CPA Exam - Regulation (REG) Practice Test

140 questions available

Build your confidence for CPA Exam - Regulation (REG). Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

Try a sample question
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
Certification exam
4 hours Time Limit
Your practice
140 Practice questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bar to clear 75/99 scaled score; 75 required to pass Published passing score for this certification.
Official objectives from AICPA
AICPA140 practice questions
Blueprint verifiedChecked against AICPA official objectivesMetadata verified 2026-05-09How we verify

Exam overview and details

The Regulation (REG) section of the Uniform CPA Examination is a critical assessment of a candidate's knowledge and skills in U.S. federal taxation, business law, ethics, and professional responsibilities. This exam validates a CPA's ability to navigate the complex regulatory environment governing business entities and individuals, ensuring compliance with tax laws and ethical standards. Passing the REG exam demonstrates mastery of core competencies including the taxation of C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, trusts, estates, and individuals, as well as property transactions and federal tax procedures. It also confirms understanding of business law concepts such as contracts, debtor-creditor relationships, and agency. Achieving a passing score on REG is not merely an academic milestone; it is a professional endorsement of one's capability to provide accurate tax planning, ensure legal compliance, and uphold the fiduciary duties required of a licensed CPA. This certification is universally recognized as the benchmark for expertise in accounting regulation, directly impacting a professional's authority and scope of practice.

Sample Questions

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

Federal Taxation of Entities

Pineview Corp., a closely held C corporation, has accumulated $2,000,000 of earnings beyond the reasonable needs of the business over the past several years. The corporation's directors deliberately retained earnings to avoid shareholder-level dividend taxation. The IRS proposes the accumulated earnings tax (AET). Which defense is MOST likely to reduce or eliminate Pineview's AET liability?

Ethics, Professional Responsibilities & Federal Tax Procedures

A CPA took over as a corporate client's tax preparer. The prior year's return was prepared by a different firm. The client provided the prior-year depreciation schedule without supporting documentation. Under AICPA SSTS and Circular 230, may the CPA rely on this schedule without independent verification?

Federal Taxation of Property Transactions

Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which of the following exchanges qualifies for nonrecognition treatment under IRC Section 1031 for a calendar-year taxpayer for transactions completed in 2024?

Federal Taxation of Property Transactions

A taxpayer transfers relinquished property on September 1, 2024, in a deferred like-kind exchange. The taxpayer wants to identify potential replacement property and complete the exchange. What are the identification and exchange completion deadlines?

Business Law

An investor purchased shares in a company's IPO pursuant to a registration statement that contained material misstatements. The investor sues the company, its officers, directors, accountants, and underwriters under Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933. Which defendant bears the burden of proving they are not liable ("due diligence" defense)?

Career Opportunities & Salary

Median salary: $83,680– Accountants and Auditors

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 -- Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011), US national. Occupation median, not a certification salary. (2025)

Accountants and Auditors

Exam insights and study advice

Successfully passing the REG exam is a non-negotiable credential for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant, a designation synonymous with trust, expertise, and ethical rigor in the financial industry. It signals to employers, clients, and regulators that you possess the specialized knowledge required to navigate intricate tax codes and business laws, directly enabling roles in tax advisory, compliance, and forensic accounting. This certification unlocks career advancement into leadership positions, enhances earning potential, and establishes immediate professional credibility. In an era of increasing regulatory scrutiny, the REG credential demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of professional responsibility and legal understanding, making certified individuals indispensable assets to their organizations and the broader business community.

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

Your Path Forward

You are here CPA Exam - Regulation (REG) Practice Test Step 3 of 4 – Core
CPA Examination Track

What this exam covers

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

01Federal Taxation of Entities

23-33%

02Federal Taxation of Individuals

22-32%

03Business Law

15-25%

04Ethics, Professional Responsibilities, and Tax Procedures

10-20%

05Federal Taxation of Property Transactions

5-15%

Exam Details REG | $226.15 USD | 4 hours

Exam Code REG
Vendor AICPA
Exam Cost $226.15 USD
Passing Score 75/99 scaled score; 75 required to pass
Time Limit 4 hours
Question TypesMultiple Choice (MCQ), Task-Based Simulations (TBS) — research, document review, journal entries, calculations
Retake Policy Must wait until test results are released before retaking the same section. All four sections (3 core + 1 discipline) must be passed within 30 months of passing the first. CPA exam offered year-round (continuous testing).
Exam Format Linear (computer-based)
Available In
English

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single most heavily tested area on the REG exam?

How important is business law compared to taxation on the REG exam?

Are tax forms and specific Internal Revenue Code sections tested?

What is the best strategy for tackling the Task-Based Simulations (TBSs) on REG?

How should I handle questions on topics that were recently changed by new tax legislation?