An Examination of the Pass Rates on the CPA Exam: A Suggested Redesign of the Accounting Curriculum 2013 – 2017

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the pass rates of certified public accountant examinations from 2013 – 2017 examination periods, and to suggest a redesign of the accounting curriculum. The study examined whether requiring 150 credit hours of accounting education, increasing intermediate accounting course deliveries to at least eight credit hours, as well as having auditing and advanced accounting to have six credit hours, respectively. Also, the study examines the inclusion of governmental accounting, regulations, and business environment and concepts as part of the accounting curriculum. Finally, the study inquired about the effects of computer-based format and knowledge depreciation on CPA candidate pass rates. Despite the publication of the Bedford Committee’s finding on the quality of accounting education, and the cosmetic changes that have been made to the accounting curriculum, the success rates of candidates continue to be dismal. In light of these concerns, it is obligatory for U.S. colleges and universities to embrace emergent accepted accounting curriculum findings to better position future certification examinations.