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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 2023. After all, the old CPA Exam windows followed a different approach with the introduction of CPA continuous testing that started in 2020. And unlike in the past, the CPA Exam blackout dates for 2023 have been eliminated. (But next year, the CPA Exam will have a few blackout dates after the 2024 CPA Exam changes.)

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 2023 blackout dates and if you can retake a CPA Exam in the same window. And finally, I’ll give you the 2023 CPA Exam dates that scores will be released for the 2023 CPA Exam windows.

CPA Exam Test Windows – The History

cpa testing windows and blackout months

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 very flexible. It’s actually a little easier to schedule a CPA Exam now, thanks to CPA continual testing. 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.

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2023 CPA Exam Continuous Testing

take the cpa exam anytimeIn 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: 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 thankfully, candidates for this year don’t have to worry about 2023 CPA Exam testing windows.

Testing windows CPA Exam 2023

Since the start of continuous testing in July 2020, most jurisdictions have moved past the idea of CPA testing windows. So, when you start to search online for the 2023 CPA Exam testing windows, you won’t find them!

Now, candidates can pick almost any date to take the exam. The continuous testing model really expands available dates to take the CPA Exam.

However, there are some exceptions. 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.

Exceptions in Michigan, Connecticut, and South Carolina

Most jurisdictions were ready for the new continuous testing model when it went into place on July 1, 2020. However, a few states are still undergoing the legislative process needed for the transition. NASBA explains each jurisdiction’s status here.

Michigan and Connecticut

Michigan and Connecticut are currently completing their legislative transition to continuous testing.

South Carolina

One jurisdiction—South Carolina—has announced that it will not be able to completely follow the continuous testing model yet. Therefore, CPA candidates applying through South Carolina can take the CPA Exam at any time. However, if they fail a section, they will have to wait until the next quarter to re-take that section.

When Are the CPA Exam Windows?

Even though the CPA Exam now has continuous testing, you still have plenty of CPA Exam dates, deadlines, and rules to follow. Consider the following tips when considering your CPA Exam test window and signing up.

CPA Exam 2023 test windows

Although the 2023 CPA Exam has continuous testing, you still have to follow a few guidelines.

  • Once you receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS), you can choose CPA Exam sitting dates for one, two, three, or four sections during the time your NTS is valid.
  • Next, you must wait for your scores, which are released once or twice a month. (I have an entire discussion about the CPA Exam score window schedule below.)
  • Moreover, if you think you failed a section, you must wait for scores to be released before you can re-register for that section. Therefore, you can almost consider the time period between score release dates as exam windows for the CPA since you can’t re-test until that time has passed.
  • So to restate, for the CPA, can you take the same exam in the same window? No—you must wait for scores to be released. After that point, you can retake a failed section.

CPA Exam score release window

The AICPA releases exam scores once or twice a month. However, the AICPA notes that when you take BEC, your scores might be delayed by about a week. The Written Communications portion of BEC can require additional time to analyze and score, hence the delay. For more info about score releases, hop over to CPA Score Release Dates.

 

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Other Important CPA Exam Dates 2023 to Remember

Just because the CPA Exam testing dates are now continuous, please remember your other deadlines.

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 18 months. So, the 18-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 18 months start in February on the date of your exam, and you will have to complete all 4 parts by August the following year.

Can you retake a CPA Exam in the same testing window?

Even though the AICPA moved to continuous testing on July 1, 2020, readers still ask me, “Can I take the CPA Exam twice in the same window?” Just keep in mind that although “CPA testing windows” have technically been eliminated, you still must wait for your score to be released before retaking any section you might have failed.

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, there will be changes to:

  • The CPA Exam format, which will follow a Core+Discipline Model in 2024. All candidates will 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

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

what cpa exam section to take firstReaders 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.

cpa candidate travis window VS cpa candidate sumit schedule
Travis
Status: passed all parts
AUD -> REG -> FAR -> BEC		 Sumit
Status: just started
AUD -> BEC -> REG -> FAR

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

  • California allows for continuous testing.
  • 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

  • The Texas CPA Exam dates are continuous.
  • 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

  • Maryland now follows continuous testing.
  • 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 2023 New York

  • Like most jurisdictions, New York has continuous CPA Exam testing.
  • In New York, the 18-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?

With the exception of South Carolina, all jurisdictions follow the continuous testing model. 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

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!

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