Quick Answer: Check your CPA exam score by logging into the NASBA Candidate Portal at nasba.org. Scores are typically released on target dates, which occur twice per testing window. Most candidates receive scores within 1-2 business days of the target release date.
Waiting for your CPA exam results can be nerve-wracking. After months of preparation and hours of testing, you’re eager to know if you’ve passed. This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly how to check your CPA exam score, when to expect results, and what your scores mean for your CPA certification journey.
Where to Check Your CPA Exam Score
There are three primary methods to access your CPA exam scores, each with specific advantages depending on your location and testing jurisdiction.
1. NASBA Candidate Portal (Primary Method)
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Candidate Portal is the primary and fastest way to check your scores for most candidates.
How to access your scores:
- Visit candidate-portal.nasba.org
- Log in with your NASBA ID and password
- Navigate to “Score Notice” in your dashboard
- Download your official score report as a PDF
Important notes:
- Scores typically appear at 7:00 PM Central Time on release dates
- The portal may experience high traffic during release times
- Keep your login credentials secure and accessible
2. State Board Websites (Secondary Method)
Some state boards release scores independently or simultaneously with NASBA. This method varies significantly by jurisdiction.
States with independent score release:
- California – Check the California Board of Accountancy website
- Illinois – Access through the Illinois Board of Examiners portal
- Maryland – Available on the Maryland State Board site
For a complete list of state board contacts and websites, visit our state-by-state CPA requirements guide.
3. CPA Central (Select Jurisdictions)
CPA Central is used by specific jurisdictions for score reporting and application management.
Jurisdictions using CPA Central:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- New York
- North Carolina
- Washington
2025 CPA Score Release Dates
The AICPA releases scores on predetermined target dates throughout each testing window. Understanding these dates helps you plan when to expect your results.
Key points about score releases:
- BEC scores may be delayed by up to one week due to written communication tasks
- Scores for tests taken near the end of a testing window may be delayed
- International testing locations may experience additional delays
Understanding Your CPA Score Report
Score Scale and Passing Requirements
The CPA exam uses a scaled scoring system ranging from 0 to 99, with 75 as the passing score for all four sections. This is not a percentage but a scaled score that accounts for question difficulty.
What Your Score Report Includes
Your official score report provides:
- Section ID and score – Your numerical score for the specific exam section
- Pass/Fail status – Clear indication of whether you met the 75-point threshold
- Score breakdown – Performance by content area (for failing scores only)
- Candidate information – Your name, jurisdiction, and exam section details
If You Don’t Pass
Failing a section isn’t the end of your CPA journey. Your score report will include:
- Detailed performance analysis by topic area
- Comparative performance indicators (Weaker, Comparable, Stronger)
- Guidance for retake preparation
You can retake any failed section after receiving your score notice. Most jurisdictions don’t limit the number of retake attempts, but you must wait until the next testing window. Learn more about developing an effective study strategy in our CPA exam guide.
Current CPA Exam Pass Rates (2024 Data)
Understanding current pass rates helps set realistic expectations for your exam performance. The following data represents the most recent cumulative pass rates from 2024:
Pass rate insights:
- BEC consistently shows the highest pass rates at approximately 60%
- FAR remains the most challenging section with pass rates around 44%
- First-time candidates typically have higher pass rates than repeat test-takers
- Pass rates tend to be slightly higher in Q3 and Q4
Score Release Timeline and Process
Understanding the complete score release process helps manage expectations and reduces anxiety during the waiting period.
