Whats Harder CPA or State Bar for Lawyers?

Question

i been studying accounting but i recently got a temporary job in a law firm and developed some interest in being a lawyer.. so

whats harder to pass? CPA exam or State Bar for Lawyers?

I know these are too different MAJORS.
But I Would like to know FACTS on which one is harder and how you know, NOT just opinions. Thank You.



PS; how long does it take to be a CPA (on average)? and how long does it take to be a lawyer?

Answer 1

The broad base of CPA skills can be applied to so many career paths like Public Accounting,Business and Industry, Government,Not-for-Profit and Education.

CPA is definitely tough when compared to Law, but the salaries are also high !

Answer 2

The CPA exam when I took it was very different than today's exam. You had to take all parts unpassed each time. Today you can take one part at a time. You had to pass at least 2 parts and score a 50 or better on the parts that you failed, otherwise you lost the parts that you passed. The exam itself was administered over two and a half days. The reality is that to pass the CPA exam you need a 4 year degree, of which almost 3 years are spent studying all the areas and branches of accounting, finance, business law, etc. The bar exam is based on 3 years of law study. While it is true that you attend school for 7 years to be able to sit for the bar exam, the first 4 years being college in many cases have nothing to do with the study of law. Hence, the time spent in school for either disciplines is basically the same. The CPA exam currently covers 23 subject areas with multiple sub topics. The NY bar exam covers 13 subject areas with multiple sub topics. To conclude that lawyers are smarter than CPA's is a flawed conclusion, as it would suggest that CPA's could never get into law school because they are not smart enough, let alone pass a bar exam. Both exams are difficult, no doubt, believe me I would know, but having said all this, I found the CPA exam to be harder. Many of my colleagues who have also taken both exams share the same opinion. Lastly, there are many individuals who pass the CPAone exam but can't pass the Bar exam, and vice versa.

Answer 3

To become a CPA, you must earned a degree of bachelor of science in accountancy which will took you 4 or 5 yrs of study. Then, after that, you may take 6mos-1yr CPA review(some were just having a self-review) to become more prepare for the CPA board exam. Although, some were taking the board exam without further review, but it was risky & there was a higher possibilities of failure. It took few more years to become a Lawyer than a CPA. You may also become a CPA Lawyer. Ther are no easy exam but if you come prepared in all aspects(physical, emotional, social, financial, etc) then you will be confident that you will pass any exam. In addition, always do your best & work hard & learn to discipline your self(having a good study habit). :>

Answer 4

After asking some people around, I do come to believe that both the CPA and State Bar exam are very similar in each other. Their level of difficulty might vary though from person to person.

Answer 5

Good question, i would like to know the answer since I will be taking the CPA exam in the fall!

Answer 6

The Bar is def. harder. My boyfriend is taking it in July and just studying for it is stressful. You go to law school for 3 yrs. after 4 yrs. of college. I know in some states the bar is almost impossible. JFK took the bar 5 times before he past :)