Score Information

What score do I need to pass the CPA Exam?

To pass any section of the Uniform CPA Exam, you must earn a score of 75 or higher.

Who scores the CPA Exam?

The AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) is responsible for scoring the Uniform CPA Examination. The AICPA receives exam data files from Prometric, applies its scoring and quality assurance processes, and determines candidates’ scores.

How is the CPA Exam scored?

The CPA Exam includes Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Task-Based Simulations (TBSs).

AUD, FAR, REG, BAR, and TCP, scores are based on a weighted combination of 50% MCQs and 50% TBSs.

ISC (Information Systems and Controls), scores are weighted 60% MCQs and 40% TBSs.

The AICPA uses formulas that consider both whether an answer is correct and the relative difficulty of the question when calculating scaled scores.

Scores are not curved, meaning your performance is evaluated against an established standard rather than against other candidates.

Is a CPA Exam score a percentage?

A score of 75 does not mean you answered 75% of the questions correctly. The AICPA uses a statistical scoring process that considers factors such as whether your answers are correct and the relative difficulty of the questions. As a result, there is no fixed percentage of correct answers that guarantee a passing score.

What happens if I score a 74?

You will need to retake that exam section. You will receive a Candidate Performance Report, which provides information about your performance in various content areas. The report can help identify strengths and areas for improvement before you retake the section.

How do I know my score is accurate?

The AICPA uses a rigorous scoring process and performs multiple quality assurance reviews to help ensure scoring accuracy. All candidate’s responses are subject to these review procedures before scores are released.

Can scoring errors occur?

The AICPA uses multiple quality assurance reviews and validation procedures to help ensure the accuracy of CPA Exam scores. While no scoring system can be guaranteed to be error-free, scoring errors are considered rare due to the extensive controls used during the scoring process. Candidates with concerns about their scores should review their jurisdiction’s policies regarding score reviews or appeals.

Are scores adjusted to achieve a certain pass rate?

No. CPA Exam scores are not curved, and the AICPA does not adjust scores to achieve a target pass rate. Candidates are evaluated against a fixed standard of competence, and a score of 75 represents the same passing standard regardless of when the exam is taken. Differences in pass rates reflect candidate performance, not changes to the passing standard.

How are CPA Exam scores processed?

After you take the CPA Exam at Prometric, your exam data is sent to the AICPA for scoring and quality review. Once scoring is complete, the AICPA sends the results to NASBA, which processes the scores, provides them to the appropriate jurisdiction, and makes them available to candidates through the score release process.

Why are scores not available immediately after I test?

After you complete your CPA Exam section, your exam data must first be transmitted from Prometric to the AICPA for scoring. The AICPA then performs scoring and quality assurance reviews before sending results to NASBA for processing and release. Because these steps take time, scores are released according to the published score release schedule rather than immediately after testing.

When will my score be released?

CPA Exam scores are released according to the AICPA’s published score release schedule. Your score release date is based on when the AICPA receives your exam data file from Prometric. Once the exam has been scored and processed, NASBA releases scores to candidates through the Candidate Portal (for most jurisdictions).

What are target score release dates?

Target score release dates are the dates published by the AICPA indicating when CPA Exam scores are expected to be released. These dates are based on when the AICPA receives your exam data file from Prometric. Because they are target dates, they are subject to change and are not guaranteed.

https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/article/find-out-when-youll-get-your-cpa-exam-score

Are the target score release dates guaranteed?

No. The AICPA’s score release dates are target dates and may be subject to change. While most scores are released as scheduled, factors such as when the AICPA receives your exam data from Prometric or additional processing requirements may affect the timing of score release.

Are scores released in a specific order by state?

The AICPA and NASBA do not publish a state-by-state score release order. Once scores are received from the AICPA, NASBA processes and posts scores for participating jurisdictions.

How will I know when my score is available?

Candidates can check for scores through the NASBA Candidate Portal or CPA Mobile App (for participating jurisdictions). NASBA also announces when scores are available through its social media channels during score release periods. After your advisory score is posted, your official score notice will generally be available within 72 hours.

Can NASBA or my Board release my score early?

No. The AICPA controls the CPA Exam scoring and score release timeline. NASBA and state boards cannot release scores before they have received and processed the official results.

