MCAT vs CPA Exam: What’s the Difference?

June 25, 2024

minute read

The MCAT and CPA Exam are among the most commonly taken examinations worldwide. 

However, these two exams significantly differ from each other. Prior to taking either the MCAT or the CPA, you must make sure that it is the correct exam for your chosen career path.

The MCAT is the top entrance exam used by top-tier medical schools, colleges, and other educational institutions worldwide that offer medical courses.

On the contrary, the CPA Exam is a licensure test that needs to be taken by every accountancy graduate for them to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

And to help you learn more about the difference between these two exams, – this article will go through the different exam structures, exam fees, and other characteristics of the MCAT and CPA Exam

We will give a comprehensive comparison between the MCAT and CPA Exams.

What is the MCAT?

MCAT, or The Medical College Admission Test, is an admission test that will determine the readiness of students to enter medical school. The exam is intended for those who wish to pursue a medical profession.

It is a 7-hour-long exam which is conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

This computerized test, comprised of  four test sections, is primarily part of the admission process in any medical school available in the following countries the USA, Canada, Australia, and other countries worldwide.

Also, MCAT tests different sciences and basic science concepts, which include General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology

Aside from these, the exam tests one's abilities, content knowledge, critical analysis, and reasoning skills. It contains 230 multiple-choice test questions and is considered very challenging and the most difficult exam for a graduate school.

The MCAT is also offered 35 times a year, thus making the exam more accessible to its test-takers worldwide. 

MCAT Four Test Sections are:

What is CPA Exam?

To become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you need to take a licensure exam called the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

This licensure exam is developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). And it is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

Also, it is a computerized test with a duration of 16 hours and it contains four test sections

Each of the test sections are divided into subtest which are referred to as Areas I, Areas II, Areas III, Areas IV, and so on. 

As for the type of questions, the CPA exam utilizes three formats which are the multiple-choice test format, task-based simulations and BEC written communications. 

And it contains a total of 302 test questions

The CPA Exam main objective is to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities of its test-takers if they are prepared to practice public accountancy. It will also determined if they are worthy to have the license for the said profession. 

The Four CPA Exam Test Sections are:

  • Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
  • Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
  • Regulation (REG)

MCAT vs. CPA Exam: What are the Similarities?

The MCAT and CPA Exam are both computerized examinations. 

Also, these tests primary purpose is to test the content knowledge, skills, and abilities of its test-takers in relation to the different subjects and topics covered by each exams. 

Also, the MCAT and CPA Exam are among the two most difficult exams that are trusted and highly acknowledged by educational institutions.

Exam Format and Structure: MCAT vs. CPA Exam

These exams do not share the same format and structure as they do not focus on the same profession. 

The MCAT is used as an entrance exam for medical schools, while the CPA Exam is a licensure examination for accountants.

However, if we compare the two in terms of their exam duration, the CPA Exam is much longer. This exam usually takes about 16 hours for an individual to complete in one sitting. Contrastingly, the MCAT only takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

Both exams, contain four test sections but in the CPA Exam, each test sections are sub-divided into different areas.

For the number of test questions, the CPA Exam has 302 test questions in total while the MCAT has 230 test questions.

The MCAT and CPA Exam are both computer-based test making it more convenient to its test-takers. 

And for the exam frequency, the MCAT has 35 test schedules annually while the CPA Exam is only offered four times a year per test section

It means that you can take one test section at a time wherein a testing window is available annually. 

The CPA Exam schedules are between January 1 to March 10, other test schedule is available between April 1 to June 10. 

The next CPA Exam schedule is around July 1 to September 10 and October 1 to December 10. 

The table below compares  the MCAT and CPA exam structure and format, including their test frequency. 

