Waiting for CPA exam scores is one of the most stressful parts of the entire journey. You walk out of Prometric, replay every question in your head, and then face days or even weeks of uncertainty. Knowing exactly when scores are released can help you plan your study schedule, manage your anxiety, and make smart decisions about scheduling your next section. This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 CPA exam score release schedule.
How the CPA Exam Score Release Process Works
The AICPA processes CPA exam scores in batches rather than individually. After you complete your exam at a Prometric testing center, your responses are transmitted to the AICPA for scoring. The scoring process involves psychometric analysis, quality checks, and calibration before scores are released to NASBA and then forwarded to individual state boards.
Scores are typically released in waves throughout the testing window. Under the continuous testing model, candidates can sit for the exam year-round except during brief maintenance periods. The AICPA publishes a target score release timeline at the beginning of each year so candidates can plan accordingly.
2026 CPA Exam Score Release Calendar
Below is the projected 2026 score release schedule based on the AICPA and NASBA patterns. Note that exact dates may shift slightly, so always check the official NASBA website for the most current information.
Q1 2026 Testing Window
- Exams taken January 1 through January 24: Scores target February 11
- Exams taken January 25 through February 21: Scores target March 10
- Exams taken February 22 through March 22: Scores target April 8
Q2 2026 Testing Window
- Exams taken March 23 through April 24: Scores target May 12
- Exams taken April 25 through May 22: Scores target June 9
- Exams taken May 23 through June 22: Scores target July 9
Q3 2026 Testing Window
- Exams taken June 23 through July 24: Scores target August 11
- Exams taken July 25 through August 22: Scores target September 9
- Exams taken August 23 through September 22: Scores target October 7
Q4 2026 Testing Window
- Exams taken September 23 through October 24: Scores target November 10
- Exams taken October 25 through November 21: Scores target December 8
- Exams taken November 22 through December 22: Scores target January 12, 2027
Disclaimer: These dates are projected based on historical patterns. Always verify with NASBA for official dates.
How to Check Your CPA Exam Scores
There are two primary ways to check your scores, and the process varies slightly depending on your jurisdiction.
NASBA CPA Candidate Account
Most candidates can access their scores through the NASBA CPA Candidate Portal at nasba.org. Log into the same account you used to apply for and schedule your exam. When scores are released, you will see your results under the score history section. Many candidates report that scores appear on the NASBA portal before their state board sends official notification.
State Board of Accountancy
Some state boards release scores independently through their own portals. A handful of jurisdictions do not participate in the NASBA portal for score delivery, meaning you must wait for your state board to post results. Check with your specific state board to understand their process.
Scores are typically released late in the evening or in the early morning hours of the target release date. Many candidates report scores appearing as early as 7 PM Eastern Time the evening before the official release date. However, this is not guaranteed, and refreshing the portal obsessively will not make your score appear faster.
NASBA vs. State Board: Understanding the Difference
NASBA (the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) serves as a centralized clearinghouse for CPA exam administration. The AICPA sends scores to NASBA, which then distributes them to state boards. This is why:
- NASBA scores sometimes appear before state board scores.
- Your state board score is the official, authoritative result.
- Some jurisdictions have additional processing time after NASBA releases scores.
- In rare cases, a state board may delay score release for administrative reasons.
Typical Wait Times
Under the current continuous testing model, you can generally expect to wait two to five weeks for your scores after sitting for the exam. The exact wait time depends on where your testing date falls within the score release cycle.
If you sit for the exam early in a testing window, you may wait closer to five or six weeks. If you sit just before a score release cutoff date, you might get your results in as little as two weeks. Strategically scheduling your exam date relative to the score release calendar can minimize your wait time if the uncertainty is particularly stressful for you.
Score Release Patterns and What to Expect
Here are some patterns that experienced CPA candidates and the community have observed:
- Early evening releases: Scores often appear the evening before the official date, typically between 7 PM and midnight Eastern Time.
- Rolling availability: Not every candidate sees their score at the exact same moment. There can be a window of a few hours.
- Eyeball trick: Some candidates use a method of checking the NASBA portal attendance screen to detect whether they passed or failed before scores are officially posted. While this method has been accurate for many, it is not officially endorsed and should be taken with caution.
- Advisory scores: In rare circumstances, scores may be released with an advisory status, meaning the AICPA is still finalizing the results. This is uncommon and typically resolves quickly.
What to Do While Waiting for Scores
The waiting period does not have to be dead time. Here is how to use it productively:
- Start studying for your next section. If you have remaining sections, begin reviewing material for the next one. Even if you end up needing to retake the section you just completed, the time spent on a new section is not wasted.
- Take a short break. If you just finished an intense study period, give yourself a few days to decompress. Burnout is real and counterproductive.
- Review your testing experience. Write down what worked and what did not during your exam while the experience is fresh. This is helpful regardless of whether you passed.
- Avoid excessive speculation. Online forums are filled with candidates analyzing every question they remember. While it is natural to want to discuss the exam, obsessing over individual questions will not change your score and may increase your anxiety.
- Organize your study schedule. Plan your study timeline for the next section so you can hit the ground running when scores are released.
What If Scores Are Delayed?
Occasionally, score releases are delayed beyond the target date. This can happen due to psychometric review processes, technical issues, or calendar adjustments. When delays occur, NASBA typically posts an announcement on their website and social media channels.
If your score is delayed but others from the same window have received theirs, contact your state board. In some cases, individual scores are held due to irregularities during testing, such as technical issues at the Prometric center or flagged testing behavior. Your state board can provide information about any holds on your account.
Planning Your Exam Schedule Around Score Releases
Understanding the score release calendar allows you to plan strategically. For example, if you want to minimize downtime between sections, you might schedule your next exam shortly after the expected score release date for your previous section. That way, you know your result and can adjust your plan before sitting for the next one.
Alternatively, some candidates prefer to schedule their next section before receiving scores from their previous attempt. This approach keeps momentum going but carries the risk of needing to reschedule if a retake is necessary.
At Think CPA, we help candidates build flexible study plans that account for score release timing. Our structured approach ensures you make the most of every week, whether you are waiting for scores or actively preparing for your next section. Check out our study planning tools and section-specific resources to stay on track throughout your CPA journey.