CPA Exam Prep Course Discounts & Promo Codes in 2026

Enjoy $1,249 off when you purchase the Gleim CPA traditional course. Enjoy product inclusions such as a full-length, fully simulated mock exam for every section, and more! Valid for a limited time only.

Visit UWorld and save $1,600 on the CPA Elite-Unlimited Course at checkout. Valid for a limited time only!

If you’re struggling to fit your favorite CPA prep course into your budget or you just want to see if you can save some of your money for a rainy day, we’ve got the best CPA review course discounts for you. These promotions have been gathered from the top-rated CPA exam prep companies that offer the most effective CPA study materials on the market today.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these amazing deals!

These are the Best CPA Review Courses & Discounts in [y]:

[discountcode show_sorting="yes" pin="becker-cpa-review-promo-codes,gleim-cpa-promo-codes,uworld-cpa,surgent-cpa-promo-codes"]

If you want to land a rewarding job at one of the big 4 accounting firms, you’re going to have to hit the books. The best way to ensure you become an asset so valuable that one of the big 4 has to hire you is to master everything there is to know about public accounting.

There’s just one problem: this process can be very expensive.

If you’re studying to become a CPA and taking it seriously, you’re going to need a CPA exam review course. Although they’re definitely worth the money, and many providers offer helpful financing options, the truth of the matter is that these courses don’t come cheap.

Preparing for the CPA exam can raise a lot of questions when you are trying to understand exam sections, eligibility requirements, scoring rules, and scheduling timelines. The Uniform CPA Examination is required for CPA licensure in all U.S. jurisdictions, but policies vary by state board of accountancy. The exam is developed by the AICPA, administered by NASBA, and delivered at Prometric testing centers.

As an exam and test prep reviewer, I know how overwhelming this process can feel when you are trying to piece together information from multiple sources. In this guide, I break down the most common CPA exam FAQs, including sections, eligibility, fees, scoring, and what it takes to pass all four parts.

Understanding the Basics: Format, Sections, Time, and Structure

What are the four sections of the CPA exam?

The CPA exam includes three Core sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxation and Regulation (REG). You must also choose one Discipline section: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). All four sections must be passed to complete the examination requirement.

How is each CPA exam section structured?

Each section is divided into five testlets. The first two testlets contain multiple-choice questions, and the final three contain task-based simulations. You must submit each testlet before moving to the next.

How many questions are on a CPA exam section?

Each section includes multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations, with a total that varies slightly by section. However, all sections are designed to test both knowledge and application within a four-hour time limit.

Is the CPA exam taken on a computer?

Yes. The CPA exam is fully computer-based and administered at Prometric testing centers. Candidates complete all multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations using the exam software provided at the testing site.

How long is each CPA exam section?

Each section is four hours long. You may take optional breaks between testlets, and one standardized break does not reduce testing time. Any additional breaks will count against your remaining time.

Eligibility Requirements and Education Rules

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the CPA exam?

Eligibility requirements are established by each state board of accountancy. Most states require a bachelor’s degree and a specific number of accounting and business credit hours. Exact coursework and credit requirements vary by jurisdiction.

Can I take the CPA exam before completing 150 credit hours?

Some states allow candidates to sit for the CPA exam before completing 150 total credit hours. Other states require full educational eligibility before testing. You should verify your state’s rules before applying.

What is the 150-credit-hour requirement?

Most states require 150 total college credit hours to obtain a CPA license. This requirement typically exceeds the standard 120-credit-hour bachelor’s degree. Additional coursework or a graduate degree is often needed to meet this threshold.

Do I need work experience before taking the CPA exam?

Work experience is generally required for CPA licensure rather than for sitting for the exam. Many states allow candidates to take the exam before completing experience requirements. The type and length of required experience vary by jurisdiction.

Can I transfer CPA exam credits to another state?

