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Estimate your total cost to become a CPA — exam fees, state licensing, education, and review course costs.
Step 1 of 3Select State
Which state are you pursuing CPA licensure in?
State fees and requirements vary significantly. Select your target jurisdiction.
CPA Cost FAQs
Total cost ranges from $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on your state, education path, and review course choice. The main cost drivers are NASBA exam fees, state registration and licensing fees, any additional education needed to meet credit-hour requirements, and CPA review course expenses.
The base exam fee is $262.64 per section as of 2026, plus state-specific registration fees ranging from $25 to $200+. You must pass all four sections (three core plus one discipline), so the minimum NASBA exam cost alone is $1,050.56 before state fees.
States with lower registration fees, no ethics exam requirement, and 120-credit pathways reduce total cost significantly. Initial licensing fees range from under $50 to over $500 depending on the jurisdiction. The 120-credit pathway can save $10,000+ on education costs compared to states that strictly require 150 hours.
Many accounting firms and companies reimburse CPA exam fees and review course costs as part of their benefits package. Most Big 4 and mid-size public accounting firms cover the full review course, reimburse all exam fees, and offer $2,000 to $10,000 in passing bonuses. Corporate employers may cover costs through tuition reimbursement programs.
Ranges from $67/month (NINJA) to $6,349 (Becker Concierge), with most full courses between $800 and $2,500. Budget options like NINJA and self-study materials keep costs low, while premium courses from Becker and UWorld include more support features and structured study plans.