CPA Exam Score Release 2026: Core and Discipline Dates, Portal Checks and Delays

CPA Exam score release dates are target dates, not guarantees

NASBA explains that CPA Exam scores are released after the AICPA scores and processes an exam data file and NASBA posts the result for participating jurisdictions. The published calendar uses target dates. That means a date is the expected release point, but it is not a promise that every candidate will see a score at the same minute.

2026 Core score-release schedule

For AUD, FAR and REG, the current late-2026 schedule says that exam data received by September 7 targets a September 15 release; data received by September 30 targets October 9; October 23 targets November 10; November 15 targets November 24; December 8 targets December 16; and December 31 targets January 12, 2027.

Discipline sections use a different schedule

BAR, ISC and TCP are not on the same cadence as the Core sections. The July 1-31, 2026 Discipline testing window targeted September 11 for score release. The next Discipline window is October 1-31, with a December 15 target release. Candidates should therefore avoid applying a Core release date to a Discipline section.

Where to look for your score

NASBA says most participating jurisdictions post scores in the NASBA Candidate Portal. Some jurisdictions use their board process instead, so your jurisdiction matters. NASBA also notes that after an advisory score is posted, the official score notice is generally available within about 72 hours.

Why a score can appear later than expected

The target schedule is based on when the AICPA receives your exam data file from Prometric. A file received after the cutoff may fall into the next release cycle. Additional processing or quality checks can also affect timing. If another candidate sees a result before you do, that does not by itself mean your result is missing or failed.

What to do on release day

1. Sign in to the official NASBA Candidate Portal or your jurisdiction's designated system.
2. Check the exact section code before interpreting the result.
3. Save your score notice when it becomes available.
4. If this is your final section, check your board's credit and licensure steps.
5. If the score does not appear, recheck the official status before relying on social media reports.

How long do CPA Exam scores take?

There is no single fixed number of days because the 2026 calendar is tied to administration windows and data-file cutoffs. The safest planning method is to start with your test date, identify the applicable Core or Discipline cutoff, and then use the corresponding target release date.

Credit-expiration planning

NASBA states that if you take your final exam section before an existing credit expires and later receive a passing score, the earlier credit is not lost merely because the final score posts after the credit-expiration date. Jurisdiction rules still control your record, so verify any borderline timing directly with your board.

FAQ

Are CPA score release dates guaranteed?

No. NASBA describes them as target dates that may change.

Are scores released state by state?

AICPA and NASBA do not publish a state-by-state release order.

Can NASBA release a score early?

No. NASBA cannot release a result before it has received and processed the official score from the AICPA.