CPA Result Dates 2026: Score Release Timeline and Schedule

The wait for CPA results is an agonising experience for anyone who has appeared for the exam after months of hard preparation. In this article, an expanded version is provided where CPA result dates for 2026 are discussed, how AICPA results are released and the release schedule for Core and Discipline scores are provided with additional information, and how candidates can check their results is also elaborated upon.

Comprehensive Guide on CPA Result Dates 2026

CPA Result Dates

The CPA result dates of 2026 provide the candidates with the expected dates for the release of the results for the Core and Discipline sections.

AICPA Results

The AICPA results process ensures the accurate evaluation of all sections of the CPA exams before the release of the results.

AICPA Score Release Dates

The AICPA score release dates are set according to the sections and testing windows to ensure the smooth flow of the process.

CPA Certification

The release of the results helps the candidates to achieve their goal of becoming a CPA in the most efficient way.

What is a CPA?

The CPA is a professional qualification in the field of accounting, which requires the candidates to pass the exams, meet the eligibility criteria, and obtain the official score reporting.

AICPA

The AICPA assists the NASBA and Prometric in handling the results of the CPA exams for the candidates across the world.

The anxiety you feel after submitting your final CPA exam is something almost all candidates have in common. You have spent months studying for your CPA exam, gone through countless practice problems, and stayed awake till midnight studying your FAR journals or going through your REG tax regulations. The moment you finish your exam, the next step, waiting for your results, feels like the longest part of your journey. Knowing CPA result dates for 2026 will definitely ease your tension and anxiety and will provide you with an idea of when AICPA results will be announced.

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How Does the 2026 CPA Exam Score Release Process Work?

The AICPA score release dates are a series of steps that take place to ensure accuracy and transparency. These steps are:

• Exams are graded by certified AICPA evaluators
• NASBA compiles and publishes scores in the candidate portal
• Prometric ensures proper test administration and data reporting

Core vs. Discipline: Why the Schedules Differ

The reason for this difference is that the Core and Discipline sections have different grading complexities. This is because

• Core sections (AUD, FAR, REG) use standardized grading, allowing faster release
• Discipline sections (BAR, ISC, TCP) involve case simulations and manual evaluation, causing delays

The Role of AICPA, NASBA, and Prometric in Scoring

All three organisations are involved in the CPA exam grading process. Each organisation’s role is to ensure that the results are accurate and fair. These roles are:

• AICPA: Grades exams and maintains result integrity
• NASBA: Hosts the portal and releases official scores
• Prometric: Administers exams and ensures accurate candidate testing

How the “Exam Data File” Cutoff Affects Your Result Date

The cutoff is used to determine which quarter your CPA scores will fall under.

• Exams submitted before cutoff → same-quarter release
• Exams submitted after cutoff → next quarter release
• Helps candidates predict CPA result dates more accurately 

What is the Core Section Score Release Schedule 2026 (AUD, FAR, REG)?

What Are Q1 & Q2 Core Release Target Dates?

If you are taking the exams in Q1 & Q2, here are the dates when you can expect the results:

• Q1: Feb 15–28
• Q2: May 15–28
• Submit exams before cutoff for fast AICPA results

What Are Q3 & Q4 Core Release Target Dates?

If you are taking the exams in Q3 & Q4, here are the dates when you can expect the results:

• Q3: Aug 15–28
• Q4: Nov 15–28
• Timely submission ensures results are included in the same quarter

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What is the Discipline Section Score Release Schedule 2026 (BAR, ISC, TCP)?

Discipline sections take longer due to manual evaluation and case simulations.

• Scores released 4–6 weeks after testing window
• BAR, ISC, TCP require extra review time
• Candidates should plan retakes accordingly

What Are the Quarterly Testing Windows for Disciplines?

The discipline section testing dates are as follows:

• Q1: Jan–Mar
• Q2: Apr–Jun
• Q3: Jul–Sep
• Q4: Oct–Dec
• Scores released post-evaluation for each quarter

Why Do Discipline Results Take Longer to Process?

