Knowledge Essentials FAQs

Yes. CPA Knowledge Essentials is available to learners who wish to strengthen their business and accounting knowledge, even if they do not plan on pursuing the CPA designation or do not currently meet the admission requirements to write the KA or register for the CPA Professional Program.  

CPA Knowledge Essentials does not have specific admission requirements; it is available to any learner who wishes to strengthen their business and accounting knowledge. However, learners should be aware that they need to meet the CPA Professional Program admission requirements to register for the Knowledge Assessment, including degree, credit hour, and GPA requirements.

CPA Knowledge Essentials is not mandatory. It is designed to support preparation for the Knowledge Assessment. Learners who already meet the accounting and business knowledge requirement through recognized academic pathways may not be required to write the Knowledge Assessment. 

No. CPA Knowledge Essentials is designed to support preparation and readiness but does not guarantee success on the Knowledge Assessment.

To meet the accounting and business knowledge requirement, learners must either pass the knowledge assessment or be exempt by completing 45 credit hours of accounting and business coursework. We recommend completing an academic review to determine how many of the 45 accounting and business credits you currently have outstanding. Following your academic review, you can consider the following factors: 

• Timing 
  Depending on the access length selected, CPA Knowledge Essentials can be completed in 6–12 months. Applicants can review the schedule at a post secondary institution (PSI) of their choosing to determine the commitment required to complete each course. 
• Cost 
  Depending on the access length selected, CPA Knowledge Essentials can cost up to $3,500 (or more if a 6-month extension is purchased). In addition, the fee to write the Knowledge Assessment is $1,000. Applicants can review the fees for a PSI of their choosing to determine the fees required to complete each course. 

These are just two of the factors to consider. For individual guidance, please contact us at [email protected] or book an advising appointment.

This depends on your prior education, knowledge, and engagement with the materials. Most learners are expected to work toward readiness within either a six-month or twelve-month access length.

Yes. Learners may purchase a 6-month extension if additional time is required.

Learners who initially selected 6 months’ access and find that more time is required can purchase a 6-month extension.

Applicants should plan for a minimum of 15–20 study hours per week if completing the materials part-time. If you plan to work through the materials full time, you should plan for a minimum of 30–40 study hours per week. 

Yes. Learners can work through CPA Knowledge Essentials on a part-time basis or full-time basis. Learners should select the appropriate program length based on prior education, learning needs, content engagement and pace of study.  

No. Annual dues are not required while registered in CPA Knowledge Essentials.

Yes. Those enrolled in CPA Knowledge Essentials will have access to instructors supporting each topic area. Instructors will be available through discussion boards or through office hours.   

The CPA preparatory courses are offered through December 2027 and are a great option for those who are not planning to pursue the Knowledge Assessment exemption by completing the accounting and business knowledge requirement through coursework.

Applicants who would prefer to write the Knowledge Assessment and would like to cover any knowledge gaps beforehand can choose to enroll in CPA Knowledge Essentials. 

Access to course materials is provided five business days after registration, provided all fees are paid.