CPA Exam Schedule & Testing Windows (2025–2026)

Planning your CPA Exam schedule is one of the most important parts of passing the CPA Exam. If you know when each section is offered, when scores are released, and how your Notice to Schedule (NTS) works, you can avoid missed windows, expired fees, and long delays between attempts.

This guide gives you a practical, student-friendly breakdown of the 2026 CPA exam dates, TCP CPA exam dates, CPA score release dates for 2025–2026, scheduling steps, CPA exam sections, international testing options, and a 2025 archive for candidates still managing older credits or score timelines.

In 2026, AUD, FAR, and REG are Core sections and can be scheduled through continuous testing, based on Prometric seat availability. BAR, ISC, and TCP are Discipline sections and are offered only during the first month of each quarter: January, April, July, and October 2026. The AICPA publishes target score release dates, and scores are not final until processed through the official candidate portal.

2026 CPA exam testing windows and dates

The 2026 CPA Exam follows the CPA Evolution structure. Every candidate must pass four total sections:

• Three Core sections: AUD, FAR, and REG
• One Discipline section: BAR, ISC, or TCP

Each section is four hours long, so the full CPA Exam is a 16-hour exam. Core and Discipline sections are not offered in exactly the same way, so your scheduling strategy should depend on which section you plan to take next.

Core section testing dates (AUD, FAR, REG) — continuous testing

The Core sections are available through continuous testing in 2026. That means you do not need to wait for a quarterly testing window to take AUD, FAR, or REG. You can schedule these sections throughout the year, as long as you have a valid NTS and a Prometric appointment is available.

How often is the CPA exam offered for Core sections?

Core sections are offered continuously, but “continuous testing” does not mean every test center has every date open. Prometric seat availability, holidays, local center hours, and your NTS validity can affect the exact date you get.

Discipline section windows (BAR, ISC, TCP) — quarterly schedule

The Discipline sections are not available year-round. In 2026, BAR, ISC, and TCP are offered during the first month of each quarter.

Important correction: Do not list a June 2026 Discipline window unless AICPA/NASBA later publishes a change. The extra June Discipline window applied to 2025, not the official 2026 schedule.

TCP CPA exam dates: when can you take TCP in 2026?

If you are searching for “when can I take TCP CPA exam?” or “when is TCP offered?”, here is the direct answer:

You can take TCP in 2026 during these testing windows only:

TCP stands for Tax Compliance and Planning. It is usually the best Discipline choice for candidates who are stronger in taxation or who recently studied REG. If you are planning to sit for TCP, schedule early because Discipline windows are limited. If you miss a TCP window, you may need to wait until the next Discipline testing month.

Best study strategy for TCP: Take TCP soon after REG while individual taxation, entity taxation, basis, property transactions, and planning rules are still fresh. This can reduce review time and improve retention.

CPA exam score release dates (2025–2026)

CPA score release dates are target dates, not guarantees. For Core sections, your score timing depends on when the AICPA receives your exam data file from Prometric. For Discipline sections, scores are released according to the fixed testing window schedule.

2026 CPA Core score release dates — AUD, FAR, REG

Use this table if you are taking AUD, FAR, or REG in 2026.

2026 CPA Discipline score release dates — BAR, ISC, TCP

Use this table if you are taking BAR, ISC, or TCP in 2026.

When will I get my score? Core vs Discipline timeline

For Core sections, the score release is usually faster because AUD, FAR, and REG are released on a rolling schedule. For Discipline sections, you normally wait until the official release date for that Discipline window.

A few important points:

• Your exam cannot be scored until Prometric sends your exam data file to AICPA.
• If your file is received after a cutoff, your score may move to the next release date.
• Some jurisdictions may post scores slightly differently, so always check your official CPA Portal or state board instructions.
• Save or print your score notice when it becomes available.

How to schedule your CPA exam step by step

To schedule your CPA Exam, you need eligibility approval, an NTS, and a Prometric appointment. Here is the simple process.

Step 1: Check your state board eligibility

CPA Exam eligibility is controlled by state boards of accountancy, not by one national licensing board. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so check your state board rules before applying. 

This is especially important for candidates searching for state-specific requirements such as Illinois CPA exam requirements, Washington CPA exam requirements, or Wisconsin CPA eligibility.

