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CPA Exam Testing Windows and Blackout Months
Since CPA testing windows have changed, I thought it would be nice to have a post to explain how they work.
Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of confusion online about CPA Exam windows in 2024. After all, the old CPA Exam windows followed a different approach with the introduction of CPA continuous testing that started in 2020. And then from 2020 to 2023, the CPA Exam blackout dates were eliminated. However, now that the 2024 CPA Exam changes are here, the exam will have a few blackout dates.
So in this article, I’ll start with some context history about CPA Exam timing windows and how they’ve changed. Then, I’ll cover the important new concept of a CPA Exam window and address CPA Exam 2024 blackout dates and if you can retake a CPA Exam in the same window. And finally, I’ll give you the 2024 CPA Exam dates that scores will be released for the 2024 CPA Exam windows.
CPA Exam Test Windows – The History
Starting the CPA journey is never easy. You need to figure out whether the CPA title is worth it, how to apply, and where to apply. Plus, you need to review how to study or what review course to use.
The good news is that scheduling the exam is still very flexible. So before we go any further about CPA Exam test dates, let’s review how the idea of a CPA Exam testing window has changed.
CPA Exam test windows 2020 and prior
Prior to the new rules in 2020, CPA candidates could only sit for the exam during “CPA testing windows.” Normally, the windows followed a predictable pattern. Basically, candidates could take the exam during the first two months of each quarter.
In other words, the CPA Exam test windows for 2020 and prior were:
- 1st Quarter: January to March 10
- 2nd Quarter: April 1 to June 10
- 3rd Quarter: July 1 to September 10
- 4th Quarter: October 1 to December 10
Can you retake an exam in the same testing window for the CPA? No, you cannot. Consequently, in the past, candidates had to wait until the next quarter open window for the CPA Exam to re-test if needed. For example, maybe you took AUD in Q2 but didn’t like your CPA Exam window 2 test scores. According to the old model, you had to wait until Q3 to re-take AUD.
CPA Exam blackout dates
In the list above, you’ll notice that the CPA Exam was not given during certain blackout periods. However, the CPA Exam date schedule used to have even more blackout times. For many years, the CPA Exam sitting dates were not offered in the blackout months of March, June, September, and December.
Eventually, these blackout months were shortened by 10 days. An extension of the CPA Exam testing windows went into effect in April 2016. At this time, the end of the CPA testing windows was pushed back 10 days into the CPA blackout months to meet the demand of increasing candidate numbers.
2023 CPA Exam Continuous Testing (The Old Model)
In the spring of 2020, NASBA, the AICPA, and Prometric made a big announcement about CPA testing windows. Here’s a direct quote from their press release:
“In response to numerous candidate requests, we are pleased to announce Continuous Testing for CPA Exam candidates will begin July 1, 2020. Under the new Continuous Testing model, candidates will have the ability to take the Exam year-round, without restriction, other than waiting to receive scores from prior attempts of the same section or when there is a major change to the Exam. Continuous Testing will replace the existing CPA Exam Testing Window model, which only permits candidates to test during designated time frames each calendar quarter.” – NASBA
Of course, this announcement was a major departure from the CPA Exam testing windows in 2020. So why the change?
Eliminating CPA Exam testing windows in 2020: Possible reasons
The concept of CPA testing windows seems fine from the onset. However, candidates could only take an exam section once per window. If they failed, they had to wait until the next window to retake that section.
For instance, if a candidate took a section in early January and failed, they couldn’t retake it until April 1. As a result, candidates sometimes struggled to pass all four CPA Exam sections within 30 months as required for the license. So now that CPA testing windows are back in 2024, you’ll need to take these dates into account before you try to schedule your exams.
Testing Windows for the CPA Exam 2024
Unfortunately, since the 2024 CPA Exam changes were implemented, continuous testing is a thing of the past. Instead, you must now follow the CPA test windows, although you still have lots of days to choose from. Plus, now that the CPA Exam follows the “Core + Discipline” model, you’ll note that the Core sections have different windows than the CPA Discipline windows.
