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FAR Blueprint Cheat Sheet

Condensed reference for the 2026 AICPA FAR blueprint. 3 content areas, 22 groups, weights, and study priority framework. Source: AICPA Blueprints.

Blueprint Overview

Area I

Financial Reporting

30–40%

6 groups

Area II

Select Balance Sheet Accounts

30–40%

9 groups

Area III

Select Transactions

25–35%

7 groups

Area I: Financial Reporting (30–40%)

GroupDescription
A

For-Profit Entities

1. Conceptual Framework · 2. Financial Statements · 3. Interim Reporting · 4. Segment Reporting · 5. SEC Reporting · 6. Special Purpose Frameworks · 7. Ratio Analysis

B

Not-for-Profit (NFP) Entities

1. Financial Statements of NFPs · 2. Revenue Recognition (Contributions) · 3. Expenses · 4. NFP-Specific Topics

C

State & Local Government Entities

1. Government-Wide & Fund Financial Statements · 2. Deriving/Reconciling Government-Wide & Fund Statements

DPublic Company Reporting
ESpecial Purpose Frameworks
FRatio Analysis

Area II: Select Balance Sheet Accounts (30–40%)

GroupDescription
ACash & Cash Equivalents
BTrade Receivables
CInventory
DProperty, Plant & Equipment
E

Investments

1. Equity Method · 2. Debt & Equity Securities · 3. Derivatives & Hedging

FIntangible Assets
GPayables & Accrued Liabilities
H

Long-Term Debt

1. Bonds Payable · 2. Debt Covenants & Modifications

IEquity

Area III: Select Transactions (25–35%)

GroupDescription
AAccounting Changes & Error Corrections
BContingencies & Commitments
CRevenue Recognition
DIncome Taxes
EFair Value Measurements
FLeases
GSubsequent Events

Study Priority Framework

Not all blueprint areas deserve equal study time. Priority should be determined by two factors: the weight of the area on the exam and your current performance level in that area.

PriorityCriteriaStudy Allocation
HighestHigh blueprint weight + Weaker rating40-50% of study hours
HighHigh weight + Comparable, or moderate weight + Weaker25-35% of study hours
ModerateModerate weight + Comparable15-20% of study hours
MaintenanceAny weight + Stronger rating5-10% of study hours

This is the principle behind the Score-to-Blueprint Method: allocate study time proportionally to blueprint weight and inversely to current performance.

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