CPA vs CFA: Which One Should You Choose? 2026
Get ready for your CPA vs CFA: Which One Should You Choose? certification. Practice questions with step-by-step answer explanations and instant scoring.
CPA vs CFA: Overview
The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) are two of the most sought-after certifications in their field. While they share some common ground, each serves a distinct purpose and targets different career stages. Practice with the free Certified Practicing Accountant practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (9 questions with answer explanations).
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a widely recognized credential in its field. It is the premier accounting credential in the United States, required for public accounting practice and highly valued across all areas of finance and business.
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) serves a complementary but distinct purpose. It is considered the gold standard for investment analysis and portfolio management, requiring passage of three rigorous exam levels over multiple years.
Understanding the differences between these two certifications is essential for making an informed career decision. Let's examine each aspect in detail, from exam structure and difficulty to long-term earning potential. CPA Practice Test and CFA Practice Test are both available on our platform to help you prepare for whichever path you choose.
CPA: upcoming dates and official changes
- Nov 27, 2026: CPA Australia releases CPA Program Semester 2 2026 exam results on Friday 27 November 2026 and Semester 1 2027 results on Friday 4 June 2027. (CPA Australia)
- Nov 30, 2026: Enrolment and exam scheduling for the CPA Australia CPA Program Semester 1 2027 open on Monday 30 November 2026. (CPA Australia)
- Feb 9, 2027: Exam scheduling for the CPA Australia CPA Program Semester 1 2027 closes on Tuesday 9 February 2027 at 6.00pm AEDT. (CPA Australia)
- Apr 12, 2027 – Apr 27, 2027: The CPA Australia CPA Program exam period for Semester 1 2027 runs from Monday 12 April 2027 to Tuesday 27 April 2027. (CPA Australia)
- Apr 14, 2027: The CPA Program Singapore Taxation exam for Semester 1 2027 is on Wednesday 14 April 2027. (CPA Australia)
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against CPA Australia. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
- CPA Australia CPA Program candidates have 195 minutes (3 hours 15 minutes) for the exam questions, within a 225-minute appointment. (CPA Australia)
- CPA Program exams are pass/fail against a scaled passing score that a specialist panel of CPAs sets for each subject. (CPA Australia)
- Enrolling in a CPA Australia CPA Program subject costs A$1,597, or A$1,416 with early bird enrolment, according to the Australian fee schedule. (CPA Australia)
- Each CPA Australia foundation exam costs A$650 to enrol, and enrolment cancellations are not refunded. (CPA Australia)
- A CPA Australia foundation exam subject can be failed only three times, so candidates have four attempts in total. (CPA Australia)
- Candidates have six years from the date they become an Associate member of CPA Australia to complete the CPA Program. (CPA Australia)
- CPA Australia CPA membership renews annually at A$914.50, and members must complete 120 CPD hours over each three-year period (at least 20 hours a year). (CPA Australia)
- CPA Program exams are computer-based and delivered by Pearson VUE, either at a test centre or online with a remote proctor; online exams are unavailable in Mainland China, Japan, South Korea and Slovenia. (CPA Australia)
- CPA Australia releases CPA Program Semester 2 2026 exam results on Friday 27 November 2026 and Semester 1 2027 results on Friday 4 June 2027. (CPA Australia)
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against CPA Australia. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CPA Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Time limit | 195 minutes (225-minute appointment) | CPA Australia |
| Passing score | Scaled passing score set by a panel of CPAs for each subject | CPA Australia |
| Exam fee | A$1,597 per subject (A$1,416 early bird) | CPA Australia |
| Exam fee (Foundation exams) | A$650 per foundation exam | CPA Australia |
| Retake policy (Foundation exams) | Max 4 attempts (fail 3 times max) | CPA Australia |
| Validity | 6 years to complete the CPA Program | CPA Australia |
| Renewal | A$914.50 annual CPA membership renewal; 120 CPD hours per triennium | CPA Australia |
| Delivery | Computer-based via Pearson VUE: test centre or online proctored | CPA Australia |
| Score release | 27 November 2026 (Sem 2 2026); 4 June 2027 (Sem 1 2027) | CPA Australia |
| Next exam date (Singapore Taxation) | 14 April 2027 | CPA Australia |
| Late registration deadline | 9 February 2027, 6.00pm AEDT (exam scheduling closes) | CPA Australia |
| Registration opens | 30 November 2026 (Semester 1 2027) | CPA Australia |
| Testing window | 12–27 April 2027 (Semester 1 2027) | CPA Australia |
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against CPA Australia. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Free Certified Practicing Accountant Study Tools
Interactive Certified Practicing Accountant resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- CPA Financial Accounting & Reporting 1 — 9 questions with answer explanations
- Certified Practicing Accountant flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- Certified Practicing Accountant study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- Certified Practicing Accountant cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
Difficulty Comparison: CPA vs CFA
When comparing difficulty, the CPA is rated very hard while the CFA is considered very hard. This difference reflects the depth and breadth of knowledge each exam tests.
The CPA exam consists of 62–76 per section questions with a passing score of 75 per section. Candidates typically need 12–18 months study of dedicated preparation to feel confident on exam day.
The CFA exam features 180 (Level I), 88 items (Level II), essay + item sets (Level III) questions with a passing threshold of Varies (historically ~45% per level). Most candidates invest 300+ hours per level (3 levels) in preparation, though this can vary based on prior experience and study habits.
Both exams reward consistent, structured study. Practice tests are particularly valuable for building familiarity with question formats and identifying knowledge gaps before test day.
Salary and Career Outlook
Career earnings are a major factor when choosing between certifications. CPA holders can expect to earn $70,000–$120,000 annually, while CFA credential holders typically earn $80,000–$150,000.
