Which is Harder: CPA vs MCAT? A Comparative Breakdown
When it comes to rigorous standardized exams that require months of preparation, two of the most talked-about tests are the CPA exam and the MCAT exam. Both are considered challenging tests within their respective fields—accounting and medicine—but they differ significantly in terms of exam format, content, and purpose. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam is essential for those entering the accounting profession, while the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a prerequisite for students aiming to pursue a medical education.
In this article, we’ll compare the CPA vs MCAT to help you understand their differences and determine which one might be more difficult for you. We’ll consider exam preparation, content complexity, exam format, and the long-term impact on career paths.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table: CPA vs MCAT
| Aspect | CPA Exam | MCAT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Assess readiness for accounting and earn a CPA license | Required for medical school admission |
| Duration | 1–2 hours per section | 7.5 hours |
| Format | Multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations, written communication tasks | Passage-based, multiple-choice |
| Study Time | Few weeks to months | 3–6 months |
| Scoring | 0–99, with 75 to pass | 472–528 |
| Impact | Short-term academic goals | Career-defining for future physicians |
Purpose and Audience of Each Exam
CPA Exam (Certified Public Accountant)
The CPA exam evaluates whether CPA candidates are ready to enter public accounting. It covers a range of CPA exam topics including financial accounting, auditing procedures, business law, and financial management. The exam is structured to test accounting knowledge and the ability to apply accounting principles in real-world scenarios.
- Audience: Students pursuing an accounting career or aiming to become a Certified Public Accountant.
- Purpose: To assess readiness to work in the accounting field and obtain a CPA license.
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
The MCAT is a standardized exam required for medical school admissions. Unlike the CPA examination, the MCAT exam tests scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills, and reasoning abilities across disciplines such as biological and biochemical foundations, chemical and physical foundations, and psychological and social behavior.
- Audience: Students seeking admission to medical school or pursuing a medical education.
- Purpose: To evaluate readiness for the academic rigor of medical training.
Exam Structure and Content
CPA Exam Structure
The CPA exam consists of four core sections:
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): Includes financial statements, GAAP, and reporting standards.
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Tests knowledge of auditing procedures and standards.
- Regulation (REG): Focuses on business law, tax regulations, and ethics.
- Discipline Sections:
- Information Systems and Communications (ISC): Data management and systems integration.
- Taxation and Corporate Procedures (TCP): Tax law compliance and corporate finance.
- Business and Regulatory Environment (BAR): Covers business environment and concepts (often compared to BEC in the older format).
Format: Includes multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations, and written communication tasks.
Level: College-level understanding with a focus on CPA exam preparing through review courses, mock exams, and practice tests.
MCAT Structure
The MCAT exam has four core sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): Tests critical analysis and verbal reasoning
Format: Timed, passage-based multiple-choice questions
Level: Advanced college-level content integrating scientific knowledge, logic, and reasoning skills
Duration: 7.5 hours—making the entire exam mentally exhausting.
Preparation Requirements
CPA Exam Preparation
CPA exam preparing typically takes weeks to months. Success relies on focused study sessions and mastering CPA exam topics with help from CPA review courses, practice exams, and task-based simulations.
- Materials: Review courses, practice tests, class notes, and textbooks
- Stress Level: Moderate
- Approach: Emphasis on accounting principles, financial accounting, and auditing and attestation
MCAT Preparation
Preparing for the MCAT exam demands a long-term strategy, usually spanning 3–6 months. Students use resources like Kaplan, Princeton Review, Anki, and mock exams provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges.
- Materials: Comprehensive prep books, online modules, and practice exams
- Stress Level: High
- Approach: Requires thorough preparation, time management skills, and integrated understanding of scientific knowledge
Scoring and Stakes
CPA Exam Scoring
- Score Range: 0–99
- Passing Score: 75
- Pass Rates: Vary, but the average pass rate hovers around 50%.
- Impact: Mostly academic; candidates can retake sections, making the exam tough, but manageable.
MCAT Scoring
- Score Range: 472–528
- Impact: Career-defining, since the MCAT score significantly affects medical school acceptance. Retakes are possible but costly and emotionally draining.
Difficulty Comparison: CPA vs MCAT
- Content Complexity: The MCAT exam tests more advanced, interdisciplinary scientific knowledge, while the CPA exam covers highly specific accounting knowledge.
- Test Strategy: The MCAT places greater emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning skills, under extreme time constraints.
- Stress and Pressure: Higher for the MCAT, given its pivotal role in medical school admissions.
Verdict
While the CPA exam is difficult, the MCAT is objectively harder due to content breadth, psychological toll, and impact on a candidate’s future in medicine. However, for those entering accounting, mastering the CPA exam requires deep understanding of business concepts, financial reporting, and auditing procedures—making it no less a challenging test.
Who Should Take Which?
- CPA: Ideal for those interested in public accounting, finance, or business. Suits those coming from high school, community college, or who are already on the accounting career path.
- MCAT: Best for students planning to attend medical school and build a career in healthcare.
Conclusion
Both the CPA exam and the MCAT demand substantial effort and preparation. The CPA exam difficulty lies in its scope of accounting principles and application in real-world scenarios. The MCAT, however, is more intense due to its length, critical thinking skills requirement, and impact on long-term medical education goals.
Before choosing, weigh your career path, available time for exam preparation, and willingness to engage in rigorous study. Regardless of which you pursue, success depends on thorough preparation, practice exams, and a solid understanding of the required material.
FAQs
Can I take both?
Yes. While uncommon, some individuals explore both fields. However, each exam tests different domains—accounting vs. science and reasoning.
Is CPA good prep for MCAT?
Not directly. While both strengthen critical thinking, the CPA exam covers accounting knowledge, whereas the MCAT emphasizes scientific knowledge and critical analysis.
