The CPA Examination in Evolution

The Audit and Information Systems core consists of many of the topics covered on the Auditing and Attestation section of the current CPA exam-such as audit environment, engagements, planning, risk assessment, materiality considerations, audit procedures, and audit conclusion. Other topics previously included in the BEC section, such as cost accounting, information technology, financial management and risk management, have been integrated into the disciplines sections. Business Analysis and Reporting, the first alternative discipline, is designed to align with career paths emphasizing financial statement analysis, technical accounting, financial management, and management advisory services. The second discipline is Information Systems and Controls, encompassing the following modules that expand on the concepts and techniques in the core: IT governance, risk assessment, internal controls, System and Organization Controls (SOC) engagements, use of management data along with information security and protecting information systems.