{"id":2929,"date":"2024-10-28T06:30:55","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T02:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/?p=2929"},"modified":"2026-06-17T01:01:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T07:01:18","slug":"cpa-exam-dates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/cpa-exam-dates\/","title":{"rendered":"CPA Exam Dates for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re preparing for the CPA exam, you know you&#8217;ll need a strategic schedule to succeed. But with so many changes, how do you make the right scheduling choices?<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certainly, the CPA Evolution initiative has affected a <em>lot <\/em>about the exam. However, many of those changes have translated into 2026 becoming an excellent year for CPA candidates&#8211;and perhaps the best yet.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With continuous testing, an increase in score release dates, new formats, and so much more, there&#8217;s a lot to learn&#8211;and I can&#8217;t wait to teach you.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s everything you need to know to navigate the CPA exam process in 2026.<\/p> <p class=\"custom_key wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list custom_underline\"> <li><strong>Flexible Testing Options:<\/strong> Continuous testing allows for more scheduling freedom, especially for core exam sections.<\/li> <li><strong>CPA Evolution Brings Changes:<\/strong> The updated CPA exam format introduces three core sections and discipline-specific exams.<\/li> <li><strong>Discipline Sections Limited to Specific Windows:<\/strong> You\u2019ll need to plan ahead for these quarterly test windows.<\/li> <li><strong>Score Release Dates Vary:<\/strong> When you get your score depends on when the AICPA receives your exam file.<\/li> <li><strong>Plan Early for Exam Sections:<\/strong> Core exams can be taken year-round, while discipline sections are available only during specific windows.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-cpa-evolution\"><strong>Understanding CPA Evolution<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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:<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-three-core-sections\"><strong>Three Core Sections<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are mandatory for all candidates and include:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Auditing and Attestation (AUD)<\/li> <li>Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)<\/li> <li>Regulation (REG)<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-one-discipline-section\"><strong>One Discipline Section<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates select one of the following discipline sections based on their career focus:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)<\/li> <li>Information Systems and Controls (ISC)<\/li> <li>Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cpa-exam-schedule-basics\"><strong>CPA Exam Schedule Basics<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Core Section Testing Dates:<\/strong> Core sections are available year-round, giving candidates flexibility in when they sit for exams.<\/li> <li><strong>Discipline Section Testing Windows:<\/strong> 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.<\/li> <\/ul> <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/Exam-Dates-CPA.png\" alt=\"CPA core sections\" class=\"wp-image-2937\" style=\"width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/Exam-Dates-CPA.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/Exam-Dates-CPA-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/Exam-Dates-CPA-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/Exam-Dates-CPA-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/Exam-Dates-CPA-280x280.png 280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/accounting.uworld.com\/cpa-review\/cpa-exam\/changes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">UWorld<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cpa-exam-score-release-dates-for-202-6\"><strong>CPA Exam Score Release Dates for 202<\/strong>6<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-core-section-testing-and-score-release-dates\"><strong>Core Section Testing and Score Release Dates<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 CPA exam had some test takers wait months for their results. In 2026, you&#8217;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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the 2026 target score release dates based on when your data file is received:<\/p> <figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Core Exam Received By:<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Target Score Release Date<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>January 23<\/td><td>February 7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>February 14<\/td><td>February 25<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>March 9<\/td><td>March 18<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>March 31<\/td><td>April 9<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>April 23<\/td><td>May 8<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>May 16<\/td><td>May 28<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>June 8<\/td><td>June 17<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>June 30<\/td><td>July 10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>July 23<\/td><td>August 7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>August 15<\/td><td>August 26<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>September 7<\/td><td>September 16<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>September 30<\/td><td>October 9<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>October 23<\/td><td>November 7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>November 15<\/td><td>November 25<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>December 8<\/td><td>December 16<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>December 31<\/td><td>January 13<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-discipline-section-testing-and-score-release-dates\"><strong>Discipline Section Testing and Score Release Dates<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For 2026, the Discipline section windows and target score release dates are:<\/p> <figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Discipline Test Dates<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Target Score Release Date<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>January 1-31<\/td><td>March 14<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>April 1-30<\/td><td>May 16<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>June 1-30<\/td><td>July 17<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>July 1-30<\/td><td>September 11<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>October 1-31<\/td><td>December 16<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-preparing-for-the-discipline-sections\"><strong>Preparing for the Discipline Sections<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discipline sections\u2014BAR, ISC, and TCP\u2014are only offered during specific testing windows. These windows occur during the first month of each quarter (with the exception of June), which means you\u2019ll need to be proactive in scheduling.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-choose-your-discipline-section\"><strong>How to Choose Your Discipline Section<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR):<\/strong> Best for candidates interested in advanced financial reporting or who see themselves in public accounting, specializing in audit or advisory services.<\/li> <li><strong>Information Systems and Controls (ISC):<\/strong> Ideal if you\u2019re drawn to IT controls, cybersecurity, and risk management.<\/li> <li><strong>Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP):<\/strong> Great for those focused on tax strategy, compliance, or tax advisory roles.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s also important to note that TCP had the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/resources\/article\/learn-more-about-cpa-exam-scoring-and-pass-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">highest pass rate<\/a> of any section in Q1 and Q2 of 2026 at a whopping 78%, so if you want to be confident you&#8217;ll pass, it&#8217;s a solid choice.