The most recognized and respected accounting certifications are the CPAs or Certified Public Accountants. Candidates from all over the world prepare to pass this exam for better advancement in accounting, finance, and business careers. The CPA Exam in 2025 offers candidates four distinct testing windows: January, April, July, and October, each featuring specific dates for exam administration. This guide contains everything you will need to understand on CPA exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, and other crucial information toward succeeding.
What is US CPA?
A CPA is an abbreviation for a Certified Public Accountant. It is the professional designation of those who have demonstrated their proficiency in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. The full form of the term CPA is Certified Public Accountant. CPAs are trusted advisors to businesses and individuals, guiding financial planning, tax compliance, auditing, and decision-making. It tests the abilities of a candidate in all major fields of accounting and finance. Qualification is highly recognized throughout the entire world, and within the USA it is recognized specifically as the certification of CPA USA. The career opportunities are so rich for one who is looking forward to accountancy, auditing, and finance-based job opportunities. The detailed requirements to sit in the CPA course include challenging examinations and workforce experience.
CPA Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025
To take the US CPA examination, an applicant must fulfill certain eligibility criteria. CPA Eligibility differs somewhat from one jurisdiction to another since the state boards in the United States administer certification. Generic General Eligibility for CPA Candidates are as follows:-
- Qualifications for degrees: The candidates are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related fields. Many states require education of 120-150 credit hours, with specific coursework in accounting and business subjects.
- Work Experience: All states require candidates to have one to two years of relevant work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. The experience ensures candidates have practical exposure to real-world accounting practices.
- Ethics Exam: In some places, passing candidates are expected to sit an extra ethics test.
- Residency and Age: In most cases, they must also pass the residency test and have at least reached age 18 for them to sit the CPA examination.
How to Check Your Eligibility to the CPA?
The eligibility criteria for US CPA vary slightly from state to state. Applicants should check the NASBA or state board websites for specific requirements in their jurisdiction. International applicants should verify whether their education and experience qualify them for the US CPA.
CPA Exam Dates 2025
The CPA US exam is one of the most crucial steps in achieving a goal to become a Certified Public Accountant. The dates for 2025 CPA exams have been announced and are available for applicants to choose any date that is convenient for them during the entire year. Unlike traditional fixed-date exams, these testing windows for the CPA exam are usually done every quarter. This allows them to choose any date that best suits them based on their availability and level of preparation.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) administer the exam in collaboration with Prometric testing centers. These organizations ensure that candidates have multiple opportunities to attempt the exam in a year.
When Can You Take the US CPA Exam in 2025?
In 2025, the US CPA exam is also made to have the same quarterly testing windows system that has been in operation for previous years. The system will be applied where each window will last 70 days before a blackout period when no exams will be held. The blackout period is set for updating and maintaining the system. Below are the dates for the 2025 exams under the CPA program.
| Testing Window | Start Date | End Date (Tentative) |
| Q1 Window | January 1, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| Q2 Window | April 1, 2025 | June 30, 2025 |
| Q3 Window | July 1, 2025 | September 30, 2025 |
| Q4 Window | October 1, 2025 | December 31, 2025 |
Each window allows candidates sufficient time to take the test and a candidate can attempt one or more sections during the same window if needed. However, they need to book the exam dates prior because some test centers may be more in demand, especially towards the close of each window.
Important Facts About US CPA Exam Dates
- Plan Early: Every candidate should look forward to deciding which dates are ideal for his CPA exam. Early booking is quite crucial, more so for students sitting for exams near the closing date of each testing window where available slots could be limited.
- NTS Validity: You will use your Notice to Schedule (NTS) to book the exam within a six-month period during which it is valid. If you miss that window, your money will be gone upon spending on the exams.
- Testing Flexibility: The quarterly windows allow candidates to attempt sections one at a time or multiple sections in the same window according to their readiness and level of preparation.
- Blackout Periods: There are blackout periods at the close of each testing window. No exams take place during this time to allow for system maintenance/upgrades.
How to Determine Your Best Day to Take the US CPA Exam?
Selecting the best CPA exam date requires strategic planning based on your preparation progress and personal schedule. Here are some tips to help you decide:
- Assess Your Readiness: Take practice exams and check your knowledge against the CPA exam syllabus. Schedule your exam only when you are confident of your preparation.