Exam Format and Structure

MCAT

CPA Exam

Test Sections

Biological and Biochemical Foundations


Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems


Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior


Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Auditing and Attestation (AUD)


-Area 1 - Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and General Principles


-Area II - Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response


-Area III - Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence


-Area IV - Forming Conclusions and Reporting


Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)


-Area I - Corporate Governance


-Area II - Economic Concepts and Analysis


-Area III - Financial Management


-Area IV - Information Technology


-Area V - Operations Management


Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)


-Area I - Conceptual Framework, Standard-Setting and Financial Reporting


-Area II - Select Financial Statement Accounts


-Area III - Select Transactions


-Area IV - State and Local Governments


Regulation (REG)


-Area I - Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and Federal Tax Procedures


-Area II - Business Law


-Area III - Federal Taxation of Property Transactions


-Area IV - Federal Taxation of Individuals


-Area V - Federal Taxation of Entities

Test Duration

Duration per test section:

 

90 to 95 minutes each 


Overall:


7 hours and 33 minutes, including break times.

Duration per test section:


4 hours each


Overall:


16 hours

Number of Test Questions

230 Test Questions

307 Test Questions

Type of Test Questions

Multiple-Choice Test Format

Multiple-Choice Test Format

Task-Based Simulations

BEC Written Communications

Test Frequency

35 testing dates annually from January to September.

Offered four times annually (Per Test Section)

Test Delivery Mode

Computer-Based Test

Computer-Based Test

Scoring: MCAT vs. CPA Exam

In terms of the scoring system, the MCAT and CPA Exam use different scoring processes. To start with, in the CPA Exam, each test section has a score range of 0 to 99 points

And these points are not considered raw scores but these are the points corresponding to the number of test questions you answered correctly. 

Furthermore, the scores you have across the four test sections will be calculated to get your CPA Exam scaled score. 

The CPA Exam scaled scores are the weighted combination or percentages of scaled scores in each test section. It means that each of the scores has a corresponding value that equals the overall scaled scores. 

In comparison, the MCAT has assigned scores in each of its test sections that range from 118 to 132 points. All the scores from the four test sections will be added to get the MCAT overall score between 472 to 528 points

Also, MCAT utilizes a percentile rank that comprises scores from its previous test-takers. And this percentile rank can be used as a guide for its present examinees to know the percentile ranking of their scores.

MCAT Scoring

CPA Exam Scoring

Score Range Per Test Section:


118 to 132


Overall Score Range:


472 to 528

Score Range Per Test Section:


0 to 99

The table below shows the CPA Exam passing score requirement.

CPA Exam Test Section

Score Range

Minimum Passing Score Required

Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

0 to 99

75

Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)

0 to 99

75

Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)

0 to 99

75

Regulation (REG)

0 to 99

75

Below is the table showing the weighted portions or scores value of the CPA Exam sections. 

Test Sections

Portion of MCQs

(Multiple-choice Test Questions)

Portions of TBSs

(Task-Based Simulations)

Portions of Written Communication Tasks

Total

AUD

50%

50%

N/A

100%

BEC

50%

35%

15%

100%

FAR

50%

50%

N/A

100%

REG

50%

50%

N/A

100%

Below is the table of the MCAT Percentile Rank from May 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022 MCAT exam. It is a comparison table showing the percentile ranking of your scores in correlation to the previous scores of MCAT test-takers. 

Overall MCAT Score

Percentile Rank

Header

Overall MCAT Score

Percentile Rank

Header

Overall MCAT Score

Percentile Rank

472

<1%

Cell

491

19%

Cell

510

78%

473

<1%

Cell

492

21%

Cell

511

81%

474

<1%

Cell

493

24%

Cell

512

84%

475

<1%

Cell

494

27%

Cell

513

86%

476

1%

Cell

495

29%

Cell

514

88%

477

1%

Cell

496

32%

Cell

515

90%

478

1%

Cell

497

35%

Cell

516

92%

479

2%

Cell

498

38%

Cell

517

94%

480

3%

Cell

499

42%

Cell

518

95%

481

4%

Cell

500

45%

Cell

519

96%

482

4%

Cell

501

48%

Cell

520

97%

483

6%

Cell

502

52%

Cell

521

98%

484

7%

Cell

503

55%

Cell

522

99%

485

8%

Cell

504

58%

Cell

523

99%

486

9%

Cell

505

62%

Cell

524

100%

487

11%

Cell

506

65%

Cell

525

100%

488

13%

Cell

507

69%

Cell

526

100%

489

15%

Cell

508

72%

Cell

527

100%

490

17%

Cell

509

75%

Cell

528

100%

Test Eligibility Requirements: MCAT vs. CPA Exam

The MCAT and CPA Exam test requirements and registration process differ in many ways. However, these two exams utilize online registration through their official website. 

