CPA Exam task based simulations
Every CPA Exam section carries task based simulations in its last three testlets. The count differs by section: AUD has 7, FAR has 7, REG has 8, BAR has 7, ISC has 6, TCP has 7. 5 testlets per section: 2 multiple-choice + 3 task-based simulations.
How many task based simulations are on each CPA Exam section?
| Section | Multiple choice | Simulations | Score weight, MCQ / TBS |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUD | 78 | 7 | 50% / 50% |
| FAR | 50 | 7 | 50% / 50% |
| REG | 72 | 8 | 50% / 50% |
| BAR | 50 | 7 | 50% / 50% |
| ISC | 82 | 6 | 60% / 40% |
| TCP | 68 | 7 | 50% / 50% |
How much of the CPA Exam score is task based simulations?
Simulations are half your score on five of the six sections. MCQ and TBS are weighted 50/50 (ISC is 60/40). ISC is the exception candidates miss, so on ISC the multiple choice matters more and the six simulations matter less than they do anywhere else.
Is there partial credit on a task based simulation?
A simulation is scored cell by cell, so partial credit is available within a task. A multiple-choice question is scored whole.
What types of task based simulation are there?
The AICPA does not publish a taxonomy of simulation types, but in practice they fall into a few shapes: a form or schedule to complete, a journal entry to record, a research task answered by citing the authoritative literature, and a document review. PocketCPA ships all of the first three as working simulations rather than as descriptions, and the free FAR mock includes them so you can sit one without an account.
What is a research simulation?
A research simulation is answered by citing a paragraph, not by writing prose. You are given a searchable copy of the authoritative literature and asked for the reference that resolves the question. It is the fastest kind of simulation to finish when you know the codification is organized by topic, subtopic, section and paragraph, and the slowest when you are browsing.
Sit the free FAR mock, which includes simulations, without an account
Section counts and score weighting are the AICPA published exam format. Pass rates are the AICPA published candidate pass rates for 2026 through Q2, read from AICPA & CIMA on 2026-08-17. The AICPA publishes them quarterly.