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Exam Day5 min read

CPA Exam Score Release Dates 2026

When to expect your CPA exam results

Scores are released in targeted windows (see AICPA schedule)
Expect results about 2 weeks after your testing window closes
Scores are released to state boards, then to candidates
The passing score is 75 on a 0-99 scale

After completing a CPA exam section, the wait for scores can be anxiety-inducing. Understanding the score release schedule helps you plan and reduces uncertainty.

Last updated: July 27, 2026

Brennan KolarBy Brennan KolarFounder, Atlas CPA Index
10-15 days
Score Wait Time
By midnight ET
Release Time
75
Passing Score
30 months
Score Validity

Understanding the Score Release Schedule

CPA exam scores are released on a rolling basis throughout the year. The specific dates are published by NASBA/AICPA at the start of each year.

  • Scores are released approximately every 2 weeks
  • Testing windows have associated score release dates
  • Check the NASBA website for the current years schedule
  • Scores post by midnight ET on the target date (many candidates report seeing them the evening before)

How to Access Your Score

Your CPA exam score will be available through your state board or NASBA, depending on your jurisdiction.

  • Most candidates access scores via NASBA CPA Candidate Portal
  • Some states release directly through their board website
  • Youll receive a Score Notice with section score and advisory score breakdown
  • Keep checking periodically on release day—systems can be slow

Interpreting Your Score

Understanding what your score means beyond pass/fail.

  • 75 or higher: Pass (congratulations!)
  • 74 or lower: Did not pass (review your score report)
  • Advisory scores: Performance breakdown by content area
  • Use advisory scores to target weak areas for retake

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While You Wait

How to spend the time between taking the exam and receiving your score.

  • Take a brief mental break—you earned it
  • Avoid obsessing over performance
  • Start studying for your next section if ready
  • Dont make major decisions until you have results

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Frequently Asked Questions

Core section releases key off the AICPA file-receipt cutoff dates (typically 1-2 weeks after the cutoff), while discipline sections release about six weeks after their month-long testing window. Check the AICPA score release schedule for exact dates. Scores post by midnight ET on the target date.
The passing score is 75 on a scale of 0-99. This is not a percentage—its a scaled score. The scaling ensures consistent standards across different exam versions and testing windows.
You can retake a failed section after waiting for the current testing window to close and receiving your score. Theres no limit on retakes, but you must retake the same section (not a different one). Use your advisory scores to focus your next preparation.

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Brennan Kolar

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.

Learn more about the author

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