The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam isn’t easy. You know that. What you need is clear, actionable information to navigate it. That includes understanding CPA exam dates and knowing when your score release will happen.
This guide cuts through the noise, giving you a direct roadmap for the next CPA exam schedule. We’ll cover testing windows, smart scheduling, and how to interpret score release timelines. If you’re studying for the CPA exams, this is essential.
Understanding 2025 CPA exam dates
Under the CPA Evolution model (effective 2024), exam availability differs significantly between Core and Discipline sections.
In essence, continuous testing is available throughout the year for Core sections, whilst Discipline sections usually have a 1 month exam window every quarter.
There is an additional test window in June 2025 for Discipline sections this year to accommodate the credit extensions up to 30 June 2025.
Core sections: Continuous testing
The three Core sections — Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxation and Regulation (REG) — are available for continuous testing throughout 2025.
This means you can generally schedule these exams on most days a Prometric testing center is open, provided there’s availability.
This flexibility is a huge advantage. You can book an exam when you feel ready, rather than waiting for specific windows.
If you need a retake, continuous testing often allows a faster turnaround, as long as you meet NASBA’s rules and Prometric has openings.
However, remember there are still brief blackout periods, usually around major holidays or for system updates. Always check official NASBA and AICPA sites for non-testing dates.
Discipline sections: Quarterly testing
Unlike Core sections, the three Discipline sections — Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), and Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP) — are administered only during specific, limited quarterly testing windows in 2025.
You must take your chosen Discipline exam within these defined periods. Generally, these windows fall within the first month of each quarter. In 2025, there’s also an additional testing window in June for Discipline sections to accommodate credit extensions.
Here are the 2025 quarterly CPA exam windows for Discipline sections:
| Quarter | CPA Discipline section exam dates |
|---|---|
| Q1 | 1-31 Jan 2025 |
| Q2 | 1-30 April 2025, plus the additional 1-30 June window |
| Q3 | 1-31 July 2025 |
| Q4 | 1-31 Oct 2025 |
- Q1 Discipline Window: 1 – 31 Jan 2025
- Q2 Discipline Window: Typically April, plus the additional June window.
- Q3 Discipline Window: Generally July.
- Q4 Discipline Window: Usually October.
Planning for Discipline sections requires strict adherence to these fixed dates.
The NTS: Your exam ticket
Prior to booking any CPA exam section(s), you will need a Notice to Schedule (NTS) issued by your State Board of Accountancy:
- There are specific educational and other requirements to meet prior to taking the CPA exam.
- If you meet the requirements, you’ll need to submit an application to verify this via NASBA’s CPA Cental Portal.
- Once approved, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS), which is valid for 6 months and allows you to schedule your CPA Exam section with Prometric.
The NTS has a validity period of 6 months, which means you must take your exam(s) within this timeframe. If your NTS expires before a booking, you lose the fees and would have to reapply for it and incur the fees again.
Planning your 2025 CPA exam schedule
Regardless which exam section you plan to attempt and in what order, a well-planned schedule reduces stress and maximizes your chances of passing.
Here are a few things to consider when planning and booking your CPA exam dates:
- State Board processing and deadlines: Beyond the exam windows themselves, you’ll need to take into account your State Board of Accountancy’s application deadlines and requirements to get your NTS approved. This is usually done via NASBA.
- Prometric’s seat availability: Even with continuous testing for Core sections, Prometric seat availability can fluctuate. Popular times and locations fill up fast. Schedule your exams well in advance – ideally several weeks out – to secure your preferred date and location. You can use Prometric’s seat availability tool to scout for openings.
- Aligning study with testing: You’ll need to be realistic with your study plan, it always takes longer than you expect. Budget some extra buffer time for this and other life emergencies to ensure your studies stay on track. Make sure you pick your exam windows strategically such that fits around your less busy periods in your work and life commitments.
- Taking multiple sections: Some candidates attempt multiple exam sections in one quarter. This can speed things up, but it demands serious commitment and planning. Assess your capacity to prepare for multiple challenging exams simultaneously. Also, consider the score release timelines (see below); they’ll impact when you can retake a section if needed.