And remember, you can only take your CPA Exam on the days that a testing center is open. After all, you must take your exam at a Prometric testing center. Most Prometric sites are open Monday to Friday, and some sites are open on the weekend, too.
When Are the CPA Exam Windows in 2024?
The CPA Exam dates for 2024 are a little more limited than the dates for 2023, now that continuous testing has been eliminated. So when can you take the CPA Exam? Let’s take a look.
2024 CPA Exam Schedule: Blackout Dates and Other Info
If you’re planning to take any section of the CPA Exam in 2024 or beyond, beware that the CPA Exam is changing. Basically, the following elements are being updated:
- The CPA Exam format, which follows a Core+Discipline Model in 2024. All candidates must take 3 core sections and can choose to take 1 of 3 discipline sections.
- Some blackout dates will be re-introduced, and there will be dates when you can’t take the CPA Exam. Plus, the core and discipline sections will have different blackout dates, too.
Important 2024 CPA Exam Dates
- November 15, 2023: Last day for processing Authorizations to Test and Notices to Schedule for BEC
- December 15, 2023: Last day of testing for the “old” (2023) CPA Exam
- December 16, 2023 – January 9, 2024: No CPA Exam testing
2024 CPA Blackout Dates: Core Sections
- 1st quarter: January 10 to March 26, 2024
- 2nd quarter: April 1 to June 25, 2024
- 3rd quarter: July 1 to September 25, 2024
- 4th quarter: October 1 to December 26, 2024
CPA Blackout Dates 2024: Discipline Sections
- 1st quarter: January 10 to February 6, 2024
- 2nd quarter: April 20 to May 19, 2024
- 3rd quarter: July 1 to July 31, 2024
- 4th quarter: October 1 to October 31, 2024
CPA Exam score release window
The AICPA releases exam scores once or twice a month. For more info about score releases, hop over to CPA Score Release Dates.
Other Important CPA Exam Dates 2024 to Remember
In addition to your exam windows, please remember your other deadlines, too.
Once you start your CPA journey, you should mark down the day you pass the first part of your exam. After all, boards of accountancy require candidates to pass all four parts within 30 months. So, the 30-month deadline will start to tick as soon as you pass that first part.
Additionally, please note that it only starts to count once you PASS the first part, not when you TAKE the first part. For example, let’s assume you are planning to take FAR in January and REG the following February. You find out later that you failed FAR and passed REG. The 30 months start in February on the date of your exam, and you will have to complete all 4 parts within the next 30 months.
Can you retake a CPA Exam in the same testing window?
Readers still ask me, “Can I take the CPA Exam twice in the same window?” Just keep in mind that “CPA testing windows” are a little more limited in 2024 than in 2023, and you still must wait for your score to be released before retaking any section you might have failed.
Tips for Scheduling Your CPA Exam Parts
I’ve noticed many candidates choose to schedule their exams at the end of the period when their NTS (Notice to Schedule) is valid. This plan has two disadvantages:
- Exam sites tend to get full toward the end of each month. Therefore, you should schedule in advance if you want to test by a certain date. In fact, I suggest scheduling with Prometric at least a month in advance.
- In case you aren’t ready and need to reschedule, there is no room if you pick a date at the end of your NTS period. After all, you are not allowed to extend your NTS, so you’ll have to pay for a new one.
If possible, try scheduling your exam section(s) at the beginning or middle of your NTS window. This way, you have the flexibility to postpone it without paying an extra fee.
Determining what CPA Exam part to schedule first
Readers often wonder what part they should take first. There are two schools of thought — one is to take the toughest one first and get rid of that early on; the other is to take the easier one so you can build up your confidence.
I personally prefer the first option. But it really depends on your own style. Another common way is to go for the one you are most familiar with first (no matter whether that’s the easier or harder one). This works great for a lot of my readers as well.
