This year's first-stage certified public accountant exam drew 12,263 applicants, and 2,816 passed. The second-stage exam, which includes those who passed last year's first stage, will select 1,150 people.
On the 31st, the Financial Supervisory Service said the competition rate for this year's first-stage certified public accountant exam was 4.4 to 1, with a minimum passing total score of 344 points and an average of 67.5 points.
The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) noted that although the average score fell 0.9 points from the previous year (68.4), it was not much different compared with the minimum passing averages over the past three years (63.8 in 2023 and 69.9 in 2024).
Among test-takers who scored an average of at least 60% without failing any subject, 2,800 were selected in order of highest score. With all ties admitted, the total number of those who passed this exam came to 2,816.
The top scorer was Hyeon U-jin (24), a student at Seoul National University, with an average of 94.9 points. The youngest successful candidate was Jo Seong-u (20), also a student at Seoul National University.
Those in their late 20s made up the largest share of successful candidates at 55.2%, followed by those in their early 20s (30.4%) and early 30s (12.0%). Women accounted for 37.9%, down slightly from the previous year (40.0%). By education level, 61.0% were enrolled in university, and by major, the economics and business track accounted for most at 70.4%.
About 4,720 people are expected to sit for the second-stage exam, including those who passed last year's first stage and deferred the second stage for one year. The competition rate is 4.1 to 1. The second-stage exam will be held June 27–28, with results announced Sept. 4.