How Much Does It Cost to Take the CPA Exam?

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) offers enhanced career opportunities and earning potential. CPA licensure involves various financial commitments beyond the examination itself. Understanding these expenses upfront is crucial for financial planning. This overview details the financial landscape of obtaining and maintaining the CPA designation.

Application and Examination Fees

Initial steps toward CPA licensure involve application and examination fees. Candidates pay an application or registration fee, typically $50 to $300, directly to their jurisdiction’s Board of Accountancy or the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) to determine eligibility. This fee verifies academic credentials and qualifications. Some jurisdictions may also have a separate education evaluation application fee, ranging from $90 to $150.

Following eligibility approval, candidates must pay examination fees for each of the four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Each section typically costs around $344.80, leading to a total of approximately $1,379.20 if all four sections are passed on the first attempt. Some jurisdictions may also impose an additional registration fee per section, which can range from $15 to $150 or more. These examination fees are non-refundable, requiring careful scheduling.

Candidates receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) once fees are paid, which has a specific validity period, typically between three to six months. If an NTS expires before an exam is taken, or if a section is failed, re-examination fees become necessary. Rescheduling an exam close to the test date, generally within 30 days, can incur additional fees ranging from $35 to over $80. Retaking a failed section requires paying the full examination fee again, plus re-application and registration fees ranging from $50 to $200.

CPA Review Course Costs

Investing in a CPA review course is a substantial, though often optional, financial commitment. These courses provide comprehensive study materials, practice questions, and lectures designed to prepare individuals for the rigorous examination. While not strictly mandated, review courses are widely used to enhance preparation and improve the likelihood of passing the exam on the first attempt. The cost of these courses varies significantly based on the provider, the format, and the features included.

Self-study options range from $1,000 to $2,500. More comprehensive packages, including live online classes, in-person instruction, personalized tutoring, and adaptive learning technology, can cost anywhere from $2,500 to over $4,000. Some premium offerings can even exceed $5,000, providing extensive resources. Price factors include the duration of access to materials, whether physical textbooks or flashcards are included, and the level of instructor support or performance tracking provided.

Many review course providers offer payment plans, allowing candidates to spread the cost over several months. Discounts may also be available, such as student discounts or promotional offers. Some employers cover CPA review course costs as part of their employee benefits. This sponsorship can significantly reduce the financial burden on candidates.

Licensing and Ethics Exam Fees

Passing the Uniform CPA Examination is a major step, but additional requirements follow. After completing all four exam sections, candidates must fulfill these, often involving more costs. Many jurisdictions require passing an ethics examination, administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) or a state board, costing $150 to $320. Some jurisdictions integrate ethics content into state-specific requirements rather than a standalone exam.

Once educational, experience, and examination requirements are met, candidates apply for their initial CPA license. This application incurs a fee to the jurisdiction’s Board of Accountancy, ranging from $100 to $500. This initial licensing fee covers administrative costs. Some jurisdictions may require a background check or fingerprinting as part of this final application step, incurring an additional fee.

Maintaining CPA licensure involves recurring costs. License holders must renew their licenses annually or biennially, with fees from $50 to $300. CPAs also satisfy Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements. CPE costs vary by learning method (webinars, self-study, conferences). These expenses can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars annually, with unlimited CPE subscriptions costing $469 to $579 per year.

Jurisdictional Cost Differences

Total financial outlay for the CPA exam and licensure is not uniform across the United States. Each jurisdiction sets its own fee schedules and and requirements, leading to cost variations. While NASBA oversees the Uniform CPA Examination, individual Boards of Accountancy determine fees for initial applications, ethics exams, and licensing processes.

Initial application fees fluctuate, with some jurisdictions charging $50 and others $200 or more. Similarly, a required ethics exam can differ, ranging from $150 to over $300. Fees for initial CPA license applications and subsequent biennial or annual renewals also vary, typically $100 to $500 for initial licensure, and $50 to $300 for renewals.

These differences mean a candidate’s choice of jurisdiction influences their total cost. Prospective CPAs should consult their intended jurisdiction’s Board of Accountancy website for precise fee schedules. Some jurisdictions have unique residency requirements or educational prerequisites that, while not direct fees, add to the overall cost through additional coursework or travel, contributing to expense variability.