How Much Does CPA Exam Prep Cost in 2026?
By CPA Sprint · Updated February 2026
The total cost of becoming a CPA in 2026 ranges from approximately $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on your state, which review course you choose, and how many attempts you need. Exam section fees are $344.80 each (set by NASBA/Prometric), totaling $1,379.20 for all four sections. Application fees vary by state ($50-$200), and review courses range from $500 to $2,500. Retakes, NTS renewals, and licensing fees add further costs that many candidates underestimate.
What are the fixed exam fees?
Certain costs are the same regardless of where you sit or how you study. These are set by NASBA and Prometric and apply to all candidates.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exam section fee (per section) | $344.80 | Paid to NASBA/Prometric; same for all states |
| Exam section fees (all 4 sections) | $1,379.20 | 3 core + 1 discipline |
| State application fee | $50-$200 | Varies by state board; paid with initial application |
| NTS (Notice to Schedule) fee | $0-$100 | Some states include in application fee; others charge separately |
| Ethics exam | $150-$250 | Required for licensure in most states; varies by provider |
| Initial license fee | $50-$200 | Paid to state board after passing all sections |
The exam section fee of $344.80 is consistent across all states. Application and NTS fees are the primary variables -- check your specific state board's fee schedule at NASBA's website.
How much do CPA review courses cost?
Review course pricing varies significantly by provider, package tier, and available discounts. The following table reflects approximate list prices as of early 2026. Most candidates pay less than list price due to employer discounts, seasonal promotions, or university partnerships.
| Provider | Package | List Price (Approx.) | MCQ Count | Access Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Becker Pro | Full course, all sections | $2,499 | ~9,400 | 24 months |
| Becker Advantage | Reduced features | $1,799 | ~9,400 | 24 months |
| UWorld Roger CPA | Full course | $1,999 | ~6,000+ | 18 months |
| Surgent CPA Review | Full course | $1,599 | ~8,800+ | Until you pass |
| Gleim CPA Review | Full course | $1,999 | ~10,000+ | Until you pass |
| Free/self-study | AICPA samples + textbooks | $0-$300 | Limited | N/A |
A few observations:
- Becker is the most expensive at list price, but is frequently reimbursed by employers
- Surgent and Gleim offer "until you pass" access, eliminating subscription expiration risk
- Free resources exist (AICPA sample tests, university textbooks) but provide limited MCQ volume and no structured study plan
- All major providers offer some form of adaptive learning
For a detailed provider-by-provider analysis, see CPA review course comparison 2026. For a focused look at Becker specifically, see Becker CPA Review: an honest analysis.
What does the total investment look like?
Total cost varies by approach. The following scenarios illustrate realistic ranges.
| Scenario | Review Course | Exam Fees | Application + NTS | Ethics | Retakes | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (self-study) | $0-$300 | $1,379 | $100-$200 | $175 | $0 | $1,650-$2,050 |
| Standard (mid-tier course, 1 retake) | $1,599-$1,999 | $1,379 | $100-$200 | $175 | $345 | $3,600-$4,100 |
| Premium (Becker Pro, no retakes) | $2,499 | $1,379 | $100-$200 | $175 | $0 | $4,150-$4,250 |
| Premium + retakes (2 retakes) | $2,499 | $1,379 | $100-$200 | $175 | $690 | $4,840-$4,940 |
The budget path is possible but carries risk. Without a structured review course, first-attempt pass rates tend to be lower, and each retake adds $344.80 plus the time cost of additional study weeks. Two retakes on FAR alone add $689.60 and 8-12 weeks to your timeline.
How do retakes affect total cost?
Retakes are the largest variable cost in CPA exam preparation. Each retake costs $344.80 for the section fee, plus you may need to renew your NTS if it has expired.
| Number of Retakes | Additional Cost | Additional Time |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $0 | 0 weeks |
| 1 (single section) | $345-$445 | 4-8 weeks |
| 2 (single section) | $690-$890 | 8-16 weeks |
| 3+ (across sections) | $1,035+ | 12-24+ weeks |
Given that FAR's pass rate is approximately 40-45%, budgeting for at least one retake across all four sections is financially prudent. Candidates who assume they will pass every section on the first attempt are often caught off guard by the additional expense.
