2020 CPA Exam Testing Windows & Score Release Dates
The CPA Exam is offered in four “testing windows.” In 2020, these testing windows are:
Q1: January 1 – March 10
Q2: April 1 – June 30
Q3: July 1 – September 10
Q4: October 1 – December 10
But remember, as of July 1 2020, testing windows will be replaced by continuous testing, allowing candidates to take the Exam year-round, other than waiting to receive scores from prior attempts of the same section or when there is a major change to the Exam.
The official CPA Exam score release dates are updated by the AICPA each year. NASBA (the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) will release CPA Exam scores to candidates and State Boards. Below, you will find the 2020 testing windows and score release dates that have been announced so far.
Q1 2020: January 1 – March 10
| If you take your Exam on or before: | Your target score release date is: |
| January 1 – 20 | February 3 |
| January 21- February 14 | February 24 |
| February 15- February 28 | March 9 |
| February 29- March 10 | March 18 |
Q2 2020: April 1 – June 11
| If you take your Exam on or before: | Your target score release date is: |
| April 1- April 20 | May 4 |
| April 21- May 15 | May 26 |
| May 16- May 31 | June 8 |
| June 1- June 30 | July 8 |
Q3 2020: July 1 – December 31
| If you take your Exam on or before: | Your target score release date is: |
| July 23 | August 7 |
| August 16 | August 25 |
| September 8 | September 16 |
| September 30 | October 9 |
| October 23 | November 10 |
| November 16 | November 24 |
| December 8 | December 16 |
| December 31 | January 12 |
2019 CPA Exam Testing Windows & Score Release Dates
There are four “testing windows” each year, and within each you’re able to sit for the CPA Exam. Below, you can see what the testing windows and score release dates were in 2019.
Q1 2019: January 1 – March 10
| If you take your Exam on or before: | Your target score release date is: |
| January 1 – 20 | February 5 |
| January 21- February 14 | February 26 |
| February 15- February 28 | March 8 |
| February 29- March 10 | March 19 |
Q2 2019: April 1 – June 10
| If you take your Exam on or before: | Your target score release date is: |
| April 1- April 20 | May 7 |
| April 21- May 15 | May 23 |
| May 16- May 31 | June 11 |
| June 1- June 10 | June 19 |
Q3 2019: July 1 – September 10
| If you take your Exam on or before: | Your target score release date is: |
| July 1- July 20 | August 6 |
| July 21- August 14 | August 22 |
| August 15- August 31 | September 10 |
| September 1- September 10 | September 19 |
Q4 2019: October 1 – December 10
| If you take your Exam on or before: | Your target score release date is: |
| October 1- October 20 | November 5 |
| October 21- November 14 | November 22 |
| November 15- November 30 | December 10 |
| December 1- December 11 | December 19 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to take the exam?
Candidates must complete a thorough CPA Exam application process. To make that a little easier, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the CPA Exam.
How do I schedule an exam?
The CPA exam is administered at Prometric Testing Centers. To schedule your exam, have your NTS handy and visit prometric.com. You can choose the testing center most convenient for you by using the location tool provided during scheduling. As described above, there are specific testing windows each quarter. The CPA Exam is typically not administered during the last month of every quarter, so be sure to plan accordingly. Learn more about this process in our step-by-step guide on how to apply for the CPA Exam.
How are the testing windows and score release dates determined?
The testing windows and official CPA Exam score release dates are determined by the AICPA each year. Check back with Surgent for the latest information on testing windows and score release dates.
Where do I get my CPA Exam results?
For most candidates, Prometric sends Exam data files to the AICPA within 24 hours after you complete testing. Exam data files received after the AICPA cutoff dates will be bumped to the subsequent scheduled target score release date. If you take the BEC section, you might receive your score approximately one week following the target release date due to additional analysis that may be required for the written communication tasks. In some states, NASBA releases CPA Exam scores directly to candidates. In other states, the scores go through the state boards, who in turn release them to candidates. Check with your state board to verify the process in your state.
