exam passing rates for 2005 and 2008 and found that candidates without advanced degrees from accounting-accredited schools outperformed candidates without advanced degrees from business-accredited and unaccredited schools, and that candidates without advanced degrees from business-accredited schools outperformed candidates without advanced degrees from unaccredited schools.

Authors

• Gerald J Miller, The College of New Jersey

• Hossein Nouri, The College of New Jersey