I am waiting on my final Exam score, and it is set to be released AFTER my first credit expires. Will I lose my Exam credit?

As long as you TAKE your final exam section BEFORE your first exam credit expires and when you receive your score it is passing, then you will not lose that first exam credit. All expiration times are set at Central Standard Time and are not calculated by your exam appointment time. If your first credit expires on January 31st, it is recommended that you take your final section on January 30th.

Where can I view my CPA Exam score?

Candidates can view their CPA Exam scores through the NASBA Candidate Portal or the NASBA CPA Mobile App.

I saw “failed” on my CPA Portal and re-applied. Why do I not see my score?

A status of “Failed” and the availability of your score notice are separate events. Your score notice may not be available immediately and can take up to 72 hours after score release to appear in the CPA Portal. Additionally, score notices are only available for a limited time, so candidates should save or print them when available. If you recently reapplied after a failed section, processing of the failed section may still be underway.

I see “Score Review” and “Score Appeal” buttons with my failed score, what do they do?

These options indicate that your jurisdiction may allow you to request a review or appeal of your failed exam result. They are not used for re-applying for an exam section.

Where can I find my Score Notice?

Your Score Notice will be available in the CPA Portal, typically within 72 hours after your advisory score is posted. Once available, an eye icon will appear next to your advisory score. Select the icon to view, download, or print your Score Notice. Candidates are encouraged to save a copy for their records, as score notices are not available indefinitely.

Where can I find my Candidate Performance Report?

If you did not pass a CPA Exam section, your Candidate Performance Report (CPR) will be made available through your CPA Portal score notice. The report is typically posted within 72 hours after your advisory score is released. Candidate Performance Reports are only available for failed exam sections.

What if my score or score notice is missing?

If your advisory score has been posted, allow up to 72 hours for your Score Notice to become available in the CPA Portal. If your score or Score Notice is still unavailable after that time, contact [email protected]  for assistance. Candidates should also remember that Score Notices are only available for a limited time and should be downloaded or printed when available.

Can I obtain another copy of a previous score notice?

Score Notices are not available indefinitely in the CPA Portal, so candidates should save or print them when they become available. If your Score Notice is no longer accessible, you may be able to request a Score Reprint.

My score was not released on the target release date. Why?

Target score release dates are estimated release dates published by the AICPA and are not guaranteed. If the AICPA does not receive your exam data file from Prometric by the applicable cutoff date, your score may be released during a later release cycle. Additionally, testing on a cutoff date does not guarantee that your score will be included in that release.

Does testing on the cutoff date guarantee my score will be included in that release cycle?

No. To be included in a particular score release cycle, the AICPA must receive your exam data file from Prometric by the applicable cutoff date. Taking your exam on the cutoff date does not guarantee that the file will be received in time for that release. It is suggested to take your exam one or two days before the cutoff date if you want your score to be released on a specific target release date.

What happens if my exam data is received after the cutoff date?

If the AICPA receives your exam data file from Prometric after the published cutoff date, your score will generally be released during a later score release cycle. Because score release eligibility is based on when the AICPA receives the exam data file, testing before or on a cutoff date does not guarantee inclusion in that release.

How long should I wait before reporting a missing score?

If your score has not appeared on the published target release date, remember that target dates are not guaranteed. NASBA indicates that scores are generally posted within 48 hours after it begins receiving scores from the AICPA. If your score is still unavailable after that period, you should check your jurisdiction’s score reporting process and contact NASBA or your Board of Accountancy for assistance. If your advisory score is available but your Score Notice is missing, allow up to 72 hours for the Score Notice to appear.

Are delayed scores an indication of a scoring problem?

No. A delayed score does not necessarily indicate a scoring issue. Score release dates are target dates, and delays may occur if exam data is received after a cutoff date or if additional processing is required before scores can be released. Candidates should not interpret a delayed score as an indication of their exam performance or a scoring problem

What is a score notice?

A Score Notice is the official document that accompanies your CPA Exam score release. It contains your official score information and, for failed sections, your Candidate Performance Report (CPR). Score Notices are generally available in the CPA Portal within 72 hours after your advisory score is posted.

Is the score notice the same as my exam score?

No. Your exam score is the actual result you earned on a CPA Exam section. The Score Notice is the official document that reports your score and related information. If you did not pass the section, the Score Notice will also include your Candidate Performance Report (CPR).