Can your employer reimburse CPA exam costs?
Many accounting firms cover part or all of CPA exam costs. Reimbursement policies vary, but common structures include:
- Big 4 firms: Typically cover the full cost of a review course (often Becker), exam fees, and application fees. Some also provide paid study time.
- Mid-size and regional firms: Many reimburse exam fees and provide a review course stipend ($1,000-$2,500). Policies vary widely.
- Industry employers: Reimbursement is less common but growing. Some large corporations reimburse exam fees after passing.
- Government employers: Some state and federal agencies offer tuition reimbursement that covers CPA prep.
Key questions to ask your employer:
- Is reimbursement contingent on passing, or paid upfront?
- Is there a clawback provision if you leave within a certain period?
- Does the policy cover retake fees?
- Is there a specific review course you must use, or can you choose?
If your employer reimburses, the effective cost of the CPA exam drops to just the application and ethics fees -- roughly $200-$400 out of pocket.
How does the CPA exam cost compare to other professional exams?
For context, the CPA exam's total cost is in the middle range of professional licensing exams.
| Exam | Exam Fees (All Parts) | Typical Prep Cost | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPA (4 sections) | $1,379 | $500-$2,500 | $2,500-$5,000 |
| CFA (3 levels) | $2,450-$3,450 | $500-$1,500 | $3,000-$5,000 |
| CMA (2 parts) | $830-$1,260 | $500-$2,000 | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Bar Exam | $200-$1,000 | $2,000-$4,500 | $2,500-$5,500 |
The CPA exam is comparable in total cost to the CFA program and less expensive than most bar exam preparations when law school is excluded.
If you are preparing for FAR and want to identify your specific weak areas before investing in a full review course, a diagnostic can help you understand where to focus.
For guidance on whether a review course is worth the investment for your situation, see do you need a CPA review course. For a broader study planning framework, see CPA exam study guide 2026.
Source: Exam section fees ($344.80) reflect the current NASBA/Prometric fee schedule. State application fees and NTS fees vary; verify with your state board of accountancy. Review course prices reflect commonly reported list prices as of early 2026 and are subject to change. Ethics exam costs vary by state and provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of the CPA exam?
The total cost ranges from approximately $2,500 to $5,000+ depending on your state, review course choice, and number of attempts. Exam fees alone (four sections at $344.80 each) total $1,379.20. Add application fees ($50-$200), a review course ($500-$2,500), and the ethics exam ($150-$250), and most candidates spend $2,500-$4,500 total.
Are there hidden fees in the CPA exam process?
Several costs catch candidates off guard. NTS (Notice to Schedule) fees in some states range from $50-$100 per application. Many states charge a separate initial licensing fee ($50-$200) after you pass. If your NTS expires before you sit for all sections, you must reapply and pay the NTS fee again. Retake fees ($344.80 per section) add up quickly.
Can my employer pay for CPA exam prep?
Many accounting firms, especially Big 4 and mid-size firms, reimburse CPA exam costs including review courses, exam fees, and sometimes application fees. Policies vary by employer. Some reimburse only after you pass; others pay upfront. Ask your HR department about the specific reimbursement policy, including any clawback provisions if you leave the firm within a certain period.
What is the cheapest way to pass the CPA exam?
The lowest-cost path uses free or low-cost study materials (AICPA sample questions, free question banks, public accounting textbooks) and passes all four sections on the first attempt. This reduces total cost to roughly $1,800-$2,200 (exam fees + application + ethics). However, most candidates benefit from a structured review course, and first-attempt pass rates are below 50% for FAR -- so budgeting for at least one retake is realistic.