CPA Exam Score Release Dates & Passing CPA Score (2025–2026)
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.
- 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 Candidate Portal or State Board website
- Score release dates are target dates and may vary slightly
CPA Score Release Dates 2025–2026 (Core Sections)
| Exam Data File Received By | Target 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 – Discipline Sections
| Discipline Testing Window | CPA Score Release |
|---|---|
| January Testing Window | March 2026 |
| April Testing Window | June 2026 |
| July Testing Window | September 2026 |
| October Testing Window | December 2026 |
These dates 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 score of 75 and 85 are treated the same — both are passing scores.
- CPA scores range from 0 to 99
- 75 or higher is a passing score
- Scores are scaled, not percentages
- Each section is graded independently
How CPA Exam Scores Are Calculated
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
MCQs account for a significant portion of each exam section. Harder questions may carry more weight in scaled scoring.
Task-Based Simulations (TBSs)
These practical questions test real-world accounting application and are weighted alongside MCQs.
Question Difficulty Level
The CPA exam uses statistical models so candidates answering harder questions correctly receive proper credit.
Statistical Scaling and Equating
Raw scores are converted into scaled scores to ensure fairness across different exam versions.
Where to Check Your 2026 CPA Exam Score
- NASBA Candidate Portal (most states)
- Individual State Board of Accountancy portals
- Some states may release scores later
Why CPA Exam Scores May Be Delayed
- Exam taken close to cutoff date
- Data delays from Prometric
- Additional quality reviews
- State board verification requirements
Planning Your Next Exam Using Score Release Dates
- Schedule your next section efficiently
- Plan retakes quickly
- Manage the rolling credit window
- Align study plans with score outcomes
Why Students Choose Vishal CPA Prep
Vishal CPA Prep helps CPA candidates succeed through exam-focused study plans, score analysis, retake strategies, and personalized guidance. Our goal is to help students consistently achieve a passing CPA score and become successful CPAs.
Frequently Asked Questions
CPA exam scores are released on scheduled target dates set by AICPA and NASBA.
The passing CPA score is 75 for each exam section.
No, they are target dates and may vary slightly.
Most states follow NASBA, while some use their own state board portals.
Sometimes scores appear early, but it is not guaranteed.
Use a structured study plan, focus on weak areas, and follow expert guidance from Vishal CPA Prep.