What information is included on my score notice?

Your Score Notice contains your official CPA Exam score information. If you did not pass the exam section, the Score Notice will also include your Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which provides additional information about your performance. Score Notices are generally available in the CPA Portal within 72 hours after your advisory score is posted.

How long will my score notice remain available?

Your Score Notice will remain available until the “score available until” date displayed in the CPA Portal. After that date, you will no longer be able to view your advisory score or Score Notice through the portal. Because Score Notices are not stored indefinitely, NASBA recommends downloading or printing a copy for your records as soon as it becomes available.

Does my score notice show exam credit information?

Yes. Your Score Notice includes your exam score information and may also display credit status information for your examination sections. If you have credit for other sections, that information may be reflected as part of your score record.

What is a Candidate Performance Report (CPR)?

A Candidate Performance Report (CPR) is a report provided to candidates who do not pass a CPA Exam section. The CPR offers information about your exam performance and compares your performance to that of candidates who successfully passed the same section. CPRs are available through the CPA Portal and are only issued for failed exam sections.

What information is included in a CPR?

A CPR provides information about your performance in the exam’s content areas and your overall performance by item type. It compares your performance to candidates who scored in the just-passing range (75–80) and identifies areas as Stronger, Comparable, or Weaker. The CPR is intended to help guide future study and does not affect your official score.

What do the performance indicators mean?

The CPR compares your performance to candidates who scored in the just-passing range (75-80). A rating of Stronger means you performed above that comparison range, Comparable means you performed within the range, and Weaker means you performed below it. These indicators are intended to help guide your study efforts and do not affect your official score.

What is a Score Review?

Score Review FEE: $240.00

A Score Review is a process that verifies that your CPA Exam was scored correctly and that the scoring procedures were properly applied. A Score Review does not re-grade your responses or reconsider alternative answers. Instead, it confirms that the scoring process was completed accurately. Availability, eligibility requirements, and fees vary by jurisdiction. You may also contact 1-800-CPA-EXAM or email: [email protected].

What is a Score Appeal?

Appeal Process FEE: $550.00 + $100.00 per item being appealed

Appeal sessions are conducted at NASBA’s office in Nashville, Tennessee. Candidates are responsible for their own travel expenses. NASBA will contact eligible candidates to schedule the appeal session and provide additional instructions.

Score Appeals are not permitted in the following jurisdictions:    California, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Montana, Texas, and Virginia.

The appeal option enables you to view the multiple-choice test questions or objective simulation problems that you answered incorrectly together with their responses, and to submit comments online.

Note: Your entire examinations are not accessible, and the correct answers to their incorrect questions are not provided. The original incorrect responses are also not provided during this process.

The confidentiality of the Exam requires that such viewing sessions take place only in authorized locations, under highly secure conditions, and in the presence of a representative of your Board of Accountancy or its designee.

You are not allowed to bring any reference materials to the Score Appeal session. The same security measures adhered to at a testing center are also required at the session. Please be advised that historically, a score has never been changed as a result of a Score Appeal.

For additional information, please contact 1-800-CPA-EXAM or email: [email protected].

Since there is an extremely low chance of a score changing from a Score Review or Appeal why are they offered?

Score Reviews and Score Appeals are offered to help ensure the integrity and accuracy of the CPA Exam scoring process. A Score Review verifies that the approved answer key was used and that scoring procedures were applied correctly. In jurisdictions where available, a Score Appeal provides a formal process for candidates to challenge certain aspects of an exam result. Because CPA Exam scores undergo extensive quality-control checks before release, score changes are uncommon, but these processes exist to provide candidates with a mechanism to raise concerns about their results.

Is there a deadline for requesting a Score Review/Appeal?

Yes. Requests for Score Reviews and Score Appeals must generally be submitted within a limited period after your score is reported.

Should I request a Score Review or simply prepare to retake the exam?

A Score Review is intended to verify that the CPA Exam scoring process was applied correctly and does not involve re-grading responses. Because CPA Exam scores undergo extensive quality-control checks before release, score changes resulting from a review are uncommon. Candidates who have concerns about a potential scoring error may wish to explore the Score Review process, while others may choose to focus their efforts on preparing for a retake.