- Balance Work and Study: If you are working, choose a date that will allow you enough time to study while still fulfilling your professional commitments.
- Avoid Peak Periods: Sit for the exam on an early date within the testing window so you avoid last-minute rushes which likely means that seats will be limited.
- Consider Multiple Sections: If you feel confident, try to sit for multiple sections within the same window so you can save time and complete the CPA exam quickly.
- Testing Centers and Locations: The CPA exam is available in Prometric testing centers in the United States and many other international locations. The test is also available to international candidates in countries such as India, UAE, Japan, Brazil, and many more. This way, candidates all over the world can pursue the CPA certification without traveling too far.
Candidates must make their choice of their preferred test center and also book their examination dates at the earliest date possible. The Prometric’s online scheduling tool gives the candidate a view of available seats as well as confirmation of booking in real-time.
CPA Exam Deadlines and Announcements 2025
Avoid missing your CPA exam dates by being in the know for announcements made by the AICPA and NASBA. Key deadlines include:
- Schedule your exam to sit within the testing window; do it long before your testing window has closed.
- You may never forget once you applied for when your review and approval could take some time by your State Board.
- Tracking NTS date: Know the date so you are not left at the mercy of losing your time to sit at the exam due to lost dates.
CPA Exam Application Form 2025
The first step into your journey with your CPA journey is the CPA exam application form. One can apply by submitting his or her application either through the official National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website or through the state board of accountancy in which one intends to seek his or her registration.
How to Apply for the CPA Exam?
- Create an Account: Visit the NASBA website and create your candidate account.
- Submit Transcripts: You will be asked to provide university transcripts to prove that you meet the requirements based on your education.
- Pay the Fees: Application fees vary by state, so check the fee structure in your state before you proceed.
- Notice to Schedule (NTS): Once your application is accepted, you will receive the Notice to Schedule (NTS). The NTS allows you to choose your CPA exam dates and book your test location.
- Schedule Your Exam: Visit the Prometric website to book your preferred CPA exam dates and venue.
CPA Exam Syllabus 2025
The CPA syllabus has vast concepts of accountancy and finance that have to be dealt with by the candidates. Every subject has to be covered to crack the exam.
CPA Exam Subjects
There are four sections for the CPA exam:
- AUD-Auditing and Attestation: It covers the audit procedure, ethics, and attestation engagement
- BEC- Business Environment and Concepts: It consists of the study domains economics, business law, and IT
- FAR- Financial Accounting and Reporting: It assesses a candidate’s financial reporting standards, government accounting, and IFRS.
- REG– Focuses on taxation, ethics, and business law.
| Topic Distribution | |||
| Section | Major Topics | Weightage | |
| AUD | Ethics, Auditing Processes | 15-25% | |
| BEC | Economics, IT Systems | 16-24% | |
| FAR | Financial Reporting, IFRS | 25-35% | |
| REG | Taxation, Business Law | 20-30% | |
Each section requires intense preparation, as the questions are conceptual in nature as well as applied in nature.
CPA Exam Pattern 2025
Understanding the CPA exam pattern is very important to prepare well. The exam has MCQs, TBS, and written communication tasks.
| Section | Number of MCQs | Number of TBS | Number of Written Tasks | Duration |
| AUD | 72 | 8 | 0 | 4 hours |
| BEC | 62 | 4 | 3 | 4 hours |
| FAR | 66 | 8 | 0 | 4 hours |
| REG | 76 | 8 | 0 | 4 hours |
The CPA exam tests the candidate’s ability to recall, analyze, and apply knowledge in a real-world scenario. Adequate practice and proper time management will help the candidates to pass the exam easily.
CPA Exam FAQs
1. What is the CPA full form?
The full form of CPA is “Certified Public Accountant.” It is a globally accepted designation in the field of accountancy and finance.
2. When are the 2025 dates for the CPA exam?
CPA exam dates for 2025 are conducted in four testing windows: January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December.
3. What are the CPA eligibility criteria?
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, 120-150 credit hours of education, and work experience are CPA eligibility requirements.
4. How do I get registered for the CPA exam?
You can apply for the CPA exam on the NASBA website. Apply, make the fees payable, and book your exam dates with Prometric.
5. What are the subjects for the CPA exam?
The four subjects on the CPA exam are Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG).
