CPA Exam Score Calculator 2026
Estimate your CPA Exam section scores using the official MCQ + TBS weighted model. Understand scoring, pass rates, and licensure requirements.
CPA Exam Overview
Under CPA Evolution, you must pass 3 Core sections + 1 Discipline section of your choice.
📚 Core Sections (Required)
- AUD — Auditing & Attestation
- FAR — Financial Accounting & Reporting
- REG — Taxation & Regulation
Weight: 50% MCQ + 50% TBS each
🎯 Discipline Sections (Choose 1)
- BAR — Business Analysis & Reporting
- ISC — Information Systems & Controls
- TCP — Tax Compliance & Planning
ISC: 60% MCQ + 40% TBS | Others: 50/50
✅ Passing Requirements
- Score 75 on each section (0-99 scale)
- 75 is NOT 75% correct—it's a scaled score
- Pass all 4 sections within 30 months
- Scores not curved across candidates
How to Get Licensed
Meet Education Requirements (150 Credits)
Most states require 150 semester hours including specific accounting and business courses. A bachelor's degree alone (120 credits) is typically not enough.
Apply for Exam & Get NTS
Apply through your state board. Once approved, you'll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) valid for 6-9 months depending on jurisdiction.
Pass All 4 CPA Exam Sections
Score 75+ on AUD, FAR, REG, and your chosen Discipline section. Complete all within the 30-month rolling window.
Complete Experience Requirement
Most states require 1-2 years of supervised accounting experience verified by a licensed CPA. Requirements vary by state.
Apply for CPA License
Submit final application to your state board with exam pass confirmation and experience verification. Maintain through CPE credits.
2026 Score Release Dates
Scores are typically released 2-3 weeks after each testing window. Dates are subject to change by NASBA.
📅 CPA Exam Dates 2026 (Full Schedule) · Official: NASBA Score Release Schedule
🧮 CPA Score Calculator
Enter your estimated MCQ and TBS performance (0-99 scaled) for each section. This provides an approximation based on the weighted model.
⚠️ Important: This calculator provides an estimate only. The AICPA uses proprietary scaling formulas that account for question difficulty. Additionally, some exam questions are unscored pretests. Your actual score may differ.
CPA Exam Pass Rates
Quarterly pass rates published by AICPA. An increase in pass rates reflects better-prepared candidates, not an easier exam.
| Section | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUD | 44.30% | 49.05% | 50.03% | 48.78% | 48.21% |
| FAR | 41.67% | 43.52% | 43.07% | 40.20% | 42.12% |
| REG | 62.03% | 63.58% | 66.05% | 60.73% | 63.12% |
| BAR | 37.64% | 47.26% | 39.46% | 39.71% | 41.94% |
| ISC | 61.23% | 71.96% | 66.91% | 66.75% | 67.79% |
| TCP | 74.94% | 80.63% | 76.68% | 76.72% | 77.65% |
| Section | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUD | 44.63% | 46.58% | 47.80% | 43.54% | 45.79% |
| FAR | 41.92% | 40.58% | 39.82% | 36.80% | 39.59% |
| REG | 63.43% | 63.45% | 62.97% | 60.52% | 62.61% |
| BAR | 42.94% | 40.26% | 40.11% | 33.68% | 38.08% |
| ISC | 50.93% | 57.93% | 61.88% | 56.40% | 58.00% |
| TCP | 82.36% | 75.67% | 72.91% | 72.16% | 73.91% |
Frequently Asked Questions
You need a scaled score of 75 on each section. This is NOT 75% correct—it's a scaled score on a 0-99 scale designed for consistency across exam versions.
Each section combines MCQ and TBS scores using weights (most are 50/50, ISC is 60/40). The AICPA scales scores based on question difficulty to ensure comparability.
Under CPA Evolution: 3 Core sections (AUD, FAR, REG) plus 1 Discipline of your choice (BAR, ISC, or TCP). You must pass all 4 sections.
No. The AICPA uses proprietary formulas accounting for question difficulty. Some questions are also unscored pretests. This calculator provides an estimate only.
You receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) showing Weaker, Comparable, or Stronger performance by topic. You can retake the section after a waiting period.
Scores are released on scheduled dates, typically 2-3 weeks after testing windows close. Check NASBA for the official schedule.
The Elijah Watt Sells Award recognizes candidates with cumulative average above 95.50 who pass all 4 sections on the first attempt. Recipients are contacted the following spring.
You have 30 months (2.5 years) from passing your first section to complete all remaining sections. After that, passed sections begin to expire.