2025 CPA exam score release dates
Waiting for your CPA exam score release is tough. Knowing the target dates in advance may help manage that anxiety. Luckily, the AICPA and NASBA are quite organized and publishes these target dates in advance.
Here’s a quick summary of the latest CPA exam target score release dates:
CPA core section score release (AUD, FAR, REG)
These dates apply to Core sections, reflecting continuous testing. Scores are released frequently based on when the data file was received.
To put it another way, CPA exam scores for Core sections are typically released 1-5 weeks after a candidate’s test date.
| If the AICPA receives your exam data file by: | Your target score release date is: |
|---|---|
| 23 January | 7 February |
| 14 February | 25 February |
| 9 March | 18 March |
| 31 March | 9 April |
| 23 April | 8 May |
| 16 May | 28 May |
| 8 June | 17 June |
| 30 June | 10 July |
| 23 July | 7 August |
| 15 August | 26 August |
| 7 September | 16 September |
| 30 September | 9 October |
| 23 October | 7 November |
| 15 November | 25 November |
| 8 December | 16 December |
| 31 December | 13 January |
Discipline section score release (BAR, ISC, TCP)
For Discipline sections, due to quarterly testing, score release is typically a single date after that testing window closes.
| CPA Discipline Section Exam Windows | Target Score Release Date |
|---|---|
| 1-31 Jan 2025 | 14 March 2025 |
| 1-30 April 2025 | 16 May 2025 |
| 1-30 June 2025 | 17 July 2025 |
| 1-31 July 2025 | 11 September 2025 |
| 1-31 Oct 2025 | 16 December 2025 |
Retakes: Planning your next attempt (if applicable)
Many CPA candidates face retakes. It’s not a setback; it’s part of the process. Knowing how to plan them is crucial for moving forward.
NASBA has rules for retakes. You usually need to wait until your previous score is released before you can reapply and schedule. There are also limits on attempts per section within a 12-month period, though these are generous. Know your state board’s and NASBA’s rules.
If you need a retake, consider your options:
- Waiting period: Account for the mandatory wait after your score release.
- Study time: Be realistic about how much more time you need to study. Don’t rush it.
- Prometric seats availability: Check for open slots.
Aim to schedule your retake when you’re truly prepared. Try to fit it into a timeframe that allows for receiving the score and, if absolutely necessary, another retake within your NTS validity.
For Core sections, continuous testing is a huge benefit for retakes. You can get back in faster. AUD, FAR, or REG retakes can happen quicker, provided you meet NASBA’s waiting rules and Prometric has spots. This flexibility keeps your journey on track.
For Discipline sections, retakes are still limited by their quarterly windows. This means a failed Discipline section might require a longer wait for the next available testing period. That makes planning for these sections even more critical.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often can I take the CPA exam?
While there’s no limit to the total number of attempts, NASBA typically restricts candidates to one attempt per section per testing window (for Discipline sections) and the ability to re-take Core sections after score release.
Do check NASBA for the latest rules on attempts within a 12-month period.
Can I take a Core and a Discipline section in the same quarter?
Yes, you can. Just remember the Core section’s flexibility versus the Discipline section’s fixed quarterly windows. Plan your study to accommodate both.
What happens if my NTS expires before I can take all my scheduled exams?
If your Notice to Schedule (NTS) expires, you will need to reapply to your State Board and pay the associated fees to receive a new NTS.
It is always best to schedule your exams well in advance to minimize the chances of your NTS expiring.
Can I change my scheduled CPA exam date?
Yes, you can typically reschedule your exam through Prometric, but fees may apply, and there are deadlines for rescheduling within a certain timeframe before your scheduled appointment.
Please check the Prometric website for their specific policies.
Does my chosen Discipline section limit my CPA license or job options?
No, your Discipline choice (BAR, ISC, or TCP) does not limit your CPA license. Once licensed, you’re a full CPA.
The Discipline demonstrates specialized knowledge, which can be a resume boost for certain roles, but it doesn’t restrict your ability to practice in any accounting field.
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