How Much Do the CPA Exams Really Cost?

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential signifies expertise and ethical conduct in the accounting profession, opening diverse career opportunities. Pursuing this designation requires navigating a rigorous examination process. While many prospective candidates initially focus on direct exam fees, the financial commitment extends beyond these immediate costs. Understanding the full spectrum of expenses is important for proper financial planning.

Core Examination Fees

Core examination fees are paid for each section of the Uniform CPA Examination. This exam has four distinct sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Regulation (REG), and one of three Discipline sections (Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)). The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) sets recommended fees for these sections, generally ranging from $260 to $350 per section. These fees cover the operational expenses of administering the exams, including computer seat time at Prometric testing centers, grading, and security measures.

A candidate who passes all four sections on their first attempt incurs examination fees totaling approximately $1,050 to $1,400. However, it is common for individuals to need multiple attempts to pass certain sections. Each retake requires paying the full examination fee again, which significantly increases the overall expense. Candidates may also face rescheduling fees if they need to change a confirmed exam appointment. Rescheduling within 6 to 29 days of the exam date incurs a fee of around $35, while changes within five days or less may require paying a higher fee, sometimes equivalent to the full exam section cost.

Application and Registration Fees

In addition to examination fees, candidates must account for initial application and ongoing registration fees. These fees are typically paid to the state Board of Accountancy or NASBA to establish and maintain eligibility to take the CPA Exam. The initial application fee, a one-time charge to verify a candidate’s educational qualifications, generally ranges from $20 to $200. This processing fee ensures that an applicant meets the specific academic requirements mandated by the jurisdiction where they seek licensure.

Once initial eligibility is established, candidates pay registration fees for each section they intend to schedule. NASBA recommends a registration fee of approximately $93 per section, but actual costs can vary, with some jurisdictions charging between $40 and $200. Upon payment, a Notice to Schedule (NTS) is issued, which is a mandatory document required to book an appointment at a Prometric testing center. The NTS has an expiration date, ranging from 90 days to nine months. If a candidate does not take the exam before this date, they may need to reapply and pay additional fees to obtain a new NTS.

Additional Costs for Licensure

After passing all four sections of the CPA Exam, candidates incur additional expenses to obtain their CPA license. A common requirement in many jurisdictions is the completion of an ethics examination or course. The cost for the AICPA self-study ethics exam, widely accepted in numerous states, typically ranges from $250 to $320. Some jurisdictions may have their own specific ethics exam, which could have a different fee, such as approximately $150 for California’s Professional Ethics for Accountants (PETH) exam.

Following the ethics requirement, individuals must pay an initial CPA license application fee to their respective state Board of Accountancy. This fee can vary significantly, generally falling between $100 and $500, depending on the jurisdiction. Some states might have separate fees for the initial license application and the actual issuance of the license. Maintaining the CPA license also requires ongoing Continuing Professional Education (CPE) to ensure practitioners remain current with accounting standards and regulations. These CPE requirements can lead to annual costs, ranging from $329 to $799 for courses and materials.

CPA Exam Review Courses and Study Materials

CPA exam review courses and study materials represent a substantial financial investment for most candidates. These resources are widely considered necessary for effective preparation and success on the Uniform CPA Examination. Review courses offer comprehensive study plans, extensive banks of practice questions and simulations, video lectures, and sometimes personalized coaching or adaptive learning technology. These structured programs aim to equip candidates with the in-depth knowledge and test-taking strategies required to pass each section.

The cost of a comprehensive CPA review course package typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. This wide range reflects various options, from self-study materials to full-service programs that include extensive support and access periods. Some premium packages, such as those from Becker CPA Review, can even reach up to $5,999, while more budget-friendly options, like NINJA CPA Review, offer monthly subscriptions around $67. Investing in a quality review course can potentially reduce the need for costly re-examinations by increasing the likelihood of passing sections on the first attempt.