Finding out how much the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam costs should be one of your first priorities if you want to pursue that career path. Being a certified public accountant is a big step in your career, and it comes with a price tag. There are a lot of expenses that prospective CPAs need to account for when planning their budgets, such as application fees and study materials.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over the cost of the CPA exam in 2025, how the fees vary from state to state, and some ways to save money.
What Is the Certified Public Accountant Exam Is?
For those seeking to become certified public accountants, the rigorous four-part CPA exam is given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Included in the four parts are:
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Evaluating and Verifying, or AUD
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BEC: Business Environment and Concepts
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Financial Accounting Reports (FAR)
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Rules and regulations
In order to get a licence, candidates need to finish all four parts within 18 months. Each part evaluates a different set of accounting-related ideas, ethics, and practical application skills.
An Outline of the Entire CPA Exam Fee
The total cost of the Certified Public Accountant exam can vary from one state to another due to the fact that it is comprised of multiple components. However, in the United States, the typical candidate spends $2,000 to $4,000 to complete the CPA exam process.
The primary expenses are summarised below:
| Cost Component | Average (USD) |
|---|---|
| Fees for applications | $50 to $200 |
| The four sections of the exam | Between $900 and $1,200 |
| Costs of Registration | $75–$300 |
| Review for Certified Public Accountants | Over $1,000 |
| Ethical Assessment (if required) | $100 to $200 |
| Certified Public Accountant Fee | $50 to $500 |
Evaluating the CPA Exam Expenses in Detail
1. The Cost of the Application
You should expect to pay the application fee first. This charge will cover the cost of processing your application to determine if you are eligible to take the Certified Public Accountant exam. Depending on the state board of accounting, fees can vary from $50 to $200.
2. Certified Public Accountant Exam Costs
The AICPA charges a fee for each section of the exam. Section prices will normally range from $225 to $250 by 2025. Consequently, the total cost of all four parts will be around $900 to $1,000.
Because retaking a section costs money in some jurisdictions, passing all of the sections on your first try can save you a tonne of money.
3. Fees for Registration
A registration fee is due when you plan to take the Certified Public Accountant test in more than one section. You may be charged a flat rate by some state boards, and another flat rate by others, depending on how many sections you sign up for. The usual range for these expenses is $75 to $300.
To save money, schedule multiple sections at once. But hurry, you have to take all of them within six months or you’ll have to pay again.
Costs Not Involved With Certified Public Accountants
4. CPA Review Courses
Getting a passing score on the CPA test without a study course is quite difficult. Prepare for your exams with the help of these programs, which provide personalised study plans, video lectures, and practice exams. The price of CPA review courses can vary substantially, from $1,000 to over $3,000, depending on the provider and the package you choose.
Publicly recognised resources for CPA evaluations include:
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Assessing Becker CPA
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Evaluation of Urgent CPA
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Roger CPA Review
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Gleim CPA Review
In order to improve your chances of passing the CPA exam on your first try, investing in a reliable review course is often considered essential.
5. Cost of Ethics Exam
A second ethics exam is required by some states before a certified public accountant can be granted a license. Taking this AICPA test can cost anywhere from $100 to $200. Get in touch with the local state board to find out if this is required.
6. Costs of CPA Certification
After completing all of the necessary steps, including passing the CPA exam and gaining work experience, you are then eligible to apply for your licence. CPA licensing fees vary from $50 to $500 per state.
Fees for Supplemental or Undisclosed CPA Tests
Possible supplementary costs beyond the main fees are as follows:
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Foreign applicants in need of a transcript evaluation can take advantage of the NASBA International Evaluation Services (NIES) for a price ranging from $225 to $300.
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There may be a fee to reschedule your exam, but the exact amount will depend on how near your test date is.
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Continuing Professional Education (CPE): Once a certified public accountant has their license, they are obligated to attend CPE classes annually. The yearly expense for these might be in the hundreds of dollars.
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If your testing site is far from your home, you may need to budget for transportation, housing, and food.
Different States’ CPA Exam Fees
Since each state issues its own CPA license, the exam fee can differ substantially from one to the next. As an example:
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California: The total cost of the exam is around $1,000, plus $250 for the application and registration fees.
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Texas: Increased background checks and fingerprinting in Texas has led to higher overall expenses.
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Florida: The application and registration fees in Florida are notoriously low.
Always verify with the State Board of Accountancy in your state for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
A Guide to Taking the CPA Exam at a Lower Cost
Although there are ways to reduce the overall cost of becoming a certified public accountant, it does require investment:
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Try to get some money by applying for scholarships
Discounts and scholarships are offered by many state CPA societies to candidates for the CPA exam. Ask around in your neighbourhood. -
Use Your Employer-Provided Benefits
Find out whether your accounting firm will pay for your CPA exam, reimburse you for your tuition, or offer a bonus if you pass. -
Combining exam sections can help you save money on registration fees
Registering for multiple exam sections at once can help you save money, but be sure you have enough time to complete each one. -
Utilise Less Expensive or Free Study Resources
Try looking for CPA review course free trials, discounts, or YouTube channels that offer study tips and video content. -
Conquer the test with ease
Retakes can be quite pricey. By putting in the necessary work and making good use of review materials, you can save money and avoid having to pay for sections twice.
Is Taking the Certified Public Accountant Exam Worth the Money?
Although the CPA exam may appear expensive at first, it is essential to view it as an investment in your future. Certified public accountants earn significantly more than their non-certified counterparts throughout the duration of their professional careers. A certified public accountant (CPA) can work their way up the corporate ladder, into leadership roles, or even in government.
The average annual salary for a certified public accountant in the United States is 10–15% higher than that of an uncertified accountant. When added up over a 30-year career, this can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional income.
Last but Not Least, Be Prudent With Your Finances and Have a Strategy
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam is more than a means to an end—it’s a stepping stone to a highly esteemed credential in the fields of accounting and finance. To make the journey to certified public accountant more bearable, it’s a good idea to make a budget, identify all of the costs involved, and seek out ways to save money.
If you are truly committed to a career in accounting, you shouldn’t let the expense deter you. With diligent study and dedication, earning the Certified Public Accountant credential can pay off handsomely for decades.