Choosing between CPA and CFA? This comprehensive guide breaks down the key differences in difficulty, cost, salary potential, prerequisites, and career outcomes to help you make the right decision for your professional goals.
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.
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against CPA Australia. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against CPA Australia. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| 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.
Interactive Certified Practicing Accountant resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
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.
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.
CPA Prerequisites:
CFA Prerequisites:
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.
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.
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:
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.
| 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 |
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.