Step 2: Apply through the correct CPA exam application portal

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may apply through NASBA CPA Examination Services or directly through your state board. Submit the required education information, transcripts, evaluation documents, and fees.

Step 3: Receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS)

Your Notice to Schedule (NTS) is your official exam scheduling document. It lists the section or sections you are approved to take. You need your NTS to book your appointment and you must bring it on exam day.

Step 4: Use Prometric to choose your exam date and test center

After receiving your NTS, use Prometric to locate seats, schedule your exam, confirm your appointment, or reschedule/cancel if needed. You can check seat availability before scheduling, but your actual scheduling options depend on your NTS and region.

Step 5: Confirm your appointment before exam day

Before exam day, confirm your appointment, review the test center rules, and make sure your name on your ID matches your NTS. If the names do not match, you may not be admitted to the exam.

How far in advance should I schedule my CPA exam?

Schedule as soon as you receive your NTS, especially if you want a popular date, weekend slot, or specific Prometric location. A practical rule is to book 3–6 weeks before your preferred test date, and even earlier for Discipline sections because those windows are limited.

NASBA recommends scheduling soon after receiving the NTS, rather than waiting until the end of the NTS period. Waiting too long can create two problems: fewer seats and the risk of your NTS expiring before you test.

Can I schedule my CPA exam before my NTS expires?

Yes, but your exam appointment must fall within your valid NTS period. The NTS validity period depends on your jurisdiction. If your NTS expires before you take the exam section, you generally lose the fees for that section and must apply again.

Simple rule: Do not wait until the final week of your NTS. Schedule early, then adjust your study plan around the confirmed date.

CPA exam sections: Core and Discipline explained

The current CPA Exam has three Core sections and three Discipline options. You must pass all three Core sections and one Discipline section.

Which CPA Discipline should I choose?

Choose the Discipline that best matches your strengths, experience, and career goals:

• Choose TCP if you are strong in tax or recently completed REG.
• Choose ISC if you understand systems, controls, IT audit, cybersecurity, or data environments.
• Choose BAR if you are comfortable with reporting, analysis, and advanced accounting topics.

Do not choose only based on pass rates. A higher pass rate does not automatically mean the section is easier for you. The best Discipline is the one that matches your knowledge base and study plan.

2025 CPA exam schedule archive — for candidates with 2025 credits

This 2025 archive is included because many candidates still search for CPA exam schedule 2025, CPA testing windows 2025, 2025 CPA exam dates, and CPA release dates 2025 while checking old scores, credit expiration, retake timing, or state board records.

These dates are historical. Always confirm your personal credit expiration and score status through your CPA Portal or state board.

2025 Core score release dates — AUD, FAR, REG

2025 Discipline testing windows — BAR, ISC, TCP

Note: The June Discipline window was a 2025-specific addition. It should not be automatically carried forward to 2026.

Where can I take the CPA exam?

The CPA Exam is computer-based, but it is not taken from home. Candidates take the exam at approved Prometric test centers.

You can use Prometric tools to:

• Locate CPA test centers
• Check seat availability
• Schedule an exam appointment
• Confirm your appointment
• Reschedule or cancel an appointment if allowed

On exam day, bring your NTS and valid identification. Review your appointment confirmation and test center rules before you travel.

Can I take the CPA exam online from home?

No. The CPA Exam is delivered on a computer, but it is taken at a Prometric test center, not through remote at-home testing. You should plan for travel time, check-in, security procedures, and the full four-hour exam section.

International CPA exam testing options

International testing is available in selected countries. Candidates testing outside the United States must first establish eligibility through a participating U.S. jurisdiction, receive an NTS, pay any required international administration fees, and then schedule through Prometric.

NASBA lists international testing locations such as Bahrain, Bermuda, Brazil, Egypt, England, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Nepal, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, and the United Arab Emirates.

International candidates should remember:

• International testing requires a participating jurisdiction.
• Additional international fees apply per section.
• Passport or approved identification rules may apply.
• Scores for international candidates follow the same release timeline as domestic scores.
• Seat availability can be limited, so plan early.