My bloggers scheduled their exams in different orders
To give you an example, Travis and Sumit have different views on how they planned the exam sections.
 |
VS |  |
| Travis Status: passed all parts |
Sumit Status: just started |
Scheduling your exam in these states?
My readers have most frequently messaged me about the CPA Exam dates in the following states. If your state isn’t listed, read CPA Requirements by State: Complete Guide to the CPA Exam Requirements.
CPA Exam windows in California
- Once a CPA Exam application is approved, candidates have 1 year to make their section selections and pick their California CPA Exam dates.
- Candidates have 90 dates to make their payment for all sections selected once they receive their payment coupon.
- A Notice to Schedule in California is valid for 9 months. So, candidates should consider their NTS dates as the CA CPA Exam testing windows.
Testing window for Texas CPA Exam
- After your application to take the CPA Exam is approved by the state board, you have 90 days to pay all exam fees to NASBA, schedule your exam section (or sections) with Prometric, and take that section of the CPA Exam.
Maryland CPA Exam testing windows
- The Maryland state board reminds candidates that their NASBA payment coupon will only be valid for 90 days and their NTS will be valid for 180 days.
CPA Exam dates 2024 New York
- In New York, the 30-month rolling window to pass all four sections starts and ends with the old testing windows: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.
FAQs
Are the CPA Exam dates the same in all states?
Yes – all jurisdictions follow the same CPA Exam schedule. So therefore, the Alabama CPA Exam dates are the same as the Kansas CPA Exam dates and even the CPA Exam dates for Massachusetts. This way, all candidates have the same number of dates to choose from.
What were the CPA Exam dates in 2020?
The CPA Exam followed the old model of testing windows and blackout dates within each quarter until July 1, 2020. So until the beginning of the CPA Exam Q3 window in 2020, the 2019 CPA Exam dates were the same as the 2018 CPA Exam dates.
Can I retake a CPA Exam in the same testing window?
Simply put, no. You must wait for scores to be released before rescheduling a failed section. But as long as your NTS is still valid, you can go after that point.
How many times can you take the CPA Exam in one window?
You can schedule a section as many times as needed to pass as long as your NTS remains valid and your previous scores have been released. However, remember the fees involved.
Why does the CPA Exam have a 30-month window?
Jurisdictions expect candidates to pass the CPA Exam within 30 months because the exam content can change from time to time.
When does the 30 months window start for the CPA Exam?
In most jurisdictions, the 30-month window starts when you pass the first of four sections of the CPA Exam.
I’m taking my Audit CPA Exam on the last day of a testing window…is that smart?
I urge candidates to schedule their exams toward the beginning of their NTS period. This way, if you fail a section, you’ll have time to retake it before your NTS expires.
Do you have advice for studying once you know your dates?
Today’s top CPA review courses help you plan your study schedule. Becker is our #1 rated course, but I’ve reviewed other top providers, too. For example, you can efficiently study for testing windows for the CPA Exam with Becker because of their high-quality learning modules mixed with personalized support. You can find even more study tips in this article.
For Your Further Reading
- For scheduling CPA Exam dates and locations, read: How to schedule your CPA Exam date (or reschedule your CPA Exam date)
- To learn about taking two CPA Exams in one testing window, read: Is it possible to pass 4 parts together?
- Before choosing CPA Exam schedule dates, read: Which order did you take (or recommend to take)?
- What should I expect after sending off the application?
About the Author Stephanie Ng
I am the author of How to Pass The CPA Exam (published by Wiley), and I also passed all 4 sections of the CPA Exam on my first try. Additionally, I have led webinars, such as for the Institute of Management Accountants, authored featured articles on websites like Going Concern and AccountingWeb, and I'm also the CFO for the charity New Sight. Finally, I have created other accounting certification websites to help mentor non-CPA candidates. I have already mentored thousands of CPA, CMA, CIA, EA, and CFA candidates, and I can help you too!
