Knowing the CPA exam score release timeline and the exact passing CPA score is essential for candidates planning their CPA journey in the USA. The CPA score release dates are set by the AICPA and NASBA and determine when candidates receive their exam results after continuous testing at Prometric. Vishal CPA Prep provides expert guidance on the CPA exam score release process and the required passing CPA score, helping candidates understand how scores are reported and giving them the best strategies to succeed on the CPA Exam.
CPA Exam Score Release: How CPA Scores Are Released
The CPA exam score release process follows a standardized system to ensure accuracy and fairness for CPA exam candidates.
Here’s how the CPA score release works:
- You take the CPA exam at Prometric
- Prometric sends your exam data to AICPA
- AICPA evaluates and validates exam performance
- Candidates can view released scores through the NASBA's CPA candidate portal or the state board website
CPA score release dates are published as target dates, meaning scores may appear slightly earlier or later depending on processing.
CPA Score Release Dates Table
Below are the official CPA score release dates for core sections (AUD exam, FAR, and REG).
CPA Score Release Dates 2025–2026
|
Exam Data File Received By |
Target CPA Score Release Date |
|
January 23 |
February 7 |
|
February 14 |
February 25 |
|
March 9 |
March 18 |
|
March 31 |
April 9 |
|
April 23 |
May 8 |
|
May 16 |
May 28 |
|
June 8 |
June 17 |
|
June 30 |
July 10 |
|
July 23 |
August 7 |
|
August 15 |
August 26 |
|
September 7 |
September 16 |
|
September 30 |
October 9 |
|
October 23 |
November 7 |
|
November 15 |
November 25 |
|
December 8 |
December 16 |
|
December 31 |
January 13 (Next Year) |
CPA Score Release Dates 2026 for Discipline Sections
Discipline sections (BAR, ISC, TCP) follow quarterly CPA exam score release schedules.
CPA Score Release Dates 2026 – Discipline Exams
|
Discipline Testing Window |
CPA Exam Score Release |
|
January Testing Window |
March 2026 |
|
April Testing Window |
June 2026 |
|
July Testing Window |
September 2026 |
|
October Testing Window |
December 2026 |
These exam score release dates 2026 are especially important for candidates planning discipline exam sections under the CPA Evolution model.
What Is the Passing CPA Score?
The passing CPA score for each exam section is 75. A 75 and an 85 are treated the same — both are considered a passing CPA score.
Important facts about the passing CPA score:
- CPA scores range from 0 to 99
- A score of 75 or higher is a passing CPA score
- Scores are scaled, not percentages
- Each section is graded independently
How CPA Exam Scores Are Calculated
The CPA Exam uses a weighted scoring system designed to fairly evaluate each candidate’s knowledge and skills. Understanding how your performance is scored can help you focus your preparation and confidently aim for a passing CPA score.
Key Factors in CPA Exam Scoring:
-
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
-
MCQs account for a significant portion of each exam section.
-
Each correct answer contributes to your raw score, but questions vary in difficulty. Harder questions carry slightly more weight through the scaled scoring process.
-
Task-Based Simulations (TBSs)
-
These are practical, scenario-based questions that test your ability to apply accounting principles in real-world situations.
-
Performance on TBSs is weighted alongside MCQs to ensure a balanced evaluation of knowledge and application.
-
Question Difficulty Level
-
Not all questions are equally difficult. The CPA Exam uses statistical models to adjust scores so that candidates who answer harder questions correctly can receive appropriate credit.
-
This ensures that the score reflects both accuracy and problem-solving ability.
-
Statistical Scaling and Equating
-
Raw scores are converted into scaled scores to account for variations between different exam versions and testing windows.
-
This process, called equating, ensures fairness so that passing a section on one exam form is equivalent to passing the same section on another form.
By combining these factors, the CPA Exam ensures that each candidate’s performance is assessed accurately and fairly. The result is a final scaled score, where 75 or higher is considered a passing CPA score.
Where to Check Your 2026 CPA Exam Score
After the CPA exam score release, candidates can view results through:
- NASBA Candidate Portal (most states)
- Individual State Board of Accountancy portals
Some states release scores slightly later due to local processing rules.
Why CPA Exam Scores May Be Delayed
Even when CPA score release dates are published, delays can happen due to:
- Taking the exam close to the cutoff date
- Data transmission delays from Prometric
- Additional quality score reviews by AICPA
- State board verification requirements
Most delayed CPA exam score releases are resolved within a few days.
Planning Your Next Exam Using CPA Score Release Dates
Understanding CPA score release dates helps candidates:
- Schedule the next exam section efficiently
- Plan retakes if a passing CPA score is not achieved
- Manage the 18-month rolling window
- Align study plans with score outcomes
Why Students Choose Vishal CPA Prep
Vishal CPA Prep is dedicated to helping CPA candidates succeed by providing exam-focused study strategies, score-based performance analysis, and personalized guidance for retakes. We also help students develop a clear plan around the CPA exam score release process, so they know what to expect at every stage of their CPA journey. Our goal is to equip candidates with the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to consistently achieve a passing CPA score and reach success on the CPA Exam.
Frequently Asked Questions