These figures represent national averages and can vary significantly based on location, years of experience, industry sector, and additional certifications held. Metropolitan areas and specialized roles often command premium salaries.
Beyond base salary, consider the long-term career trajectory. Some certifications open doors to management roles, specialized positions, or consulting opportunities that can significantly increase earning potential over time.
- ✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
- ✓Bring required identification documents
- ✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
- ✓Read each question carefully before answering
- ✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
- ✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
- ✓Review flagged questions before submitting
Prerequisites and Requirements
CPA Prerequisites:
- 150 credit hours of education (most states)
- Exam fee: $1,000–$3,000 total (4 sections)
- Renewal: Annual (CPE requirements vary by state)
CFA Prerequisites:
- Bachelor degree or 4 years work experience
- Exam fee: $2,300–$3,450 per level
- Renewal: Annual dues + ethics attestation
Be sure to verify the most current requirements with the official certifying body, as prerequisites can change. Some organizations offer waivers or alternative pathways for candidates with significant work experience.
Which Should You Take First?
The choice between CPA and CFA depends on your career goals rather than a natural progression. Both certifications have similar difficulty levels but serve different professional paths.
Choose CPA if your career goals align more closely with certified public accountant. Choose CFA if you are targeting roles that value chartered financial analyst expertise.
Some professionals pursue both certifications to maximize their career options. In that case, start with whichever aligns with your immediate job requirements or the one your employer values most.
Prepare With Free Practice Tests
No matter which certification you choose, thorough preparation is the key to passing on your first attempt. Practice tests help you identify weak areas, build confidence, and get familiar with the exam format.
We offer comprehensive practice tests for both certifications:
- CPA Practice Test — Full-length practice questions with detailed explanations covering all exam domains
- CFA Practice Test — Realistic mock exams designed to simulate the actual test experience
Each practice test includes detailed answer explanations and hints to guide your study. Track your progress over multiple attempts to ensure you are fully prepared on exam day.
CPA Pros and Cons
- +CPA has a defined, publicly available content blueprint — candidates know exactly what to prepare for
- +Multiple preparation pathways (self-study, courses, coaching) accommodate different learning styles and schedules
- +A growing ecosystem of study resources means candidates at any budget level can access quality preparation materials
- +Clear score reporting allows candidates to identify specific strengths and weaknesses for targeted remediation
- +Professional recognition associated with strong performance provides tangible career and academic benefits
- −The scope of tested content requires substantial preparation time that competes with existing professional or academic commitments
- −No single resource covers the full content scope — candidates typically need multiple study tools for comprehensive preparation
- −Test anxiety and exam-day performance variability mean preparation effort does not always translate linearly to scores
- −Registration, preparation, and potential retake costs accumulate into a significant financial investment
- −Content and format can change between exam versions, making older preparation materials less reliable
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CPA has a defined, publicly available content blueprint — candidates know exactly what to prepare for | The scope of tested content requires substantial preparation time that competes with existing professional or academic commitments |
| Multiple preparation pathways (self-study, courses, coaching) accommodate different learning styles and schedules | No single resource covers the full content scope — candidates typically need multiple study tools for comprehensive preparation |
| A growing ecosystem of study resources means candidates at any budget level can access quality preparation materials | Test anxiety and exam-day performance variability mean preparation effort does not always translate linearly to scores |
| Clear score reporting allows candidates to identify specific strengths and weaknesses for targeted remediation | Registration, preparation, and potential retake costs accumulate into a significant financial investment |
| Professional recognition associated with strong performance provides tangible career and academic benefits | Content and format can change between exam versions, making older preparation materials less reliable |
Sample Certified Practicing Accountant Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free Certified Practicing Accountant practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Under GAAS, the concept of 'professional skepticism' primarily means the auditor should:
- A. Assume management is dishonest until proven otherwise
- B. Apply a questioning mind and critically assess audit evidence
- C. Refuse all client explanations without corroboration
- D. Increase sample sizes by 50% on every engagement
Answer: B. Apply a questioning mind and critically assess audit evidence
Professional skepticism requires a questioning mind and critical assessment of evidence rather than assuming either honesty or dishonesty.
Under PCAOB standards, an auditor's understanding of the company's risk assessment process should include:
- A. Evaluating management's compensation structure
- B. How management identifies and responds to risks of material misstatement
- C. Reviewing board minutes from the past five years
- D. Assessing the effectiveness of the internal audit charter
Answer: B. How management identifies and responds to risks of material misstatement
Understanding the entity's risk assessment process includes learning how management identifies business risks, estimates their significance, and responds to them.
When scoping a CAS engagement, a CPA should document the nature of services in an engagement letter primarily to:
- A. Satisfy IRS requirements
- B. Clearly define responsibilities and manage client expectations to reduce misunderstandings
- C. Meet PCAOB standards
- D. Comply with SSARS No. 21 compilation requirements
Answer: B. Clearly define responsibilities and manage client expectations to reduce misunderstandings
Engagement letters establish the scope, responsibilities, and limitations of CAS work, protecting both the CPA and client from scope creep and disputes.
When performing risk assessment for a client with significant estimates, an auditor should:
- A. Rely entirely on management's specialists for all estimates
- B. Assess whether management has used reasonable assumptions and methods
- C. Automatically treat all estimates as high-risk without further analysis
- D. Only test estimates that exceed the audit materiality threshold
Answer: B. Assess whether management has used reasonable assumptions and methods
The auditor must evaluate whether management's assumptions and methods for developing estimates are reasonable and consistent with applicable accounting standards.
Take the full Certified Practicing Accountant practice test
CPA vs CFA Questions and Answers
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- cpaaustralia.com.au — Retake policy, score validity, fees, renewal, passing score, test delivery, time limit · verified Oct 2026