FAQ: CPA Exam Score Release
The scoring of the CPA Exam is treated with a high level of importance, due diligence and attention to accuracy. Responses to all questions go through multiple quality assurance reviews to ensure accuracy in scoring. ReadHow the Exam is Scored? for an explanation on the scoring process.
Scores for the Uniform CPA Exam will be released by NASBA to candidates and state boards of accountancy based upon the target score release dates in the tables below. Note: Some boards of accountancy require at least one day beyond the published target release date in the table to process and release exam scores.
Q: What is the testing window?
A. Candidates may sit for the Exam during the first two months of each quarter, or testing window, that is during the months of January and February; April and May; July and August; and October and November. Scores are released four times for each testing window.
Q. When can I expect to receive my scores?
A. A general score release timeline including score release dates for the third and fourth quarters of 2015 is provided in the table below. The target release dates indicate when scores for the CPA Exam will be released by NASBA to state boards of accountancy.
Please be advised some boards of accountancy require at least one day beyond the published dates listed in the table to process and release exam scores.
Q. It is past the target date for my score release, and I still do not have my score. What happened to my score?
A. A vast majority of the scores will be released on the target date; however, these dates are still targets, not a guarantee.
There are several factors that can influence the score release. First, the target date reflects the day that NASBA distributes scores to state boards of accountancy, and the turnaround required for each state may vary. Secondly, some scores can be delayed due to a scoring inquiry that requires additional psychometric analysis. And finally, some scores in the BEC section might be delayed to a subsequent score release due to additional analysis required for the written communication task (see below).
Q. What about score releases for candidates testing under the international testing program?
A. The scoring timeline for candidates testing under the international testing program can be found in theInternational Testing FAQs.
Q. How will the score release timeline effective October 2011 differ from previous score releases?
A. During the 2006-2010 testing windows , candidate scores were released in two rounds: The first round approximately one week before the end of the testing window, and the second approximately two weeks after the end of the testing window. In addition, not all candidates who tested early in a window were eligible for the first round of score release. Candidates who took test forms with new test content that required additional analysis and review before scoring were not eligible for the first round of score release.
With CBT-e, improvements have been introduced into the process. Beginning with the October/November 2011 testing window, scores will be released faster and more frequently.
The first round of score release will be approximately one month after the beginning of the testing window. Subsequent score releases will be made every two weeks after the initial release.
In addition, with very few exceptions (see below), candidates who test early in a window will be eligible for the first round of score release.
Q. Are there any differences in score release by Exam section (AUD, FAR, REG, BEC)?
A. Yes. Some candidates who take the BEC section might receive their scores approximately one week following the target release date due to additional analysis that might be required for the written communication tasks. Also note that written communication tasks now appear in the BEC section only.
Q. What changed to make these score reporting enhancements possible?
A. There have been a number of changes that make these enhancements possible. The most significant change is the introduction of shorter Task-Based Simulations (TBSs). Before 2011, the simulations on the Exam were relatively long and could not be pre-tested in advance. Accordingly, if a candidate took a test form with a new simulation, the candidate was not eligible for the first round of score release because the new simulation required additional data analysis and review before scoring.
With the introduction of Task-Based Simulations in CBT-e, new simulations can be pre-tested in advance, analyzed, reviewed and approved for scoring.
www.aicpa.org