CPA FAQs

1. Who is Kaplan CPA Review?
   
   Kaplan CPA Review is a leading global provider of CPA review solutions to professionals around the world, helping hundreds of thousands of candidates prepare for the CPA Exam. Kaplan CPA Review is part of Kaplan, Inc., a leading global provider of educational services for individuals, schools, and businesses.
2. What is the pass rate for students who take the Online Review Course?
   
   Unfortunately, there currently isn't a completely unbiased way to calculate pass rates. Most companies who provide pass rates arrive at their numbers by polling customers themselves. This presents a number of issues. For instance, do we know if every customer was polled or just those who performed well on the company's post-course test? Who is more likely to respond to a poll about passing the exam—those who did pass the post-course test or those who didn't? How do you account for customers who didn't put in the appropriate time or effort with the review materials?
   
   While the AICPA says overall pass rates are in the upper 40s for the exam, the companies who advertise pass rates all promote percentages in the 80s. One even claims their candidates pass at twice the rate of all other CPA Exam takers. As an accountant, it likely doesn't take you too long to arrive at the conclusion that this data is less than perfect, even if they use a third party research firm to gather it. When you are asking CPA review providers about pass rates, be sure to also ask for the details of how they are calculated.
   
   For a true measure of product quality, there's nothing better than learning from the experiences of others. Talk to other candidates who have used our products. We are certain you'll find that Kaplan is the right choice for your CPA Exam review.
3. How is Kaplan CPA Review different from other CPA review programs?
   
   Kaplan's course offerings are built with your life in mind. We offer a four-point promise to candidates: Convenience, Structure, Flexibility, and Interactivity. We offer the industry's only weekly real-time CPA review course, giving candidates access to live instruction without the hassle of attending a live class.
   
   For more about the unique elements of Kaplan's course, go to the Online Review Course page and check out some of our product demos.
4. How long has Kaplan been offering the program?
   
   Through a teamed effort with Joe Hoyle, former President of Hoyle, CPA Success, Kaplan CPA Review has provided you the highest-quality CPA instruction in the most flexible, convenient, and customized format available today for more than 25 years.
5. When is the best time to begin studying for the CPA Exam? How far in advance of the exam should I begin studying?
   
   Study schedules depend on each person's drive and capabilities. We have designed Interactive Study Calendars to assist our students and increase their flexibility. Your past studies and work experience should provide you with a solid foundation you can build upon by reviewing right up to the final days before the exam. Most importantly, during your preparation, familiarize yourself with the style and computerized format of the CPA Exam and its test-taking conditions.
6. If I only have a limited amount of time to study, which product is best?
   
   Though it is not recommended to sit for the exam with a minimal amount of preparation time, Kaplan CPA Review's Self-Study Online Review Course would give you the most comprehensive preparation available for an unpredictable or short-term schedule.
7. What is Kaplan CPA Review's refund policy?
   
   Please review our Return Policy. Send returns to:
   
   Attn: Product Returns
   Kaplan Distribution Center
   901 Bilter Rd Suite 150
   Aurora, IL 60502
   United States of America
   
   
   Online Access
   Cancellation of Online Programs will be accepted for 10 days after Online Access is granted. Cancellations will be subject to a $20 administrative fee. After the expiration of this 10-day period, no refunds will be granted. Your subscription to Online Access will last 24 months.
8. Am I eligible to take the CPA Exam?
   
   The Uniform CPA Exam is administered by the AICPA, but individual state Boards of Accountancy set the requirements for their respective state or jurisdiction. There are currently 55 jurisdictions in which the CPA Exam is offered. In the most general terms, a candidate for the exam usually requires an undergraduate degree in accounting. Many jurisdictions require 150 semester hours of education with the focus on accounting and specific accounting coursework. See if you meet the requirements for the CPA Exam in your jurisdiction.
9. In what states can U.S. citizens take the CPA Exam?
   
   U.S. citizens can take the exam at any of the authorized Prometric exam locations in 54 U.S. jurisdictions. The examination is not yet offered in the 55th jurisdiction, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. However, candidates must meet the requirements of the state where they will become licensed to practice.
10. In what states can foreign candidates take the CPA Exam?
    
    Candidates who did not receive their education in the United States may be eligible to take the CPA Exam. Candidates must meet the requirements of one of the 55 jurisdictions or states to take the CPA Exam. Oftentimes this includes a course on U.S. Federal Taxation and U.S. Business Law. Foreign candidates will have to have their credentials (transcripts) evaluated by an evaluation service company. Jurisdictions and states specify which companies they accept, so make sure you check with your state before you get your credentials evaluated.
    
    Popular states that foreign candidates choose include California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
11. Does Kaplan CPA Review offer certificates of completion after I finish the course?
    
    Yes we do, but only on request.
12. Do I get CPE credits (continuing professional education credits) for taking the CPA Exam?
    
    No, CPE credits are not granted. Also, CPAs are exempt from earning CPE credits in the reporting period in which they pass the exam. But for those of you who are currently CPAs, we do offer CPE products. Click here to learn more.
13. Does Kaplan CPA Review endorse I20's for international students to study in the United States?
    
    At this time, Kaplan CPA Review does not issue I20's for international students to study for the CPA Exam in the United States.
14. What are the general requirements for certification in different states?
    
    For specific state requirements, please visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) at www.nasba.org.