CPA Exam Pass Rate

The annual CPA exam pass rates for all six parts ranges from 40% to 80%. So far AUD, FAR and BAR have been on average of about 40% to 48% under the new exam format. Whether the old or new exam format, the general view among CPA exam candidates has been that the exam is difficult to pass. While this has merit, the pass rates also indicate their level of preparedness and exam preparation strategy, and the resources used. Indirectly, these pass rates show the level of effort, commitment and attitude required of students to pass.

At CPA Exam Coach, we believe all students with the right guidance and resources can pass the CPA exam. The students who come to us include those who have used other resources several times and have not passed. We work with all students (both high and low achievers) because we believe it is more so your circumstances and attitudes, rather than your aptitude, which prevent or promote your success.

Some of the keys to success:

• • Believing you can pass
  • Have a clear strategy and plan
  • Removing distractions, and focus and be disciplined
  • Understanding the exam depth versus width knowledge requirement
  • Get help if needed
  • Practice, Practice, Practice

The AICPA releases exam scores and CPA exam pass rate on a periodic basis. They also provide cumulative annual average pass rates for each course. These annual pass rates for four prior years and the current year’s quarterly pass rates are reflected below.

Pass Rates 2026

Score release dates and pass rates will be delayed because of the 2026 exam changes. Pass rates will be published as soon as they are available.

Click for more on AICPA Pass Rates.

NYP – Not yet published

The table below shows the cumulative annual pass rates for four prior years. For more information on the pass rates for these years, as well as prior pass rates, please select the link above to access additional information on the AICPA website.