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The year 2024 marks a transformative era for the CPA exams, as significant changes are on the horizon. With the accounting landscape constantly evolving, it becomes imperative to address the evolving needs of the profession and the challenges faced by both aspiring and seasoned accountants. The BEC CPA exam is transforming into 3 new discipline tracks while the other cores (REG, FAR & AUD) remain the same. Let’s explore together the compelling reasons behind the impending 2024 CPA exam changes and shed light on the pain points of the industry that are driving this transformation.

Introducing the Exciting Trio: The New CPA Discipline Tracks

The BEC section has been replaced by the following discipline tracks:

Business Analytics and Reporting (BAR) 

The BAR Discipline exam section will encompass more complex technical accounting topics, with certain subjects overlapping between the FAR Core and BAR Discipline sections, including revenue recognition and lease accounting. Additionally, topics such as nonfinancial performance measures, managerial and cost accounting concepts, variance analysis, budgeting, forecasting, projection techniques, factors influencing an entity’s capital structure, financial valuation decision models for comparing investments, the COSO Enterprise Risk Management Framework, and the effect of economic conditions and market influences on a business will be moved from BEC to BAR. The three key areas covered in the BAR Discipline exam are: 

Addressing technical accounting and reporting requirements under the FASB and SEC applicable to for-profit businesses.

Exploring financial accounting and reporting requirements under GASB that apply to state and local government entities. 

Examining financial statements and financial data with a specific focus on the CPA’s role in comparing historical results.

Information Systems and Controls (ISC)

The ISC Discipline section evaluates the competencies and expertise required of a CPA in the realm of information technology (IT) audit and advisory services, encompassing SOC engagements. Plus, it examines the knowledge and skills necessary for CPAs in data management, covering aspects such as data collection, storage, and utilization throughout the data life cycle. 

Regarding SOC engagements, the primary focus of the ISC Discipline Exam section includes:

Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

The TCP Discipline section evaluates the knowledge and proficiencies a CPA should demonstrate pertaining to various aspects: 

  • U.S. federal tax compliance for individuals and entities, particularly emphasizing nonroutine and complex transactions. 
  • U.S. federal tax planning for individuals and entities, encompassing considerations of proposed transactions and available tax alternatives or business structures. 
  • Personal financial planning, concentrating on planning strategies and opportunities typically identified by CPAs during the preparation and review of individual tax returns. 

The evaluation of federal tax compliance will focus on a CPA’s involvement in both the preparation and review of tax returns. Likewise, the assessment of federal tax planning will emphasize the role of CPAs in determining the tax implications of proposed transactions and available tax alternatives or business structures. 

As mentioned earlier, the current REG content will be divided between the REG Core section and the TCP Discipline section. The TCP section will specifically address non-routine and more complex tasks.

What Skills and Job opportunities will you earn with every discipline track?

Information Systems and Controls (ISC)

Skills

Business processes
Information systems 
Information security 
IT audits 
SOC engagements

Job Opportunities

Data manager 
Data engineer/scientist 
CIO or CTO 
IT auditor

Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

Skills

Advanced individual tax compliance 
Personal financial planning 
Advanced entity tax 
compliance/planning 
Property transactions

Job Opportunities

Tax Analyst 
Tax Compliance Officer 
Work for the tax department within a company, a public 
accounting firm, the government, banks, or hedge funds 
Manage your own tax practice

Business Analytics and Reporting (BAR) 

Skills

Data analytics 
Financial risk management/planning 
Technical accounting and reporting 
State and local government accounting

Job Opportunities

Auditor at a public accounting firm 
Work in the accounting department 
at a corporation 
Controller 
Chief accountant 
CFO or CEO

Important dates to keep in mind

Aug 4th

Deadline to submit evaluation documents


Oct 1st

Secure your spot by applying for a Notice to Schedule (NTS) before the deadline

Nov 12th

BEC re-exam candidates, this one’s for you! Submit your NTS application  

Dec 15th

Last chance to take your BEC instead of taking the new discipline tracks

On a final note…

This ever-evolving accounting world requires you to stay ahead of the game. Morgan International is your trusted partner in navigating these changes and preparing you for success in the new CPA exam format. With our experienced tutors, tailored Becker CPA Exam Review changes, and 28+ years of expertise, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals, and ensuring you are Exam Day Ready! 
 
If you’d like to stay informed about the latest news, NASBA and AICPA updates, how instructors are preparing for the evolution, the new 30-month rule, and the state of the accounting industry, book your free consultation session to learn more! 

Book your Free Consultation Session Now!