Schools’ CPA review course affiliations and success on the uniform CPA examination

Abstract This study examines the effects of university affiliated CPA review courses on CPA exam passing rates, using results from the computer-based exam. We undertake a regression analysis and find that, compared to not offering an affiliated CPA exam review, accounting programs that offer a non-credit CPA review course have higher CPA exam passing rates. Relative to offering no review, providing a for-credit CPA review course is not associated with higher passing rates whereas offering it through a continuing education center has a marginal relationship with higher CPA exam passing rates. A key novelty of this study is that we examine the different types of CPA review affiliation and CPA exam performance. Further tests show that our results are robust to self-selection. The evidence can be helpful in determining whether, and in what form, accounting programs should affiliate with a CPA review course. Our evidence indicates that CPA exam preparation may be best accomplished with a complementary approach – regular coursework supplemented by coverage of a CPA exam review.