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 is 4 hours long and combines multiple-choice questions with task-based simulations that mirror real-world accounting scenarios. Candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling window, and personalized tutoring can help you tackle the most challenging sections first and build momentum toward certification.

CPA candidates often struggle with the breadth and depth of content—FAR and AUD alone cover hundreds of accounting standards and complex audit procedures. Many test-takers also underestimate the difficulty of task-based simulations, which require applying knowledge under time pressure in unfamiliar scenarios. Personalized tutoring helps you identify weak areas early, master high-yield topics, and practice realistic exam conditions so you can build confidence and pass on your first attempt.

Self-study and group courses follow a one-size-fits-all approach, while personalized tutoring adapts to your specific learning style, pace, and weak areas. A tutor working with you can spend extra time on topics that trip you up (like consolidations or audit sampling), skip material you've already mastered, and provide targeted feedback on your practice exam performance. This focused approach typically leads to faster mastery and higher pass rates compared to generic study programs.

Your first session is an opportunity to discuss your CPA goals, timeline, and current knowledge level—whether you're just starting exam prep or retaking a failed section. The tutor will assess which sections challenge you most, review your study plan, and create a personalized roadmap tailored to your strengths and gaps. You'll leave with a clear strategy and concrete next steps, so you can hit the ground running on your path to CPA certification.

Most CPA candidates spend 300–400 hours studying across all four sections, though your timeline depends on your accounting background, target passing score, and how many sections you're tackling at once. Many candidates spend 2–4 months preparing for one section with a combination of self-study and tutoring sessions. Personalized tutoring can accelerate your progress by helping you study smarter—focusing on high-impact topics and avoiding time-wasting detours—so you can reach exam-ready status faster.

Look for tutors who hold an active CPA license, have passed all four exam sections, and have experience teaching CPA candidates. Many expert tutors also have backgrounds in public accounting, corporate accounting, or audit, which gives them real-world context to explain complex concepts. Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors who understand the exam inside and out and can share proven strategies for tackling each section.

San Francisco's robust accounting and finance community means tutors here often have deep expertise in industry-specific topics like tech company accounting, venture capital structures, and complex tax scenarios relevant to the Bay Area. Additionally, many tutors in San Francisco have worked at or are familiar with major accounting firms and corporations, so they can provide real-world context that makes exam concepts stick. This local expertise, combined with personalized instruction, helps you prepare for both the CPA exam and your future accounting career in a dynamic financial hub.