Financial Accounting Practice Test

61 questions available

Build your confidence for Financial Accounting. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
75 Exam questions
1 hour 30 minutes Time Limit
Your practice
61 Practice questions
1 hour 1 minute Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bar to clear 50/100 Published passing score for this certification.
Explore exam topics Official objectives from CLEP
CLEP61 practice questions
Blueprint verifiedChecked against CLEP official objectivesMetadata verified 2026-06-07How we verify

Exam overview and details

The Financial Accounting Certification Exam is a globally recognized credential that validates a professional's comprehensive understanding of core accounting principles, financial reporting standards, and the preparation and analysis of financial statements. This certification demonstrates mastery of the accounting cycle, from transaction analysis and journal entries through to the creation of balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flows in accordance with established frameworks like Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Earning this credential signifies to employers, clients, and colleagues that the holder possesses the technical expertise and ethical grounding required for accurate financial record-keeping, regulatory compliance, and insightful financial analysis. It is a critical benchmark for roles in public accounting, corporate finance, auditing, and financial management, serving as a foundational step for career progression and a prerequisite for more advanced accounting designations.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

General Topics

Oak & Pine Corp. began the year with retained earnings of $47,400, reported net income of $17,750, and declared dividends of $5,900. What retained earnings balance should appear in the year-end balance sheet?

The Balance Sheet

Quill Retail has cash of $31,800, accounts receivable of $57,700, inventory of $65,750, prepaid insurance of $9,950, and current liabilities of $77,800. What is the quick ratio?

General Topics

On September 1, Mesa Tutoring collected $18,900 for a six-month course and credited Unearned Revenue. By December 31, 5 months of instruction have been delivered. What adjustment should be recorded?

The Income Statement

Fern Market has gross profit of $88,800, selling expenses of $24,520, administrative expenses of $18,440, and an unrealized nonoperating gain of $3,080. What is operating income?

General Topics

A contractor buys equipment costing $50,000, pays $10,400 in cash, and signs a note for the balance. Ignoring depreciation, what is the immediate effect on the accounting equation?

Exam insights and study advice

In today's regulated and transparent business environment, demonstrated proficiency in financial accounting is non-negotiable for career advancement. This certification provides tangible proof of your competency, directly impacting hiring decisions, promotion potential, and earning power. It is recognized by industry leaders as a standard of excellence, distinguishing certified professionals in a competitive job market. Holding this credential validates your ability to contribute to financial integrity, support strategic decision-making with accurate data, and uphold the trust of stakeholders-skills that are fundamental to organizational success and personal professional credibility.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

What this exam covers

Use the published domain weights to plan your study. Practice results do not predict your certification exam score.

01The Balance Sheet

35%

Topics

  • Cash and internal controls
  • Valuation of accounts and notes receivable (including bad debts)
  • Valuation of inventories
  • Acquisition and disposal of long-term assets
  • Depreciation/amortization/depletion
  • Intangible assets (e.g., patents, goodwill, etc.)
  • Accounts and notes payable
  • Long-term liabilities (e.g., bonds payable)
  • Owner's equity
  • Preferred and common stock
  • Retained earnings
  • Liquidity, solvency, and activity analysis

Learning objectives

  • Cash and internal controls
  • Valuation of accounts and notes receivable (including bad debts)
  • Valuation of inventories
  • Acquisition and disposal of long-term assets
  • Depreciation/amortization/depletion
  • Intangible assets (e.g., patents, goodwill, etc.)
  • Accounts and notes payable
  • Long-term liabilities (e.g., bonds payable)
  • Owner's equity
  • Preferred and common stock
  • Retained earnings
  • Liquidity, solvency, and activity analysis

02General Topics

25%

Topics

  • Generally accepted accounting principles
  • Rules of double-entry accounting/transaction analysis/accounting equation
  • The accounting cycle
  • Business ethics
  • Purpose of, presentation of, and relationships between financial statements
  • Forms of business

Learning objectives

  • Generally accepted accounting principles
  • Rules of double-entry accounting/transaction analysis/accounting equation
  • The accounting cycle
  • Business ethics
  • Purpose of, presentation of, and relationships between financial statements
  • Forms of business

03The Income Statement

25%

Topics

  • Presentation format issues (e.g., single-step vs multi-step)
  • Recognition of revenue and expenses
  • Cost of goods sold
  • Nonoperational items (e.g., gains and losses, etc.)
  • Profitability analysis

Learning objectives

  • Presentation format issues (e.g., single-step vs multi-step)
  • Recognition of revenue and expenses
  • Cost of goods sold
  • Nonoperational items (e.g., gains and losses, etc.)
  • Profitability analysis

04Statement of Cash Flows

7-8%

Topics

  • Indirect method
  • Cash flow analysis
  • Operating, financing, and investing activities
  • Noncash financing and investing activities

Learning objectives

  • Indirect method
  • Cash flow analysis
  • Operating, financing, and investing activities
  • Noncash financing and investing activities

05Miscellaneous

2-3%

Topics

  • Investments
  • Contingent liabilities

Learning objectives

  • Investments
  • Contingent liabilities

Exam Details FINAC | $93 USD | 1 hour 30 minutes

Exam Code FINAC
Vendor CLEP
Exam Cost $93 USD
Passing Score 50/100
Time Limit 1 hour 30 minutes
Exam questions 75
Question Types Multiple choice (100%)
Retake Policy Each institution reserves the right to set its own credit-granting policy, which may differ from the American Council on Education (ACE). Contact your college to find out the score required for credit and the number of credit hours granted.
Exam Format Multiple-choice (computer-based)
Available In
English

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical prerequisites for taking the Financial Accounting Certification Exam?

How does this certification differ from a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license?

What is the primary framework tested, GAAP or IFRS?

How long is the certification valid, and what are the renewal requirements?

What career roles commonly seek or require this certification?