In a world where answers and results have come to be expected instantaneously, it’s hard to wait. But if you’ve taken or are expecting to take your CPA Exam this year, waiting for your score is normal and ensures an accurate scoring process.
Last year’s big overhaul of the CPA Exam caused delays in reporting scores, but this year you can expect more efficiency and a shorter window between taking the CPA Exam and receiving your score.
“Because there was a lot of new content introduced on the exam, we have to make sure we have the necessary data to ensure items are performing accurately and reliably,” said Joseph Maslott, associate director ̶ content management at the AICPA®. “That takes time.”
The importance of score holds
In 2024, the CPA Exam saw its biggest change in 20 years with the launch of the Core and Discipline model, where candidates can choose a discipline that aligns with their interests, strengths, education and experience.
“This is such a different model that expectations of the past really don’t apply,” said Maslott. “It takes time to evaluate and review items that are new to make sure that they are accurate and fair for all candidates. We’re taking extreme care to make sure this high-stakes exam is absolutely graded fairly and accurately.”
Score holds are a temporary delay in releasing final scores and are common practice for high-stakes licensure exams. Some candidates may find these holds an inconvenience, but they are critical to exam fairness, consistency and statistical validation.
After major changes, score holds are vital to performing the additional analysis needed to ensure that exam questions are performing as intended, that candidate scores are evaluated adequately and that there is ample time to review scores. Maslott added that the implementation of the Core and Discipline sections greatly changed the testing and scoring models.
Scoring accuracy is given a high level of importance — the AICPA performs multiple quality assurance reviews to see to it that your hard work is given the respect it’s due.
CPA Exam results: What to expect in 2025
After a successful first year with the implemented changes, you can expect a shorter wait to receive your Core section scores.
“Because of the diligence and careful approach we took in 2024 … the Core sections are available with continuous testing in 2025 and candidates will receive their scores very quickly,” said Maslott.
To address the expiration of the 18-month credit extension from the launch of CPA Evolution, we have added a Discipline Exam testing window for June 2025. You’ll have five windows this year to schedule and take the exam for your chosen Discipline section; you can plan accordingly based on the target score-release dates. This metered approach helps with consistency and fairness of candidates’ scores.
CPA Exam scores are released on a rolling basis throughout the year; the target release dates give you an estimated timeline of when to receive your score after sitting for an exam section. You can plan accordingly and find out when to expect your CPA Exam score.
Wait times needn’t deter your study plans. With the opportunity to take exam sections in any order and the flexibility to reschedule as needed, you have unprecedented control over your testing journey.
Set yourself up for success and plan your CPA Exam testing accordingly with AICPA’s 2025 testing schedule.