In many cases, past CPA exam credits can be transferred between jurisdictions. However, licensure requirements such as education and experience may differ. Candidates should confirm transfer and reciprocity rules with the new state board.

Registration, Scheduling, and Fees

How do I apply for and schedule the CPA exam?

Candidates apply through their state board of accountancy or the CPA Examination Services. After approval, they receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS), which authorizes them to book an exam appointment. Scheduling is completed through the Prometric website.

What is a Notice to Schedule (NTS)?

A Notice to Schedule is an authorization document required to book a CPA exam section. It lists the approved section(s) and is valid for a limited time period. Candidates must test before the NTS expiration date.

What happens if my Notice to Schedule expires?

If your NTS expires before you sit for the exam section, you must submit a new application. Additional fees are typically required to reapply. You cannot schedule or sit for an exam without a valid NTS.

What fees will I pay to take the CPA exam?

CPA exam costs generally include an application fee, registration fee, and examination fee for each section. Fees vary by state and can differ slightly by section. Additional charges may apply for rescheduling or retaking a section.

Can I schedule the CPA exam year-round?

Core sections are offered year-round under a continuous testing model. Discipline sections are available during designated quarterly windows. Availability ultimately depends on the Prometric testing center capacity.

Scoring, Pass Rates, and Difficulty

What score do I need to pass a CPA exam section?

CPA exam scores range from 0 to 99, and a score of 75 or higher is required to pass each section. The score is scaled rather than a simple percentage of correct answers. Each section must be passed individually. Here are some tips to pass the CPA exam.

How are CPA exam scores calculated?

Scores are based on weighted performance on multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. The weighting varies by section but reflects both knowledge and application skills. Final results are reported as scaled scores to ensure consistency across different versions of the exam.

When will I receive my CPA exam score?

Score release follows a schedule published by NASBA and the AICPA. Candidates access their scores through the CPA portal once results are posted. Release timing depends on when the exam section was completed.

How difficult is the CPA exam?

The CPA exam is considered challenging due to its technical depth and broad coverage of accounting topics. Historical CPA exam pass rates typically range between 40 and 60 percent, depending on the section. Success largely depends on preparation quality and study consistency.

Can I request a score review if I disagree with my result?

Some jurisdictions allow candidates to request a score review for an additional fee. The process involves verifying scoring accuracy rather than regrading responses. Score changes following a review are uncommon.

Studying for the CPA Exam

How long should I study for each CPA exam section?

Most candidates study between 80 and 120 hours per section, depending on background and schedule. Consistent weekly study sessions are more effective than cramming. The exact time required varies based on familiarity with the material.

How should I create a CPA exam study plan?

Start by reviewing the exam blueprint for your section and mapping out topics by week. Set realistic study goals based on your exam date and available time. Structured planning helps ensure complete coverage of tested content.

Are practice exams and task-based simulations necessary?

Yes. Practice exams improve time management and pacing, while task-based simulations strengthen applied knowledge. Regular simulation practice reduces surprises on test day.

What can I do if I keep struggling with certain topics?

Review performance reports and identify weak content areas. Focused review, additional practice questions, and concept reinforcement can improve retention. Breaking complex topics into smaller sections often helps.

Should I take a CPA exam prep course?

Many candidates choose to use one of the best CPA review courses for guided instruction, practice questions, and task-based simulations. Prep courses can provide organized study plans, performance tracking, and detailed answer explanations. Whether a course is necessary depends on your learning style, background in accounting, and ability to self-study effectively.

After You Pass the CPA Exam or If You Do Not

What happens after I pass all four CPA exam sections?

After passing all four sections within the allowed timeframe, you must complete any remaining state licensure requirements. These often include documented work experience and, in many jurisdictions, an ethics exam. Your CPA license is issued only after all requirements are approved by your state board of accountancy.

Do I automatically become a CPA after passing the exam?

