[YouTooShallPass]

Just saw this tweet by nasba showing the highest pass rates as mid west states. Anyone have any theories why these mid west states have the highest pass rates? Wondering why larger states like NY, CA, FL, TX didn’t make the cut.

#DataPost: The Midwest has numerous jurisdictions with high #CPAExam pass rates, with Utah being #1 for the jurisdiction with the highest pass rate. pic.twitter.com/grCKqiNm6Z

— NASBA (@NASBA) October 11, 2018

[turo9992000]

I seem to remember seeing that the coastal states have a lot of international students that take the test there. I heard in Jeff's podcast that International student's sometimes take all 4 exams in one week. I don't know about Texas though.

[Recked]

MidWest states, the people have nothing better to do than study?
but seriously. I think each state CPA board judges the content/focus for the CPA exams administered in their states based on the topics most relevant to their areas. I “think” there are somewhere around 60 versions of each CPA exam each quarter, and the state boards can choose which exams to give in their states to focus on topics most relevant. MidWest states might focus on “easier” or less complicated topics?
All just complete theory with nothing to back it up.

[YouTooShallPass]

Those are definitely plausible reasons, just find it so interesting that states like south carolina that tend to rank on the lower side of public education quality in the US end up having high pass rates whereas states with high quality public schools aren't seeing kids pass as much. Almost wonder if its because there are less candidates in these states overall, and the ones that are candidates tend to pass. Whereas in states like NY or MA, there are a ton of candidates, but a ton end up not passing.

[turo9992000]

@Recked, I don't know if that is true. If true people like you and I that live in NY and CA would make the pilgrimage to easier states to test and then transfer their licenses.

[ohiocpacma]

People in the midwest have more discipline and are culturally hard working people……Kidding…. but seriously.

[rahee]

Could it be because the work-life balance in the East and West Coast is terrible? Like employees in the east/west coast are working 15 hour days/overtime whereas people in the midwest are only working the standard 8 hour days–so maybe they just have more time to study…?

[Nate]

@Rahee That's exactly what I was going to say! I live in Eugene, OR so work life balance is good here except during busy season, but my father-in-law just retired from being a lawyer in the Bay Are and is moving out of there now due to how fast the pace is, and he said the motto there is “If you don't come to work on Saturday then don't bother coming in on Sunday.” I've talked to people there about their work weeks, it's astonishing how many hours people work there just to avoid feeling like they're falling behind.

[iceman]

I would wonder if there is a correlation with states that have the lowest % of candidates who grew up speaking a different language in the home?

There are documented challenges in taking MCQ tests for those for whom English is a 2nd language.

[Kodiak]

I went to University of South Carolina and our pass rates were very high for the business school. Over 80% pass rate. I passed all four of mine first time through. I think a strong accounting program combined with tackling the exams right after graduation was a good thing. Funny thing though is I registered through AK since I was moving back home. So my pass rate is lumped in with Alaska. And I'm still waiting for my two years' experience requirement to tick away. *sigh*

[Recked]

So how do you feel going away to SC for school and then back to the frozen tundra?
I don't think I would/could have gone back. The cold temps are getting to me in my old age. I'll be down in Little River, SC next month.

[Kodiak]

Well I was away for a lot longer than school. I left after I graduated high school and joined the military, met my husband and we spent years moving all over. We got stuck in SC and the heat is not my thing LOL. I prefer having all four seasons. Plus all the family is here so it was kind of a no brainer to come back after our kids finished school. Just timed it to graduate and move back to back. SC has become so hot and humid. I do agree that the cold and snow gets old from Jan-Apr, but my feeling is I love the weather in AK 8 months out of the year. I loved the weather in SC for about 3 months out of the year.

[YouCanDoIt]

Are these pass rates based on candidates jurisdiction state, or where they physically sit for the test. I ask since my jurisdiction is a southern state, but I sit for my exams in NY. So my pass counts for my jurisdiction I imagine?

Also, I second what @Iceman has mentioned regarding English being 2nd language. English is my 3rd language actually, and sometimes I end up reading the MCQs multiple times to make sure I am getting what they are asking for in the questions (esp. for AUD type MCQs).

FAR: 76
REG: Currently studying
AUD:
BEC:

[Sam]

What I gather from the map is that apparently Mormons and Packer fans make the best CPA candidates.

[SuperAccountingGod]

This changes everything. Time to move.

[Author]

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