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Whether you’re ready to sign up or you're simply contemplating the idea, many people wonder how much the CPA exam costs
The CPA exam fee structure can be a bit confusing to some people. We are going to take all of the mystery out of it by breaking down all the costs and fees associated with taking the CPA exam, along with information about notices to schedule. By the end of this article you should have a good idea how much your exam will cost you if you pass on the first try, and how much retests and reschedules cost.
How Much Does It Cost To Take The CPA Exam?
The short answer, though frustrating, is that CPA exam costs and fees vary from state to state. Fees depend completely upon the jurisdiction where you want to become licensed.
However, knowing approximately what will be due, together with payment deadlines, can be valuable information. Here are some average ranges:
Application Fee: $50-$200
Registration Fee: approximately $96 per section (varies by state)
Exam Fee: approximately $263 per section (set by NASBA, consistent nationally)
As stated above, some of the fees will vary by state. You will see these variances particularly in the application fees and registration fees. The application fee is a one-time fee to obtain your authorization to test.
The registration fees may be for all four modules, or each module may have a different price. The exam fee is set by the jurisdictional testing authority (i.e. state board of accountancy) and can fluctuate year to year at their discretion.
Sample CPA costs 2026
The application and registration fees are the fees that everyone must pay at least once. Many people are unable to pass one or more modules on their first attempt and must reapply to take the module over.
If this is the case with your test, you will likely need to pay a reapplication fee, which will often be discounted significantly from the initial application fee.
You will be required to pay the application fee every time you need to refresh your authorization to test (ATT) notice. Your authorization to test will be valid for 30 months.
What Happens If I Miss My CPA Exam?
If you are able to, reschedule it. You will still have a small fee to deal with, but you will not lose your notice to reschedule. You simply need to contact NASBA within 48 hours of the missed exam, and they will allow you to reapply for a new notice to schedule.
If you are unable to pass all modules inside of the first 30-month period, you will need to start from scratch and a new cycle of 30 months will begin.
CPA Exam Rescheduling Fee
If you need to reschedule your CPA exam, the fees will vary based on how close you are to your test date. If you are over 30 days from your test date, there is no associated rescheduling fee.
If you are between 30 and 5 days from your exam date, there will be a $35 fee, and if you are 4 days or less from the exam date, then the full course fee must be paid to reschedule. Within 24 hours there is no option to reschedule.
How Much Do CPA Exam Courses Cost?
There are some paid courses out there that are specifically geared to get you ready to take your CPA exam. They range in price from about $1,500 to nearly $4,000, depending on how long you need it and what you need it to do for you.
One course worth serious consideration is Gleim CPA Review, which has the largest test bank available for the CPA exam. Their flagship Mega Test Bank includes over 12,000 questions across all six sections, giving you more practice material than any other course on the market. Beyond the test bank, Gleim includes video lectures, audio reviews you can take on the go, a digital textbook, and a customizable study planner that adapts to your schedule and targets your weak areas.
Gleim pricing ranges from approximately $2,500 to $3,500 MSRP, depending on the package tier. If raw practice volume is your primary prep strategy, and for most candidates it should be, Gleim is built around that approach.
For further reference, our team of experts has purchased and reviewed the best CPA test prep courses on the market today. To aid in your quest for the best prep course for you, check out our Best CPA Review Courses here.
👉 For more study strategies and info on the CPA exam, visit our CPA Strategy Center
FAQ
How much does the CPA exam cost?
There are a number of variables in determining how much the CPA exam costs, with none bigger than the state in which you plan to become licensed. Your state board of accountancy sets most fees associated with CPA exam licensure, and it can fluctuate wildly state to state.
What does the CPA exam cost in California?
To take the CPA exam in California, there is an initial application fee of $100. Fees paid to NASBA for all four sections total approximately $1,062. Plus, there are other various fees as well. In short, expect to pay more than $1,100 in fees to sit for the CPA exam in California
