CPA 2026 Changes
Starting 2026, AICPA conducts the CPA exam every month — more flexibility, a new exam structure, and a revised licensure pathway.
What's Changing in 2026
Starting 2026, AICPA will conduct the CPA exam every month, offering more flexibility for aspirants.
AICPA & NASBA will remove the 150 credit hour requirement. Under the new pathway, candidates need only:
- 120 credit hours — Bachelor's degree
- 2 years of relevant professional experience
- CPA Exam pass
2026 Exam Dates
| # | Exam Date | Result Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 23 | February 10 |
| 2 | February 14 | February 24 |
| 3 | March 9 | March 17 |
| 4 | March 31 | April 9 |
| 5 | April 23 | May 7 |
| 6 | May 16 | May 27 |
| 7 | June 8 | June 16 |
| 8 | June 30 | July 10 |
| 9 | July 23 | August 7 |
| 10 | August 15 | August 25 |
| 11 | September 7 | September 15 |
| 12 | September 30 | October 9 |
| 13 | October 23 | November 10 |
| 14 | November 15 | November 24 |
| 15 | December 8 | December 16 |
| 16 | December 31 | January 12 |
| # | Exam Window | Result Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 1 – 31 | March 13 |
| 2 | April 1 – 30 | June 16 |
| 3 | July 1 – 31 | September 11 |
| 4 | October 1 – 31 | December 15 |
Core — 16 windows/year, results within ~10 days
Elective — 4 windows/year (quarterly), results in ~6 weeks
Important Notes
Elective exam windows are comparatively fewer than core windows. It's advisable to watch recorded sessions and prepare well in advance to avoid missing a quarter.
Results are released every month for core subjects. Be more careful while planning elective exams — the results waiting time is longer and the number of exam windows is limited.
For Q2 2026 only, AICPA may adjust testing and score release dates to accommodate credit extensions through June 30, 2026. Keep an eye on official AICPA communications.