The AICPA CPA Exam release dates set the official schedule for when each section of the Uniform CPA Examination becomes available to candidates. Understanding these dates helps you plan study timelines, application steps, and exam center availability.
Exam boards coordinate release windows with testing vendors to balance candidate volume, technology readiness, and seasonal demand across multiple jurisdictions. Below is a quick reference to typical patterns, followed by deeper guidance for each major phase.
| Exam Section | Typical Release Month | Primary Scheduling Window | Notes for Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auditing and Attestation (AUD) | January, May, September | 16-day window | Released on the first business day of the month at 8:00 am ET |
| Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) | February, June, October | 16-day window | May include written communication tasks |
| Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) | March, July, November | 16-day window | Considered the most content-heavy section |
| Regulation (REG) | April, August, December | 16-day window | Tax and law focus; released on the first business day |
Understanding CPA Exam Release Calendar Patterns
Each section of the CPA Exam follows a predictable release calendar issued by the AICBA and administered by NASBA. These standardized windows allow candidates to anticipate when new Exam content will appear in their preferred testing windows.
The quarterly schedule aligns with the broader Exam administration model that prioritizes consistency, giving you predictable planning points for study blocks and application submissions. Aligning your prep with the official release timeframes reduces last-minute uncertainty.
Eligibility and Application Timing Around Release Dates
Meeting state board eligibility requirements is essential before you can benefit from each release. Application windows often open several weeks before the Exam release dates, and processing times vary by jurisdiction.
Track your state board deadlines, transcript submissions, and any additional documentation well in advance. Delays in approval can push back your ability to schedule, even when the Exam itself becomes available on the published timeline.
Scheduling Within the 16-Day Testing Window
Once a section is released, you must schedule your appointment within a 16-day window that begins shortly after the official release. The specific dates shift slightly each quarter to distribute test traffic evenly across centers.
High-demand locations tend to fill quickly, especially near the start of the window. Early scheduling gives you better choice of location, date, and time while minimizing the risk of seat unavailability close to your target window.
Score Release and Next Steps After Testing
After you complete a section, AICPA score release dates follow a consistent pattern, typically about one to two weeks after the close of the testing window. Your score report highlights performance by discipline, helping you identify strengths and areas that may need review.
Use these score insights to sequence subsequent sections strategically. Many candidates plan their order to balance difficult topics with personal strengths, ensuring steady momentum toward meeting the overall passing requirements.
Planning Your CPA Exam Journey Around Release Dates
Strategic planning around the AICPA CPA Exam release dates can streamline your path to becoming a licensed CPA. Use these key points as a guide for building a sustainable, predictable study and testing schedule.
- Track the quarterly release calendar for AUD, BEC, FAR, and REG to align study plans with availability.
- Complete state board eligibility steps early to avoid delays once a section is released.
- Schedule your test appointment as soon as the 16-day window opens to secure preferred dates and locations.
- Use score feedback to refine content focus and sequencing for the next section.
- Coordinate work and personal commitments during the testing window to maintain consistent progress.
FAQ
Reader questions
When exactly will each CPA Exam section be released in 2025?
The 2025 CPA Exam release dates follow the standard quarterly pattern, with AUD, BEC, FAR, and REG each opening on the first business day of January, February, March, and April respectively, and repeating in May through August and September through December.
Can I take all four sections back-to-back right after release?
Yes, many candidates schedule consecutive days or a tightly spaced block during the 16-day window after each release, provided they meet state board rules and feel prepared for each content area.
What happens if I miss the 16-day scheduling window for a released section?
You will need to wait for the next quarterly release of that section, which may delay your overall path to licensure, so monitor your state board timelines and book as early as possible once scheduling opens.
Do score release dates affect future release windows for subsequent sections?
Score release dates do not shift Exam release dates; each quarter’s schedule is fixed in advance based on the standard calendar, independent of when individual candidates receive their results.