The Journey from Test to Score
- Test completion – You finish your exam at the Prometric testing center
- Data transmission – Prometric sends your exam data to the AICPA (1-3 days)
- Initial scoring – AICPA scores multiple-choice questions (3-5 days)
- Quality review – Statistical analysis ensures scoring accuracy (2-3 days)
- Task-based simulation scoring – Manual review for complex questions (3-5 days)
- Final review – AICPA conducts final quality checks (1-2 days)
- Score transmission – AICPA sends scores to NASBA
- Score release – NASBA releases scores to candidates
Factors That May Delay Your Score
- Testing during the last week of a testing window
- Taking the BEC section (written communication tasks require manual grading)
- Technical issues during your exam
- First-time test takers in a jurisdiction
- International testing locations
What to Do After Receiving Your Score
If You Passed
Congratulations! Here’s what to do next:
- Save your score report – Download and save multiple copies of your official score notice
- Update your records – Track your progress and remaining sections
- Plan your next section – Schedule your next exam while momentum is high
- Check the 18-month window – Ensure you complete all sections within your jurisdiction’s time limit
If You Didn’t Pass
Don’t be discouraged. Use this as a learning opportunity:
- Analyze your score report – Identify weak areas for focused study
- Adjust your study plan – Allocate more time to challenging topics
- Consider additional resources – Explore different study materials or tutoring
- Schedule your retake – Plan for the next available testing window
Tips for Managing Score Release Anxiety
Waiting for CPA exam scores can be stressful. Here are strategies to manage the anxiety:
Before Score Release
- Avoid online score release speculation threads
- Continue studying for your next section
- Set realistic expectations based on your exam experience
- Plan activities for score release day to stay occupied
On Score Release Day
- Check scores after the typical release time (7 PM CT)
- Have your login credentials ready
- Prepare for potential website delays due to traffic
- Have a support system available regardless of the outcome
Special Considerations for 2025
CPA Evolution Changes
The CPA Evolution initiative has introduced new testing formats and scoring considerations:
- Three core sections (AUD, FAR, REG) plus one discipline section
- Modified scoring algorithms to account for discipline specialization
- Potential variations in score release timing for new discipline sections
Technology Updates
NASBA has implemented several technological improvements for 2025:
- Enhanced mobile compatibility for score checking
- Improved server capacity during peak release times
- Real-time status updates for score availability
- Email and SMS notifications for score releases (opt-in required)
Career Impact and Next Steps
Passing the CPA exam is a significant milestone in your accounting career. As you progress through the exam sections, consider:
- Career advancement – Many firms offer promotions upon CPA completion
- Salary increases – CPAs typically earn 10-15% more than non-certified accountants
- Job opportunities – Explore expanded career options with your CPA credential
Learn more about accountant salary expectations and career trajectories in our comprehensive guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get CPA exam scores?
Most candidates receive their scores within 1-3 weeks after taking the exam. The exact timing depends on when you tested within the testing window and which section you took. Tests taken early in a window typically receive scores faster than those taken near the end.
What time are CPA scores released?
CPA scores are typically released at 7:00 PM Central Time on target release dates. However, some candidates may see their scores earlier in the day, and international candidates might experience delays.
Can I check my CPA score by phone?
No, CPA scores are not available by phone. You must check your scores online through the NASBA Candidate Portal, your state board website, or CPA Central, depending on your jurisdiction.
Why is my CPA score taking so long?
Delays can occur for several reasons: testing late in the window, taking the BEC section (which includes written tasks), technical issues during your exam, or being a first-time candidate in your jurisdiction. International testing locations may also experience longer processing times.
What does a score of 74 mean on the CPA exam?
A score of 74 means you were very close to passing but fell just short of the required 75. Your score report will include detailed performance feedback to help you identify areas for improvement. Many candidates who score 74 pass on their next attempt with focused preparation.
Do CPA exam scores expire?
Yes, most jurisdictions require you to pass all four CPA exam sections within an 18-month rolling window. If you don’t complete all sections within this timeframe, your earliest passed section expires, and you must retake it.
Can I see my CPA exam answers?
No, the AICPA does not release exam questions or your specific answers for security reasons. Failed candidates receive a performance report showing relative strengths and weaknesses by content area.
What happens if the score release website crashes?
NASBA’s website occasionally experiences high traffic during score releases. If you can’t access your score immediately, wait 30-60 minutes and try again. Scores remain available in your account indefinitely once released.
