Your CPA Exam journey is one of the biggest and most rewarding challenges you'll face to date. It starts with detailed planning, requires consistent diligence, and ends in the biggest career advantage you can gain as a public accountant. You'll want to explore CPA Exam dates so that you know when you can test, then continue your planning with CPA Exam costs outlined in this blog below, and finally understand what you'll face by taking a look at the most recent CPA Exam topic and concept blueprints. These important steps will set you up for success as you start your path to CPA.
Planning Your Path to CPA
CPA Exam Dates
CPA Exam Costs
CPA Exam Blueprints
How Much Does the CPA Exam Cost?
The average 2026 CPA Exam fees and costs will be around $1,400, although exact costs vary by state. NASBA recommends the 2026 exam section fee as $262.64 and the exam application fee is $96 for a total of 358.64, per section, but each state can set their own fees. Let's take a snapshot of the costs before we break them down further. These are just average ranges, and some states' fees will be higher or lower.
Initial Eligibility Application
- Approximate cost: Between $20 and $150
Before you can sit for the CPA Exam, you'll need to apply with your state Board of Accountancy to ensure that you meet their CPA Exam requirements. This is a one-time fee that again, varies from state to state, and is used to verify education and other qualifications. For example, Georgia's Education Evaluation Application Fee is $93.00, Texas's is only $20.00 for the "Application of Intent," and the one for Alaska is $121.00.
Registration Fee Per Section
- Between $40 and $200 (per section)
- Between $160 and $800 total
All states include a registration fee when you schedule to sit for each section of the CPA Exam. As mentioned above, NASBA recommends each section include a $96.00 registration fee per section. But again, this is state-dependent. For example, the registration fee in Massachusetts is $148 per section, while West Virginia's registration fee, called an "intent to sit" fee, is only $40 for each section.
Exam Fee Per Section
- Between $200 to $300 (for each individual section)
- Between $800 and $1200 total
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) recommends that each section of the CPA Exam cost $262.64. Assuming you pass all four sections (three Core sections and one Discipline) on the first attempt, the cost for all four exams would be $1,050.56. These fees include:
- NASBA section fee
- AICPA section fee
- Prometric fee
- Prometric security fee
While most of the 55 jurisdictions and state boards' fees align with NASBA's recommended fees, they can change the amount at their discretion, so we highly recommend verifying with your state Board of Accountancy for specific CPA Exam fees.
These CPA Exam costs total approximately $980 to $1,950. However, if you fail any CPA Exam section, this number quickly rises.
Retake Fees
If you don't pass a section of the CPA Exam, you will need to retake it, which means you may have to repay both the registration fee and the exam section fee. This applies every time you fail and retake a section, so it benefits you financially (and in every way) to pass the first time.
Rescheduling Fees
If you schedule your CPA Exam date and then decide to change it, you may need to pay additional fees to Prometric (the service provider where you take the exam). Typically, you won't incur a fee if you're more than 30 days away from your testing date, but if your date is less than 30 days, you will be charged.
International CPA Exam Fees
For CPA candidates outside the United States, you will need to choose a state Board of Accountancy that will declare you eligible, as some states have residency and citizenship requirements. In addition to paying any domestic testing fees, you will also need to pay an additional $390 per section.
Should You Bundle CPA Exam Fees?
Some states may bundle the cost of registration fees for candidates by allowing you to pay for all four sections at once. It may seem tempting to register for all four sections of the exam at one time to save money. Still, your notice to schedule (NTS) is only valid for a specific period of time, usually between three and nine months, depending on your state. This means that you will have to schedule all four exams within that period or risk paying your registration fees again.
Although the CPA Exam cost may seem high, we recommend scheduling your exams based on your realistic ability to prepare for each section within your NTS timeframe, rather than simply saving on CPA Exam costs.
Additional Fees for CPA Licensure
Once you pass the CPA Exam and move forward toward getting your license, there are other fees to consider and plan for.
Ethics Exam
Many states require CPA candidates to take an ethics course and pass an exam before obtaining licensure. Some states administer a state-specific exam, while others require the AICPA's self-study ethics exam, which costs between $250 and $320, depending on whether you're a member of the organization. Be sure to check your state's CPA requirements to see if you need this.
State Licensing Fee
You've passed the CPA Exam, completed your ethics course, and have your experience documented and signed off by a licensed CPA. Submitting all your information and obtaining your license will come with another fee, which does vary from state to state.
Is a CPA Exam Review Worth the Cost?
Yes, investing in a high quality CPA Exam Review course, like Becker's, helps you improve your likelihood of passing the first time which prevents costly re-take fees and helps you reap the benefits of licensure faster. We didn't include pricing for a review course in above CPA Exam fees because it's not a state-mandated fee, but it is worth including in your CPA plan.
