In 2024, the CPA Exam changed significantly with the launch of CPA Evolution, but it wasn't just the format of the exam that changed. The CPA Exam schedule and score release dates were also affected. Becker understands how important it is to know about these updates so you can plan your preparation strategy. To help you, we're providing an overview of the exam changes and sharing the 2025 CPA Exam dates and score release information so you can plan your year ahead.
Changes to the CPA Exam
Beginning in January 2024, The AICPA Governing Council and the NASBA Board of Directors launched a new Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam called CPA Evolution. The AICPA and NASBA designed CPA Evolution to reflect the changing needs of the profession, eliminate knowledge gaps, and help newly licensed CPAs keep pace with the evolving business landscape, regulatory environment, and technological advancements.
Take a closer look: What is CPA Evolution?
Instead of the exam consisting of four sections that all candidates have to take, in 2025, all candidates must pass three Core Exams that focus on the knowledge and skills all CPAs need to know. Candidates must also pass one of three Discipline Exams, each one focusing on knowledge and skills required of CPAs within a specialization.
CPA Exam structure | |
| Old CPA Exam (Before 2024) Sections | 2025 CPA Exam sections |
| Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) | Core: Financial Auditing and Reporting (FAR) |
| Auditing and Attestation (AUD) | Core: Auditing and Attestation (AUD) |
| Regulation (REG) | Core: Taxation and Regulation (REG) |
| Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) | Discipline: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) |
| Discipline: Information Systems and Controls (ISC) | |
| Discipline: Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP) | |
With these changes to the CPA Exam format, the scoring structure as well as the CPA Exam schedule and score release dates changed as well.
2024 CPA Exam Schedule
In 2024, the CPA Exam testing dates and score release dates changed from a rolling schedule to specific windows. Also, the schedule reflected different testing dates for Core sections and Disciplines.
| Quarter | Core test dates | Core score release dates | Discipline test dates | Discipline score release dates |
| Q1 2024 | January 10 - March 26 | May 29 | January 10 - February 6 | April 24 |
| Q2 2024 | April 1 - June 25 | July 31 | April 20 - May 19 | June 28 |
| Q3 2024 | July 1 - September 25 | October 31 | July 1 - July 31 | September 10 |
| Q4 2024 | October 1 - December 26 | January 29 | October 1 - October 31 | December 10 |
It is important to take note of the following aspects of the 2024 CPA Exam schedule:
- Testing for the discipline sections of the exam (BAR, TCP and ISC) will only be available for approximately one month of each calendar quarter.
- There will be a limited number of score release dates because the AICPA will need more time to evaluate and score the new exams.
- All dates are subject to change
- Q4 2024 Core test score release dates could be throughout the Q4 window. More information will be released at a later date.
2025 CPA Exam schedule
While CPA Exam testing in 2024 was set into specific windows with long wait times until the score release dates, 2025 brings some welcome changes for CPA candidates including continuous testing for Core sections.
2025 CPA Exam testing - Core sections
The Core sections of the CPA Exam (FAR, AUD, and REG) will be available with continuous testing in 2025, so you will have significantly more freedom in when you can schedule your exam. Also, the continuous testing model allows you to pace your exam preparation and completion according to your personal and professional commitments. Even better, with continuous testing, you'll receive your results faster as the 2025 CPA Exam score release dates are based on when the AICPA receives your exam data file.
If the AICPA receives your exam data file by: | Your target score release date is: |
| January 23 | February 7 |
| February 14 | February 25 |
| March 9 | March 18 |
| March 31 | April 9 |
| April 23 | May 8 |
| May 16 | May 28 |
| June 8 | June 17 |
| June 30 | July 10 |
| July 23 | August 7 |
| August 15 | August 26 |
| September 7 | September 16 |
| September 30 | October 9 |
| October 23 | November 7 |
| November 15 | November 25 |
| December 8 | December 16 |
| December 31 | January 13 |
2025 CPA Exam testing - Disciplines
Testing and score release for the Discipline sections (BAR, ISC, and TCP) of the 2025 CPA Exam will be similar to 2024, in that they will only be available during specific windows. However, the time between taking the exam and receiving your CPA Exam score will be much shorter than the release dates in 2024.
Discipline testing dates | Target score release date |
| January 1 - 31 | March 14 |
| April 1 - 30 | May 16 |
| June 1 - 30 | July 17 |
| July 1 - 30 | September 11 |
| October 1 - 31 | December 16 |
Because of the specific testing windows in 2025 for Disciplines, it's important to be strategic when choosing the order to take the CPA Exam. Understanding and planning your exam dates will help you create a more effective study schedule as well as plan for personal plans and your licensing timeline.
Unexpired Uniform CPA Exam credits
As of December 19, 2023, all jurisdictions have approved and adopted a Credit Extension policy that states that any CPA candidate with Uniform CPA Examination unexpired credits on January 1, 2024, will receive an extension until June 30, 2025. During the second quarter of 2025, the AICPA adjusted the testing and score release dates to accommodate these credit extensions through June 30.
This means that any candidate who has passed at least one section of the CPA Exam before the CPA Evolution transition will be given an 18-month extension of credit and will have until June 30, 2025, to pass all remaining sections of the CPA Exam without losing credit for any section passed before the end of 2023.
Also, all jurisdictions are currently considering an extension of the 18-month credit window to 30 months. The exam tracker within our CPA Exam Review will reflect these extensions when all states come to a decision.
The 2025 CPA Exam in a wrap
CPA Evolution created a pivotal moment in the accounting profession, reshaping the path for future CPAs to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business environment. By aligning the skills and knowledge needed for licensure with what is needed for today's CPA, the new model ensures candidates are better equipped to succeed in their careers.
Also, NASBA and the AICPA will continue to adjust and update the CPA Exam, and it's important to stay informed and adapt your preparation strategies accordingly. Becker works closely with these organization to keep our CPA Exam Review as accurate as possible to the exam while offering the support, resources, and guidance you need to navigate the journey toward success.
Download our FREE CPA Exam ebook
Want to learn more about what to expect with the CPA Exam? Our 2024 CPA Exam guide provides you with a clear, in-depth look of what you need to know. What's inside?
- An overview of the CPA Exam
- Comprehensive details of each section, including the exam format, section times, scoring details, and key content areas
- Choosing your Discipline
- Do's and don'ts to get ready for the CPA Exam
- Exam study tips
- Multiple-choice practice questions
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