Sponsored CPA Review Courses and Determinants of Success on the CPA Examination: Evidence from the Computer-Based Exam

• In Event: Discussions in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

Abstract

This study examines the effects of accounting program sponsored review courses and candidate, program, and faculty attributes on CPA exam passing rates, using results based on the computer-based exam. We find that CPA exam passing rates are higher at accounting programs that offer sponsored CPA review courses. Also, we document that average candidate age at a university is negatively associated with the school CPA exam passing rate. This finding is different from prior literature. Furthermore, we show that AACSB accounting accreditation and percentage of accounting faculty with PhDs or DBAs have positive relationships with CPA exam passing rates. Additionally, we study candidate, program, and faculty characteristics that could influence the likelihood of schools offering sponsored CPA review courses. The results convey that accounting programs which offer sponsored CPA review courses tend to have AACSB accounting program accreditation or an accounting master’s degree program. Overall, the findings suggest that more accounting programs should consider offering CPA exam review courses, including those programs without accounting accreditation and/or a master’s degree in accounting. Also, accounting students should be encouraged to take the CPA exam soon after graduation.

Authors

• Haeyoung Shin, University of Houston-Clear Lake

• Michael J Lacina, University of Houston-Clear Lake

• Buryung Brian Lee, Prairie View A&M University