CPA exam requirements: why state rules matter

CPA Exam requirements are not identical in every state. There is no single national CPA license; CPA licenses are issued by state boards of accountancy. Before you apply, confirm your jurisdiction’s rules for:

• Education credits and accounting coursework
• Residency or citizenship rules, if any
• Transcript evaluation requirements
• Exam application process
• Experience requirements for licensure
• Ethics exam requirements, if applicable
• Credit expiration and score transfer rules

If you are searching for Illinois CPA exam requirements or WA CPA exam requirements, use your state board’s official page or NASBA’s state board directory before making exam or course decisions.

Looking for the best CPA review course for 2025–2026?

A good CPA review course should do more than give you textbooks. It should help you understand the exam structure, practice the right questions, track weak areas, and stay consistent until exam day.

Vishal CPA Prep helps CPA candidates prepare for AUD, FAR, REG, BAR, ISC, and TCP with structured study notes, MCQ practice, mock exams, PDF resources, exam tips, time-management strategies, and simple explanations for difficult accounting concepts.

Whether you are starting your CPA journey, retaking a section, preparing for TCP, or trying to finish before your credit expires, Vishal CPA Prep gives you a focused path to study smarter and build confidence before test day.

Recommended next step: Choose your next CPA section, match it to the testing window above, and build a study plan backward from your exam date.

Frequently asked questions about CPA exam scheduling

How often is the CPA exam offered?

AUD, FAR, and REG are offered through continuous testing in 2026, based on Prometric seat availability. BAR, ISC, and TCP are offered only during the Discipline testing windows in January, April, July, and October 2026.

When can I take the TCP CPA exam in 2026?

You can take TCP during the 2026 Discipline testing windows: January 1–31, April 1–30, July 1–31, and October 1–31. TCP is not available every month.

Are there CPA exam blackout dates in 2026?

For Core sections, there are no traditional quarterly blackout windows because continuous testing is available. For Discipline sections, the exam is simply not offered outside the listed Discipline windows. Prometric holidays, local test center closures, and limited seats can still affect specific appointment dates.

Can I take CPA exam sections in any order?

Yes. You can take AUD, FAR, REG, and your chosen Discipline section in any order. Many candidates choose an order based on background knowledge, work schedule, and score release timing.

How many exams are there for CPA?

There are four CPA Exam sections: three Core sections and one Discipline section. The Core sections are AUD, FAR, and REG. The Discipline options are BAR, ISC, and TCP.

How long is each CPA exam section?

Each CPA Exam section is four hours long. Since candidates must pass four sections, the full CPA Exam equals 16 testing hours.

What score do I need to pass the CPA Exam?

You need a score of 75 or higher to pass each CPA Exam section. A score of 75 is not the same as answering 75% of questions correctly; CPA Exam scores are scaled.

Can I schedule my CPA exam without an NTS?

No. You need a valid Notice to Schedule before you can schedule your actual CPA Exam appointment with Prometric.

What should I bring on CPA exam day?

Bring your Notice to Schedule and valid identification that exactly matches the name on your NTS. Also review Prometric’s test center rules so you know which personal items are prohibited.

Can international candidates take the CPA Exam in India?

Yes, India is listed as an international CPA Exam testing location. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements through a participating U.S. jurisdiction, receive an NTS, pay the international administration fee, and schedule through Prometric.

Is the CPA Exam harder than the Bar Exam?

The CPA Exam and Bar Exam are both rigorous professional licensing exams, but they test different subjects. The CPA Exam focuses on accounting, auditing, tax, regulation, reporting, and business knowledge, while the Bar Exam focuses on law. Which one feels harder depends on your background and preparation.

What happens if my NTS expires?

If your NTS expires before you take the exam section, you generally lose the fees paid for that section and must apply again. Schedule early and avoid booking close to the expiration date.

Conclusion

The best CPA Exam schedule is not just the earliest available date. It is the date that gives you enough time to study, fits your NTS validity, aligns with score release dates, and avoids unnecessary waiting between attempts.

For 2026, remember the main rule: AUD, FAR, and REG are available through continuous testing, while BAR, ISC, and TCP are offered only in January, April, July, and October. Use the tables above to plan your exam order, book Prometric early, and stay focused until you pass all four CPA Exam sections.