The CPA exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Each section tests different competencies and requires dedicated study time. Varsity Tutors connects students in Tucson with tutors who can break down each section's content and help you develop a strategic study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses.

Many students struggle with the breadth of material across all four sections, the complexity of tax regulations and accounting standards, and time management while balancing work and study. The FAR section in particular trips up candidates due to its technical depth. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps you focus on your specific problem areas rather than spending time on concepts you've already mastered.

Expert tutors work with you to identify knowledge gaps, explain complex concepts in ways that stick, and teach test-taking strategies specific to each section. Rather than generic study materials, personalized instruction adapts to your learning style and pace. Students who work with tutors often report stronger confidence in difficult areas like consolidations, derivatives, and advanced tax scenarios.

Most candidates spend 300-400 hours preparing across all four sections, though this varies based on your accounting background and experience. Full-time study typically takes 4-6 months, while part-time study can extend to 12+ months. A tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on your current knowledge level and target exam dates.

You'll need a solid foundation in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and basic taxation. If you're rusty on fundamentals like journal entries, financial statement analysis, or accounting cycles, a tutor can help you refresh those skills before diving into exam-level material. This foundational work upfront saves time and prevents frustration later.

Your first session is an assessment and planning meeting. The tutor will discuss your accounting background, which CPA sections concern you most, your target exam date, and your learning preferences. From there, you'll develop a customized study plan that prioritizes your weak areas and builds toward exam readiness. Most students find this personalized approach much more effective than one-size-fits-all prep courses.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have deep CPA knowledge and teaching experience. Once you share your goals and availability, we match you with someone who fits your needs. You can start with a single session to see if the fit works, then scale up your tutoring as you prepare for exam day.