PFACC Retired: Historical Blueprint and Next Steps

PFACC

Retired exam

PFACC has been retired

DSST no longer offers Principles of Financial Accounting: the 2022 technical data sheet still listed it, but it is absent from the 2024 brochure and from the issuer's current catalog (38 titles). No retirement notice or date is published; no successor is named.

No direct replacement is named in the reviewed official sources.

Historical PFACC Scope

The Principles of Financial Accounting exam, certified by DSST, covered accounting equations, financial statements, inventory, receivables, long-term assets, and liabilities. This exam is now retired. DSST has not named a successor for this assessment. Candidates seeking credit for financial accounting should contact DSST directly to determine the current path for academic credit or certification requirements, as this specific exam is no longer available for registration or testing purposes. The assessment previously required a passing score of 400 to demonstrate proficiency in the subject matter.

Who PFACC Was For

This exam was intended for students or professionals seeking college credit for introductory financial accounting coursework. It required an understanding of standard accounting principles and financial reporting practices. Since the exam is retired, individuals should consult their academic institution or DSST regarding current credit-by-exam options.

Skills You Should Be Ready to Demonstrate

How to Reuse Your Preparation

Because this exam is retired, you should not prepare for it. If you are pursuing academic credit, contact your institution to confirm which current assessments they accept. Focus your studies on the specific syllabus provided by your college or the current DSST catalog. Ensure you understand the core concepts of financial reporting, as these remain relevant for any future accounting coursework you may undertake. Do not attempt to schedule this exam, as it is no longer offered by any testing center.

Historical Domain Guide

Accounting Equation: Historical Scope

This domain covers the fundamental accounting equation, which serves as the primary basis for all financial recording and reporting. It focuses on the relationship between assets, liabilities, and equity, providing a framework for understanding how business transactions impact the overall financial position of an entity.

Financial Statements: Historical Scope

This domain addresses the preparation and interpretation of primary financial statements, including the balance sheet and income statement, and how these documents interrelate within a business entity to provide a clear picture of financial health and performance over a specific period.

Inventory: Historical Scope

This domain focuses on inventory valuation methods and the cost flow assumptions used to determine the cost of goods sold and ending inventory balances. It explores how different accounting choices impact the reported value of inventory and the resulting profitability of the business entity.

Receivables: Historical Scope

This domain covers the accounting treatment for receivables, including the recognition of revenue and the management of uncollectible accounts through various estimation methods. It emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting for accounts receivable to ensure that financial statements reflect the true liquidity of the company.

Long-term Assets: Historical Scope

This domain examines the acquisition, valuation, and depreciation of long-term assets, including the classification of capitalized costs versus periodic expenses. It covers the systematic allocation of asset costs over their useful lives and the impact of these decisions on the financial statements of the organization.

Liabilities: Historical Scope

This domain addresses the identification and recording of current and long-term liabilities, including notes payable and other obligations incurred by a business. It focuses on the accurate recognition of debt and the reporting requirements necessary to maintain transparency regarding the financial obligations of the business entity.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the exam?

The retired Principles of Financial Accounting exam consisted of exactly 100 multiple-choice questions. These questions were designed to test a candidate's knowledge of accounting principles, though the exam is no longer available for administration or credit purposes at this time for any student.

What is the passing score?

The passing score for this exam was 400. This score was required to demonstrate proficiency in financial accounting concepts, but because the exam is now retired, this metric is no longer applicable for any current academic or professional certification requirements or institutional credit evaluations.

How long is the exam?

The exam had a total duration of 120 minutes. This time limit was intended to allow candidates to complete all sections of the test, but since the exam is retired, this duration is no longer relevant for any current testing procedures or academic credit-granting processes.

What was the cost of the exam?

The exam price was $85 for civilians, while eligible military personnel could take it for free via DANTES. Please note that these pricing details are historical, as the exam is retired and no longer available for purchase or administration by any testing center or organization.

Sources and Verification

Verified 2026-09-14

How this page was made

This index was compiled using official DSST exam guides and documentation regarding the retirement status of the Principles of Financial Accounting exam to ensure accuracy for all users seeking information about this specific assessment.

Historical PFACC Domains

1 Accounting Equation Weight not published
2 Financial Statements Weight not published
3 Inventory Weight not published
4 Receivables Weight not published
5 Long-term Assets Weight not published
6 Liabilities Weight not published