The discipline section results take longer because the AICPA uses a manual process for evaluating the results.

• Ensures accuracy and fairness
• Provides detailed scoring for each candidate
• Slight delays are normal, especially near cutoff dates

How Can You Check Your CPA Exam Scores?

The NASBA candidate portal is the official platform where CPA exam results are released.

• Log in to the NASBA candidate portal
• Select “View CPA Exam Scores”
• Check individual section results and download reports if needed

Step-by-Step Guide to the NASBA Candidate Portal

To effectively access your scores on the NASBA Candidate Portal, you should:

1. Visit NASBA portal
2. Log in with your credentials
3. Click “View CPA Exam Scores”
4. Download official score reports for Core and Discipline sections

What Are the Exceptions for California, Illinois, and Maryland State Boards?

Some states may delay the publishing of scores due to local rules.

• California, Illinois, Maryland: scores may post later than NASBA schedule

• Check your state board for official announcements

What’s the Difference Between a “Score Notice” vs. Official Performance Report?

Candidates receive both preliminary and detailed results:

• Score Notice: Provides a quick pass or fail status for the exam
• Official Performance Report: Provides a detailed report of scores for all sections of the exam

What to Expect on Score Release Day?

It’s normal for the score release day to be nerve-racking, but there is a routine that is always followed.

• A preliminary pass or fail status will be available at 10:00 AM ET
• Detailed scores follow within 1–2 days
• Monitor NASBA portal for updates

What is the 10:00 AM ET “Pass/Fail” status trick?

Many candidates would like to know the trick to getting the scores early in the morning:

• Pass/fail status often posted at 10:00 AM ET
• Official scores may be updated later

How to Deal With Delays: What If My Score Isn’t There?

Delays may happen, especially before the cutoff date:

• Check NASBA portal regularly
• If the preliminary scores are not available, it is best to wait until the official results are released rather than anticipating a different outcome.

Next Steps: Retaking a Failed Section vs. Moving to the Next Core

To plan well for what is CPA, the CPA candidates can follow the following steps:

• If there are any sections that the candidates have failed in the CPA examination, retake the sections as soon as possible.
• Take the other core and discipline exams while waiting for the CPA results.
• Be aware of the quarterly dates and plan accordingly.

Conclusion: How to Make the Right Decisions After CPA Score Release

It is stressful and can be overwhelming for the CPA candidates to wait for the CPA results. However, knowing the CPA result dates can help the candidates reduce the stress and make good decisions. In this regard, the CPA candidates can focus on the following areas:

• Track core vs. discipline schedules: Core sections release faster; discipline sections take 4–6 weeks.
• Leverage the NASBA portal efficiently: Verify scores, download reports, and track retakes.
• Understand preliminary vs. official results: score notices give pass/fail; performance reports provide details.
• Plan retakes strategically: Prioritise failed sections while scheduling the next exams.
• Consider state board exceptions: some boards (CA, IL, and MD) release scores later; follow their guidance.
• Stay proactive with timelines: Know quarterly CPA result dates and exam data file rules to avoid delays.

By learning the results process of the AICPA, keeping an eye on the AICPA score release dates, and studying for the Core and Discipline sections, a candidate may increase the likelihood of achieving timely CPA certification.

FAQs on CPA Result Dates

When are CPA scores released in 2026?

Scores will be released quarterly, with core sections released before discipline sections.

What time of day does NASBA release CPA exam results?

Preliminary pass/fail results are posted at 10:00 AM ET.

Why is my CPA score release delayed?

This could be due to the submission of scores after the “Exam Data File” cut-off or the longer processing time for the discipline sections.

Can I see my CPA score early on the NASBA portal?

No, NASBA releases scores only on scheduled AICPA score release dates.

How long are CPA exam scores valid in 2026?

The scores will be valid for 18 months after the date the first section was taken.

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