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve selected your discipline, schedule that section strategically. Since it&#8217;s only available in specific windows, you\u2019ll want to align it with your study progress and ensure it fits within your overall timeframe.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tips-for-preparing-for-discipline-sections\"><strong>Tips for Preparing for Discipline Sections<\/strong><\/h3> <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Know the Dates:<\/strong> Mark the testing windows for your chosen discipline (e.g., January 1-31, April 1-30) and set a firm deadline to register.<\/li> <li><strong>Study Ahead:<\/strong> Discipline sections are more specialized, so make sure you start your discipline section study plan at least 3-4 months before the test window.<\/li> <li><strong>Avoid Overlap:<\/strong> If possible, try not to schedule a core exam and discipline exam back-to-back to allow for sufficient prep time between subjects.<\/li> <\/ol> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"2024 Recommended CPA Exam Order - CPA Evolution\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/U0XwO6vW7Uc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-maximizing-your-testing-window\"><strong>Maximizing Your Testing Window<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you pass your first exam, you\u2019ll 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&#8217;ve developed some sample testing schedules for you to consider.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sample-schedule-for-one-year\"><strong>Sample Schedule for One Year<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re ambitious and plan to complete all four sections within a year, here\u2019s a possible timeline with a focus on tackling easier exams first:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>January:<\/strong> TSC (start with the easiest Discipline section to build experience)<\/li> <li><strong>April:<\/strong> REG (the second-easiest section and a very similar topic to TSC)<\/li> <li><strong>July:<\/strong> AUD (difficult, but now you have more knowledge and experience)<\/li> <li><strong>October:<\/strong> FAR (you\u2019ll have the knowledge and familiarity from earlier exams to help you pass the hardest section)<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sample-schedule-for-two-years\"><strong>Sample Schedule for Two Years<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For candidates who want to pace themselves over two years, here\u2019s a sample plan that focuses on getting the hard ones out of the way:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Year 1, Q1:<\/strong> FAR (to tackle the toughest section first)<\/li> <li><strong>Year 1, Q3:<\/strong> AUD (allows you to build on financial knowledge)<\/li> <li><strong>Year 2, Q1:<\/strong> REG (focus on tax concepts)<\/li> <li><strong>Year 2, Q2:<\/strong> Discipline section (after completing all core knowledge)<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both schedules allow for some flexibility if you need to retake a section.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choosing-the-right-order-to-take-the-cpa-exam\"><strong>Choosing the Right Order to Take the CPA Exam<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deciding which section to tackle first can set the tone for your entire CPA journey. There\u2019s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are some tips and ideas on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/best-order-to-take-cpa-exams\/\">best order to take the CPA exams<\/a>:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Strength-Based Approach:<\/strong> Start with the section you feel most confident in (e.g., REG if you\u2019re strong in tax). This builds early momentum and confidence as you begin your CPA journey.<\/li> <li><strong>Tackle the Toughest First:<\/strong> If you prefer getting the hardest section out of the way, consider starting with FAR. This &#8220;eat the frog&#8221; strategy can reduce pressure later on, though it\u2019s not ideal for everyone.<\/li> <li><strong>Start With Dessert First:<\/strong> 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.<\/li> <li><strong>Balanced Approach:<\/strong> Alternate between harder and easier sections. This strategy allows for a more manageable workload and helps prevent burnout, ensuring steady progress.<\/li> <li><strong>Consider Your Schedule:<\/strong> 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.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;t forget that the Discipline sections still have finite testing windows.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;t forget about your own life! Busy month at work? Probably not the best time to take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/how-hard-is-the-cpa-exam\/\">difficult exam<\/a>.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you&#8217;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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That coveted CPA licensure will be yours in no time. Good luck!<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729834457311\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>When are the CPA exam dates in 2026?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Core <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/cpa-exam-sections\/\">CPA exam sections<\/a> are available year-round through continuous testing. Discipline sections are available only during specific quarterly windows: January, April, July, and October.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729834463812\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is CPA Evolution, and how does it affect the exam?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">CPA Evolution is a restructuring of the CPA exam format that introduces core and discipline sections, allowing candidates to specialize based on their career goals. It launched in 2025 and continues in 2026.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729834470494\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>When will I get my CPA exam score in 2026?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Your score will be released within a few weeks after the AICPA receives your exam data file. For discipline sections, there are five score release dates throughout the year, typically about two weeks after the testing window ends.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729834476811\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is continuous testing?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Continuous testing allows CPA exam candidates to schedule their exams year-round for the core sections without the need to wait for specific testing windows.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729834484786\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How do I register for the discipline sections?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You can register for discipline sections like Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP) through your state&#8217;s Board of Accountancy. Make sure to plan ahead, as these sections are only offered during limited testing windows each quarter.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re preparing for the CPA exam, you know you&#8217;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 [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":2930,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-accounting"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/cpa-exam-dates-768x427.png","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>CPA Exam Dates for 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn everything you need to know about the 2025 CPA exam dates, score release dates, Discipline sections, and scheduling strategies to help you succeed.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/cpa-exam-dates\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"CPA Exam Dates for 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn everything you need to know about the 2025 CPA exam dates, score release dates, Discipline sections, and scheduling strategies to help you succeed.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/cpa-exam-dates\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Kansas City Star - Careers &amp; 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