All you need to know about the CPA Exam scores

If you're taking the CPA Exam, the most important question you'll likely ask yourself is: will I pass?  To cut through the confusion, we’re sharing what you need to know, from CPA passing score information to the score release timeline.

CPA Exam content and structure 

The CPA Exam structure includes three Core exams:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
• Taxation and Regulation (REG)

And one required Discipline Exam of your choice: 

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) 
• Information Systems and Controls (ISC) 
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

Content on data and technology is assessed in all sections, according to the AICPA.

Note that, while the Discipline you choose can help guide your career specialization, it does not lock in or limit your professional practice. Passing any Discipline leads to the same full CPA license. 

What is a CPA Exam passing score?

The CPA Exam is scored on a scale from 0 to 99, and a CPA passing score for each section is a minimum of 75. However, the score is not based on a percentage of correct answers. Your score calculation is based not only on whether you answered questions correctly, but also on the relative difficulty of each question. Scoring is based on a complicated formula, but here are the basics.

How CPA Exam scores are calculated

The CPA Exam uses a weighted combination of scaled scores from multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and task-based simulations (TBSs). 

In all CPA Exam sections except the ISC Discipline, both MCQs and TBSs are weighted at 50% each. However, in the ISC Section, MCQs are weighted at 60% while TBSs are weighted at 40%. 

Where to find your CPA Exam scores

In most states, you can obtain your CPA Exam scores from the NASBA candidate portal. However, if you test in California, you must obtain scores from your state’s accountancy board.¹

CPA Exam score release dates

CPA Exam scores are released throughout the year, on a rolling basis. Core Sections are available on a continuous testing schedule, while Discipline Sections are administered in the first month of each quarter.² 

It's important to note that once your score is available, you should print a copy for your records. Your score is only visible on the NASBA portal until the "Score Available Until" date listed on the site. Hopefully, you're printing a  CPA Exam passing score! 

CPA Exam pass rates  

The CPA Exam is known to be one of the most difficult professional credentialing exams. While the pass rate varies by section, quarter and year, the typical pass rate is around 50 percent. In 2024, the passing rates for all six exam sections were:³ 

• AUD: 44.63%
• FAR: 41.92%
• REG: 63.42%
• BAR: 42.94%
• ISC: 50.93%
• TCP: 82.36%

Candidate Performance Report

If you fail a CPA Exam section, you receive a Candidate Performance Report, which is designed to show your overall performance and how you performed in each content area on the CPA Exam. The report helps you identify areas for improvement. Not all jurisdictions provide a Candidate Performance Report. Check with your state’s accountancy board for details. 

If you do not earn a CPA Exam passing score

If you do see that Candidate Performace Report and not the CPA passing score you hoped, you might start questioning yourself: I failed the CPA Exam. Now what? 

But remember, even if you didn't earn a CPA Exam passing score, you're not alone. Becker is here with our comprehensive CPA Exam Review products and academic support team to help get you ready for exam day. 

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