CPA Exam Dates for 2026

If you’re preparing for the CPA exam, you know you’ll need a strategic schedule to succeed. But with so many changes, how do you make the right scheduling choices?

Certainly, the CPA Evolution initiative has affected a lot about the exam. However, many of those changes have translated into 2026 becoming an excellent year for CPA candidates–and perhaps the best yet.

With continuous testing, an increase in score release dates, new formats, and so much more, there’s a lot to learn–and I can’t wait to teach you.

Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the CPA exam process in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Flexible Testing Options: Continuous testing allows for more scheduling freedom, especially for core exam sections.
• CPA Evolution Brings Changes: The updated CPA exam format introduces three core sections and discipline-specific exams.
• Discipline Sections Limited to Specific Windows: You’ll need to plan ahead for these quarterly test windows.
• Score Release Dates Vary: When you get your score depends on when the AICPA receives your exam file.
• Plan Early for Exam Sections: Core exams can be taken year-round, while discipline sections are available only during specific windows.

Understanding CPA Evolution

As of 2026, the CPA exam has undergone a major transformation under CPA Evolution, which will continue in 2026. The goal is to better align the exam with the current demands of the accounting profession. Instead of four equally required sections like in previous years, the new CPA exam format now consists of:

Three Core Sections

These are mandatory for all candidates and include:

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

One Discipline Section

Candidates select one of the following discipline sections based on their career focus:

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

This shift allows CPA candidates to specialize early in their careers so that new CPAs are equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills for an increasingly competitive (and ever-evolving) industry.

CPA Exam Schedule Basics

One of the big advantages for CPA candidates is the continuous testing policy for Core exam sections, which continues in 2026. You can schedule core sections (AUD, FAR, and REG) throughout the year without waiting for specific test windows.

• Core Section Testing Dates: Core sections are available year-round, giving candidates flexibility in when they sit for exams.
• Discipline Section Testing Windows: Unlike the core sections, discipline sections (BAR, ISC, and TCP) are offered only during specific testing windows: January, April, July, and October. Additionally, there will be an extra testing window in June, starting in 2026. Be sure to plan your schedule accordingly to take advantage of these limited opportunities.

CPA Exam Score Release Dates for 2026

Core Section Testing and Score Release Dates

The 2026 CPA exam had some test takers wait months for their results. In 2026, you’ll get your results much sooner. Your CPA exam scores will be released 16 times (instead of a mere 4) depending on when the AICPA receives your exam data file. For core sections, scores are typically released within a few weeks of the exam.

Here are the 2026 target score release dates based on when your data file is received:

Discipline Section Testing and Score Release Dates

For 2026, the Discipline section windows and target score release dates are:

Preparing for the Discipline Sections

The discipline sections—BAR, ISC, and TCP—are only offered during specific testing windows. These windows occur during the first month of each quarter (with the exception of June), which means you’ll need to be proactive in scheduling.

How to Choose Your Discipline Section

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Best for candidates interested in advanced financial reporting or who see themselves in public accounting, specializing in audit or advisory services.
• Information Systems and Controls (ISC): Ideal if you’re drawn to IT controls, cybersecurity, and risk management.
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): Great for those focused on tax strategy, compliance, or tax advisory roles.

It’s also important to note that TCP had the highest pass rate of any section in Q1 and Q2 of 2026 at a whopping 78%, so if you want to be confident you’ll pass, it’s a solid choice.

Once you’ve selected your discipline, schedule that section strategically. Since it’s only available in specific windows, you’ll want to align it with your study progress and ensure it fits within your overall timeframe.

Tips for Preparing for Discipline Sections

1. Know the Dates: Mark the testing windows for your chosen discipline (e.g., January 1-31, April 1-30) and set a firm deadline to register.
2. Study Ahead: Discipline sections are more specialized, so make sure you start your discipline section study plan at least 3-4 months before the test window.
3. Avoid Overlap: If possible, try not to schedule a core exam and discipline exam back-to-back to allow for sufficient prep time between subjects.

Maximizing Your Testing Window

Once you pass your first exam, you’ll have around 30-36 months to complete the remaining sections. In the past, testing windows took a mere 18 months, so this has been a helpful change in reducing stress. Spreading out exams too far or cramming them all into a short period can both hurt your chances of passing, so I’ve developed some sample testing schedules for you to consider.

Sample Schedule for One Year

If you’re ambitious and plan to complete all four sections within a year, here’s a possible timeline with a focus on tackling easier exams first:

• January: TSC (start with the easiest Discipline section to build experience)
• April: REG (the second-easiest section and a very similar topic to TSC)
• July: AUD (difficult, but now you have more knowledge and experience)
• October: FAR (you’ll have the knowledge and familiarity from earlier exams to help you pass the hardest section)

Sample Schedule for Two Years

For candidates who want to pace themselves over two years, here’s a sample plan that focuses on getting the hard ones out of the way:

• Year 1, Q1: FAR (to tackle the toughest section first)
• Year 1, Q3: AUD (allows you to build on financial knowledge)
• Year 2, Q1: REG (focus on tax concepts)
• Year 2, Q2: Discipline section (after completing all core knowledge)

Both schedules allow for some flexibility if you need to retake a section.

Choosing the Right Order to Take the CPA Exam

Deciding which section to tackle first can set the tone for your entire CPA journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are some tips and ideas on the best order to take the CPA exams:

• Strength-Based Approach: Start with the section you feel most confident in (e.g., REG if you’re strong in tax). This builds early momentum and confidence as you begin your CPA journey.
• Tackle the Toughest First: If you prefer getting the hardest section out of the way, consider starting with FAR. This “eat the frog” strategy can reduce pressure later on, though it’s not ideal for everyone.
• Start With Dessert First: If starting with the hardest thing feels overwhelming, try starting with your best subject instead. This helps you build accounting knowledge and familiarity with the exam format over time so the hardest exams feel less intimidating.
• Balanced Approach: Alternate between harder and easier sections. This strategy allows for a more manageable workload and helps prevent burnout, ensuring steady progress.
• Consider Your Schedule: Plan around your busiest periods. Take harder exams like FAR or REG when you have more free time, and leave easier sections for times when life gets hectic.

Conclusion

Preparing for the CPA exam in 2026 will require careful planning, especially with the introduction of CPA Evolution. The continuous testing is a welcome change from some of the past years, but don’t forget that the Discipline sections still have finite testing windows.

The best way to get on top of your studies is to schedule everything in advance at the same time. Choose a reasonable timeframe and decide whether you prefer to eat the frog, eat dessert first, or have a balanced mix. And, don’t forget about your own life! Busy month at work? Probably not the best time to take a difficult exam.

When you’re mindful and intentional about choosing your exam schedule, creating an effective study schedule with the help of this CPA prep course guide will be that much easier. As a result, you can increase your chances of passing every section.

That coveted CPA licensure will be yours in no time. Good luck!

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