* CPA Exam: Widely considered significantly harder. It's a much more rigorous and comprehensive exam covering four sections (Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG)). Each section is incredibly detailed and requires a deep understanding of accounting principles, auditing standards, and business law. The exam is also significantly longer.
* Series 7 Exam: Focuses on the sale of securities and requires knowledge of various financial products, regulations (like suitability and disclosure), and the overall securities market. While challenging, it is generally considered to be a more focused and less conceptually demanding exam than the CPA exam.
In short, most people who have taken both exams agree that the CPA exam is significantly harder than the Series 7 exam. The CPA exam demands a far greater depth of knowledge, longer study time, and a higher level of analytical and critical thinking skills. The Series 7 is more focused on memorization and application of specific rules within a more limited scope.