The MCAT and CPA Exam have different test requirements since they do not have the same purpose. For example, the MCAT is a qualifying test for medical school admission, while the CPA Exam is a licensure exam for accountancy. 

The comprehensive table below shows the differences between the MCAT and CPA exam with their respective test requirements.

MCAT Test Requirements

CPA Exam Requirements

For Online Registration Process:

  • Make an account on the AAMC website.
  • Fill out the application questions and prompts on their website.
  • Go to the MCAT registration systems and follow the instructions given.

Present the following upon registration:

  1.  Any government-issued IDs (must be valid and not expired)
  2. ID must contain a clear photo of you.
  3. ID must be in English.
  4. Accepted IDs include:
    • Driver’s license
    • Passport
    • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
    • Employment Authorization Document
    • Canada Health Card (For Ontario and British Columbia only)
    • Consular ID
    • Canadian Aviation Card
  5. Submit your academic transcripts
    (applicable for high school, undergraduate, and any post-graduate education). Also, it accepts unofficial transcripts but must reflect your full name. 

 

Eligibility to Sit for the CPA Exam:

  • Academic Requirement
    a. Bachelor’s Degree with at least 150 hours of          academic coursework (any accredited United States College, university, or any equivalent institution in other countries)

  • Age Requirements 
    a. Minimum of 18 years old or must be 21 years old.

  • Residency Requirements
    a. Some states will require applicants to be a resident at least 6 months before taking the CPA Exam.

  • Submit Transcripts and Pay the Application Fee
    a. Academic Transcripts
    b. For International Transcripts it must be validated by the NASBA’s International Evaluation Services (NIES) or any transcription service provider approved by the State Board of Accountancy.
    c. Present any proof of identification

  • Receive the Authorization to Test (ATT)
  • Obtain Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)

Online Registration Process:

            a. Visit and log in to Prometric website and register for                         the exam. 

Present the following on the exam day.

  • Exam ID number
  • Recent Notice to Schedule (NTS)

     

Test Costs: MCAT vs. CPA Exam 

The CPA Exam fee significantly differs from MCAT. However, they share the same mode of payment. 

One of the differences between these two exams is that the CPA Exam has three main fees: the application fee, registration fee, and exam fees for all four test sections. 

The cost for the CPA exam application fee is USD 130 to USD 200, which is for the State Board of Accountancy, and it depends on what country you are going to take it. The application fee is required for those first-time takers. 

Also, they have a registration fee of USD 300 and an examination fee of around USD 833.60. 

Furthermore, the CPA Exam also has other additional fees, which consist of the Professional Ethics Exam Fee, which costs USD 169

It also has a Licensing Fee of USD 175 and Continuing Professional Education Credits, costing USD 1,000 a year. 

On the other hand, the MCAT only costs USD 325, which is cheaper than the CPA Exam. Also, the MCAT has a late registration fee of around USD 55

Below is a comprehensive table showing the cost differences and payment options for the MCAT and CPA Exams.


MCAT Fee

CPA Exam Fee

Payment Modes

  • Only accepts credit or debit cards (American Express, VISA, MasterCard)
  • Accepts payments from credit and debit cards including VISA, MasterCard, and American Express.

Cost

USD 325

USD 130 to USD 200 - Application Fee

USD 300 - Registration Fee

USD 833.60 - Examination Fee

USD 169 - Professional Ethics Exam Fee

USD 175 - Licensing Fee

USD 1,000/year - Continuing Professional Education Credits

Test Recognition: MCAT vs. CPA Exam

Both the MCAT and CPA Exam are highly regarded examinations worldwide. 