No. Passing the exam satisfies the examination requirement, but licensure also requires meeting education and experience standards. You must submit a separate licensure application through your state board. Then you'll be a CPA ready to work.

What if I fail a CPA exam section?

If you do not earn a passing score of 75, you may retake that section. You will need to reapply for that section and pay the required fees before scheduling again.

How soon can I retake a failed section?

Retake eligibility depends on your jurisdiction and score release timing. Once your score is released and you are eligible, you may reapply and schedule the section again.

What happens if I do not pass all four sections within 30 months?

If the rolling 30-month window expires, credit for your earliest passed section may expire. You would need to retake any expired sections to complete the examination requirement.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is a lot to understand before you even sit for your first section. From exam structure and eligibility rules to scheduling and scoring, the details can feel overwhelming at first. That is why knowing the answers to these common FAQs matters. Once you understand the process, becoming a CPA is far less intimidating. The CPA exam is demanding, but it is also temporary. The knowledge, confidence, and CPA license you earn at the end can shape your career for decades.

If you’re struggling to fit your favorite CPA prep course into your budget or you just want to see if you can save some of your money for a rainy day, we’ve got the best CPA review course discounts for you. These promotions have been gathered from the top-rated CPA exam prep companies that offer the most effective CPA study materials on the market today.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these amazing deals!

These are the Best CPA Review Courses & Discounts in [y]:

[discountcode show_sorting="yes" pin="becker-cpa-review-promo-codes,gleim-cpa-promo-codes,uworld-cpa,surgent-cpa-promo-codes"]

If you want to land a rewarding job at one of the big 4 accounting firms, you’re going to have to hit the books. The best way to ensure you become an asset so valuable that one of the big 4 has to hire you is to master everything there is to know about public accounting.

There’s just one problem: this process can be very expensive.

If you’re studying to become a CPA and taking it seriously, you’re going to need a CPA exam review course. Although they’re definitely worth the money, and many providers offer helpful financing options, the truth of the matter is that these courses don’t come cheap.

If you’re struggling to fit your favorite CPA prep course into your budget or you just want to see if you can save some of your money for a rainy day, we’ve got the best CPA review course discounts for you. These promotions have been gathered from the top-rated CPA exam prep companies that offer the most effective CPA study materials on the market today.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these amazing deals!

These are the Best CPA Review Courses & Discounts in [y]:

[discountcode show_sorting="yes" pin="becker-cpa-review-promo-codes,gleim-cpa-promo-codes,uworld-cpa,surgent-cpa-promo-codes"]

If you want to land a rewarding job at one of the big 4 accounting firms, you’re going to have to hit the books. The best way to ensure you become an asset so valuable that one of the big 4 has to hire you is to master everything there is to know about public accounting.

There’s just one problem: this process can be very expensive.

If you’re studying to become a CPA and taking it seriously, you’re going to need a CPA exam review course. Although they’re definitely worth the money, and many providers offer helpful financing options, the truth of the matter is that these courses don’t come cheap.

If you’re struggling to fit your favorite CPA prep course into your budget or you just want to see if you can save some of your money for a rainy day, we’ve got the best CPA review course discounts for you. These promotions have been gathered from the top-rated CPA exam prep companies that offer the most effective CPA study materials on the market today.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these amazing deals!

These are the Best CPA Review Courses & Discounts in [y]:

[discountcode show_sorting="yes" pin="becker-cpa-review-promo-codes,gleim-cpa-promo-codes,uworld-cpa,surgent-cpa-promo-codes"]

If you want to land a rewarding job at one of the big 4 accounting firms, you’re going to have to hit the books. The best way to ensure you become an asset so valuable that one of the big 4 has to hire you is to master everything there is to know about public accounting.

There’s just one problem: this process can be very expensive.

If you’re studying to become a CPA and taking it seriously, you’re going to need a CPA exam review course. Although they’re definitely worth the money, and many providers offer helpful financing options, the truth of the matter is that these courses don’t come cheap.