Most review courses cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on which provider you choose. This may seem like an intimidating cost at first sight, but Becker's Exam Day ReadySM students achieve a 64% higher pass rate than all other exam takers, proving that the investment pays off. Having structured study plans, adaptive learning tools, practice questions modeled after the actual exam, and expert guidance all significantly improve your chances of passing on the first try. While the upfront cost may seem high, it saves time, boosts motivation, and ultimately helps avoid expensive multiple registration and retake fees.
With Becker's CPA Exam Review, you'll get access to comprehensive materials and resources, plus unlimited support that get you Exam Day Readysm! This includes:
- Comprehensive digital and physical textbooks that align with AICPA's exam blueprint
- Over 900 engaging concept videos taught by our expert instructors to help you understand complex topics
- SkillBuilder solution videos that walk you through how to solve multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations successfully
- Newt™ AI, an AI learning tool that offers instant answers to your questions to make your exam prep more efficient and effective
- One-on-one live tutoring and unlimited access to learning and customer support
- Live Online classes so you can engage with the instructors and ask questions in the moment
- Adaptive learning practice tests with over 9,000 MCQs and 400 TBSs with real-time feedback
- Simulated exams to ensure you know the exam format, time limitations, and exactly how the "real thing" feels
- Customizable study planner that tells you what to study, when for exam-day readiness
Is Getting My CPA License Worth the CPA Exam Costs?
The short answer is yes! Having your CPA license opens the door to increased career opportunities, including operating your own CPA firm. When you compare the CPA salary vs non-CPA salary, you'll see a clear difference in your income potential.
We understand it can be daunting to earn your CPA license; but all the time, hard work, and even financial investment are well worth the benefits you'll unlock by becoming a CPA.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the CPA Exam cost in total?
Most candidates can expect to pay somewhere between $980 and $1,950 in CPA Exam fees, with the average landing around $1,400. That range covers your initial eligibility application, a registration fee for each section, and an examination fee for each section; but exact costs depend on your state Board of Accountancy, since fees vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Also plan for the cost of CPA Exam Review, which generally costs $2,000 - $5,000.
What is the application fee for the CPA Exam?
Before you can sit for the exam, you'll pay a one-time initial eligibility application fee to your state Board of Accountancy, generally between $20 and $150. This fee covers verifying your education and eligibility, and the exact amount depends entirely on your state. For example, Texas charges just $20 for its "Application of Intent," while Alaska's fee is $121. Check your state's specific CPA Exam requirements to confirm your fee.
How much is the registration fee per CPA Exam section?
Registration fees generally run between $40 and $200 per section. NASBA recommends a $96.00 registration fee per section, but states set their own rates: i.e., Massachusetts charges $148 per section, while West Virginia's "intent to sit" fee is only $40.
How much is the examination fee per CPA Exam section?
NASBA recommends an exam section fee of $262.64, which combined with the $96.00 application fee brings the recommended cost to $358.64 per section. If you pass all four sections on your first attempt, that adds up to roughly $1,050.56 in exam fees alone, covering the NASBA section fee, AICPA section fee, and Prometric testing fees. Most jurisdictions align closely with NASBA's recommended fees, but it's worth confirming with your state Board of Accountancy.
Do I have to pay again if I fail a CPA Exam section?
Yes. If you don't pass a section, you'll need to repay both the registration fee and the exam section fee to retake it. This is one of the biggest reasons why a strong CPA Exam Review course pays for itself: passing on your first attempt avoids these repeat costs entirely.
Are there fees for rescheduling a CPA Exam date?
It depends on your timing. If you reschedule more than 30 days before your test date, you typically won't be charged a fee. If you reschedule within 30 days of your scheduled date, Prometric will charge an additional rescheduling fee.
Does the CPA Exam cost more for international candidates?
Yes. In addition to standard domestic testing fees, international candidates pay an extra $390 per section for the ability to test outside the United States. International candidates also need to choose a state Board of Accountancy that will declare them eligible, since not every state accepts non-resident or non-citizen candidates.
Should I register for all four CPA Exam sections at once to save money?
Not necessarily. While bundling registration can look appealing, your Notice to Schedule (NTS) is only valid for a limited window, typically three to nine months, depending on your state. If you register for all four sections but can't test within that window, you risk having to pay your registration fees again. It's usually smarter to schedule each section based on your realistic study timeline rather than trying to save on upfront fees.
What other fees come after passing the CPA Exam?
Passing the CPA Exam isn't the final cost. Many states require an ethics exam before licensure—often the AICPA's self-study ethics course, which runs between $250 and $320 depending on your membership status. After that, you'll also pay a state licensing fee to officially obtain your CPA license, which varies by state. Check your state's CPA requirements to see exactly what applies to you.
Is a CPA Exam Review course worth the extra cost?
Yes. While review courses aren't a state-mandated fee and typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000, investing in a high-quality course like Becker significantly improves your odds of passing each section on the first try, which helps you avoid costly retake fees and get licensed faster. Becker's CPA Exam Review students who follow the Exam Day ReadySM program have a 64% higher pass rate than all other exam takers.
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