In addition, the CPA Exam is offered in the United States, Canada, India, Nepal, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. 

The AICPA, NASBA, and Prometric are the top administrators for the CPA Exam. And the collaboration of these three allows the CPA Exam available in most countries. 

The MCAT is also accepted and highly recognized worldwide by top medical schools, colleges, and universities

Moreover, the exam is prominent in the following countries such as the United States, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Australia, and the Caribbean Islands. 

Below are some medical schools in Australia that require the MCAT. 
  • Griffith Medical School
  • Melbourne Medical School
  • UQ Medical School
  • Sydney Medical School
  • McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
  • Queen’s University School of Medicine
  • University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
  • University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine
  • University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine
  • University of Manitoba Max Rady College of Medicine
  • University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine
  • Harvard Medical School
  • Yale School of Medicine
  • Boston University School of Medicine
  • Stanford University School of Medicine
  • Georgetown University School of Medicine
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  • Howard University College of Medicine
  • University of South Alabama College of Medicine
  • New York Medical College
  • Duke University School of Medicine
  • Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
  • Saint Louis University School of Medicine
  • Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
  • California Northstate University College of Medicine
  • George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • …and more.

Which is Easier: MCAT vs. CPA Exam

The MCAT and CPA exam are two different tests that are internationally used and recognized by various educational institutions. In terms of their difficulty, both are known to be very challenging and difficult examinations. 

Note that the MCAT is an admission exam, while the CPA exam is a licensure test. 

Given their difference in terms of purpose, exam structure, topics covered, and more, we cannot truly compare their difficulty level.

Should You Take the MCAT vs. CPA Exam?

Before taking any of these two exams, you should know the purpose of these two and if it fits your needs. 

For example, if you are already an accountancy graduate, then the suitable one for you is the CPA Exam for you to have a license to practice your profession. 

And for those who want to pursue a medical profession and enroll in a medical school, the best exam for you to take is the MCAT. 

Since the MCAT is part of the admission requirement in any medical school.

Summary Table of Differences: MCAT vs. CPA Exam

Below is the table of differences between the MCAT and CPA Exam. 


MCAT

CPA Exam

Test Sections

  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations
  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
  • Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
    • Area 1 - Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and General Principles
    • Area II - Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response
    • Area III - Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence
    • Area IV - Forming Conclusions and Reporting
  • Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
    • Area I - Corporate Governance
    • Area II - Economic Concepts and Analysis
    • Area III - Financial Management
    • Area IV - Information Technology
    • Area V - Operations Management
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
    • Area I - Conceptual Framework, Standard-Setting and Financial Reporting
    • Area II - Select Financial Statement Accounts
    • Area III - Select Transactions
    • Area IV - State and Local Governments
  • Regulation (REG)
    • Area I - Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and Federal Tax Procedures
    • Area II - Business Law
    • Area III - Federal Taxation of Property Transactions
    • Area IV - Federal Taxation of Individuals
    • Area V - Federal Taxation of Entities

Test Duration

7 hours and 33 minutes, including break times.

16 hours

Number of Test Questions

230 Test Questions

307 Test Questions

Type of Test Questions

Multiple-Choice Test Format

Multiple-Choice Test Format

Task-Based Simulations

BEC Written Communications

Scoring System

Score Range Per Test Section:


118 to 132


Overall Score Range:


472 to 528

Score Range Per Test Section:


0 to 99

Test Frequency

35 testing dates from January to September.

Offered four times a year (Per Test Section)

Exam Cost

USD 325

USD 130 to USD 200 - Application Fee

USD 300 - Registration Fee

USD 833.60 - Examination Fee

USD 169 - Professional Ethics Exam Fee

USD 175 - Licensing Fee

USD 1,000/year - Continuing Professional Education Credits

Mode of Payment

Only accepts credit or debit cards (American Express, VISA, MasterCard)

Accepts payments from credit and debit cards including VISA, MasterCard, and American Express.

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