CPA Exam Cost Guide
Complete breakdown of all CPA exam expenses
Understanding the full cost of obtaining your CPA license helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprises. This guide breaks down every expense from review courses to licensing fees.
Last updated: July 28, 2026
Exam and Application Fees
NASBA and state board fees are required for all candidates.
- Application fee: $96-$171 in NASBA-administered jurisdictions
- Exam fee per section: $262.64 nationwide (application fees are separate)
- Total exam fees (4 sections): $1,050.56, plus a $96-$171 application fee
- Rescheduling fees (per NASBA, tiered by notice given): free with 61+ days notice, $30 at 31-60 days, $60 at 5-30 days, $93.61 under 5 days; less than 24 hours forfeits all fees and requires reapplying
CPA Review Course
Your review course is typically the largest investment. Options range from budget to premium.
Licensing Costs
After passing the exam, additional costs are required to obtain and maintain your license.
- Ethics exam: roughly $190-$320 depending on version and member status (confirm current AICPA pricing)
- Initial license fee: $43-$427 depending on jurisdiction
- Background check (some states): $50-$100
- Renewal fees: about $22-$565 per year annualized, depending on jurisdiction
Ways to Reduce Costs
Strategic planning can significantly reduce your total investment.
- Employer reimbursement: Many firms cover all costs
- Student discounts: Available from most review providers
- Black Friday sales: Save 30-50% on review courses
- NINJA as a standalone or add-on: $87/month for the full course, $67/month for the supplement tier
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Frequently Asked Questions
Brennan Kolar
Founder, Atlas CPA Index
Brennan Kolar is the founder of Atlas CPA Index, an independent CPA review comparison platform covering all 55 U.S. jurisdictions. With over 10 years of experience with CPA review, he built Atlas to help candidates find the right review course based on how they actually learn, not which provider has the biggest ad budget.
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