[Anonymous]

I’ve heard the rumor over an over that the exam is curved. I’ve heard that you have a better chance of passing if you take it in a window with fewer qualified applicants etc. I pulled the following directly from the aicpa’s FAQs on their website. I just thought maybe some of you would find it interesting since it’s such a prevalent rumor. Happy studying. 🙂

“The CPA Examination is NOT curved. Every candidate’s score is entirely

independent of other candidates’ Examination results.

The CPA Examination is a criterion-referenced examination which means that it rests upon pre-determined standards. Every candidate’s performance is measured against established standards to determine whether the candidate has demonstrated the level of knowledge and skills that is represented by the passing score. Every candidate is judged against the same standards, and every score is an independent result.”

[mystical guy]

I've read all the info about the adaptability of the exam and that there's no curve but I somehow don't buy it. In fact, I feel as if they curve people down sometimes, when too many people pass. I don't think the pass/fail rates are just a matter of probability, rather a very crafty way of ensuring, at least 40% but no more than 50% of candidates pass the exam at any time.

I have no empirical evidence but this is my hunch.

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[Anonymous]

@wallybally – you nailed it.

The AICPA could be a lot more transparent, without diluting the value of the license.

[Monkey Wrench]

If the exam wasn't curved at all, real time scoring would be completely possible.

[Author]

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