CPA Exam Dates 2026: Complete Schedule & Score Release Guide

CPA exam 2026 has continuous testing for Core sections (FAR, AUD, REG) available year-round at Prometric centers except during maintenance blackouts. You can schedule Core exams any day. Score releases occur approximately every 1-2 weeks based on cutoff dates. Discipline sections (BAR, TCP, ISC) have four quarterly testing windows: January 1-31 (scores March 13), April 1-30 (scores June 16), July 1-31 (scores September 11), and October 1-31 (scores December 16). Must complete all Core sections before scheduling Discipline section. Plan testing schedule around your 18-month window after passing first section.

CPA Evolution is the new CPA exam model launched January 2024, transforming exam structure to Core + Discipline format. Previous format had 4 equal sections (FAR, AUD, REG, BEC). New format has 3 Core sections (FAR, AUD, REG) that all candidates take, plus 1 Discipline section chosen from BAR (Business Analysis & Reporting), TCP (Tax Compliance & Planning), or ISC (Information Systems & Controls). Each section is 4 hours, total 16 hours testing. Greater emphasis on technology, data analytics, cybersecurity across all sections. Allows specialization aligned with career path while maintaining comprehensive foundational knowledge. Same 18-month passing window applies.

Core section scores (FAR, AUD, REG) release approximately every 1-2 weeks throughout 2026. If you test by specific cutoff date (e.g., January 23), scores released on target date (e.g., February 10) 1-2 weeks later. AICPA publishes score release schedule with cutoff dates every 2-3 weeks. Discipline section scores (BAR, TCP, ISC) take longer: 6-10 weeks after testing window closes. January window scores released mid-March, April window mid-June, July window mid-September, October window mid-December. Access scores through NASBA's CPA Central portal. Passing score is 75 on scale of 0-99. Score report shows pass/fail and numerical score with performance analysis by content area.

CPA exam costs approximately $1,000-$1,200 total for all 4 sections if passing on first attempt. Breakdown: Initial application fee $20-$150 (one-time, state dependent), Registration fee per section $40-$200 (varies by state), Examination fee per section $200-$300 (NASBA recommends $262.64). Total for 4 sections: approximately $1,050-$1,500 in fees alone. Additional costs include review courses $2,000-$5,000 (Becker, Wiley, Roger), study materials $500-$1,500, license application after passing $100-$500, AICPA Ethics Exam $100-$200. Total investment $2,500-$7,000. Many employers offer reimbursement or bonuses $5,000-$10,000 upon obtaining CPA license. Consider ROI: CPAs earn significantly more over career.

Register through your state board of accountancy: (1) Check eligibility - typically need 150 credit hours (bachelor's + 30 extra), specific accounting/business courses, (2) Submit application through state board or NASBA's CPAES portal with official transcripts, pay application fee $20-$150, (3) Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) from state board after 4-6 weeks, (4) Pay section fees through NASBA ($200-$300 per section plus registration), (5) Receive Notice to Schedule (NTS) within 1-2 weeks, valid 6 months, (6) Schedule exam at Prometric.com using NTS ID, choose date/time/location at least 5 days ahead, (7) Bring two forms of ID on test day, (8) Take 4-hour exam, (9) Receive scores 1-2 weeks (Core) or 6-10 weeks (Discipline).

CPA exam pass rates vary by section. Historical Core section rates: FAR (Financial Accounting & Reporting) approximately 45-50% - considered hardest due to breadth and complexity, AUD (Auditing & Attestation) approximately 50-55%, REG (Regulation) approximately 60-65% - typically highest pass rate. Discipline sections (BAR, TCP, ISC) are new format launched 2024, data still emerging but averaging 50-60%. Overall first-time candidate pass rate approximately 50%. Passing score is 75 on scale of 0-99, not percentage correct. AICPA uses psychometric analysis to set standard. You have unlimited attempts per section but must pass all 4 within 18-month rolling window after passing first section. Most candidates pass all within 1-2 years with dedicated study (300-400 hours per section).

Yes, you can take Core sections (FAR, AUD, REG) in any order you choose. However, you must complete all 3 Core sections before scheduling your Discipline section (BAR, TCP, or ISC). Most candidates take FAR first as it provides foundation for other sections with accounting principles, financial reporting, governmental accounting. Common order: FAR → AUD → REG → Discipline. Some prefer AUD or REG first if stronger in those areas. Discipline section must be last. Each section can be attempted unlimited times within your 18-month rolling window. Strategic tip: Take hardest sections first when motivation is highest, space exams 1-3 months apart for adequate preparation (300-400 hours per section recommended). Consider Discipline testing windows (quarterly) when planning final section timing.

CPA exam uses 18-month rolling window system. After passing your first section, you have 18 months to pass all remaining sections. Clock starts on date you pass first section. If you don't pass all sections within 18 months, your oldest passing score expires and you must retake that section. Example: Pass FAR January 15, 2026 → must pass AUD, REG, and chosen Discipline by July 15, 2027. If not, FAR expires August 2027 and must retake. Once FAR retaken and passed, new 18-month window starts from new FAR pass date. Your exam credits don't expire - only the passing window. Plan strategically: space exams to maximize passing chances while staying within window. Most candidates complete all 4 sections within 12-18 months. No limit on number of attempts per section, but each attempt requires repaying exam fees.