A good CPA score is any grade of 75 or higher on the 0-99 scale, as this is the minimum required to pass each section. While scores are not curved, they are weighted based on question difficulty. A score above 85 is considered high, putting you in the top 10% of candidates.
According to the AICPA a high CPA exam score is anything over 85. Since less than 50% of candidates don't get above a score of 75, a score of 85 is in the top 10 percentile. Remember, the CPA exam isn't scored on a percentage basis. It is a standardized test that is scored on percentiles.
“What does a score of 75 mean on the CPA Exam?” Many assume that a 75 equates to answering 75% of the questions correctly. However, this is a misconception. A score of 75 is not a percentage—it is a scaled score that represents the minimum level of knowledge and competency required to pass and become a licensed CPA.
An 88 is generally considered a good grade! It's well above average and shows you have a solid understanding of the material. Whether it's ``bad'' or ``good'' can depend on your personal goals and expectations, but objectively speaking, an 88 is a respectable achievement.
Statistically, BAR has the lowest pass rate at 40%, followed closely by FAR at 41%, making them the hardest to pass, while TCP has the highest pass rate at 76%. However, when CPA candidates were surveyed, FAR was overwhelmingly chosen as the most difficult by 63% of respondents, with AUD in second place at 24%.
REG pass rates rose under CPA Evolution from 58% in 2023 to 64% in 2025. The section covers federal taxation, business law, and ethics requirements. The improvement reflects the shift of substantial content to the new TCP discipline section, making the REG core section less voluminous.
Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting for a total 120 semester hours, two years of professional experience, and passing the CPA Exam. Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting for a total 150 semester hours, one year of professional experience, and passing the CPA Exam.
Calculating your CPA Exam score
Scores are reported on a scale that ranges from 0 to 99. It's important to know that your total reported score does not represent a percentage correct, nor can you interpret it as such. Scores are not curved.
What are the pass rates for each section of the CPA Exam? Now let's discuss what's top of mind for all CPA Exam candidates–passing it. About half of the individuals who take the CPA Exam don't pass on their first attempt. According to the AICPA, the national average pass rate is 45-55%.
Well, the CPA designation is often considered a bit more than just another professional title. It's a powerful career credential that represents trust, technical expertise, and a commitment to high ethical and professional standards in the world of accounting and finance.
Key Takeaways
Lawyers typically earn more than accountants, especially right out of school. Both professions offer opportunities in public and private sectors. Becoming a CPA involves specialized study and a state exam, but it's not always required.
Here are five common things people do that cause them to fail the CPA exam.
What Is a Good CPA? A good average CPA is one that is significantly lower than the Average Order Value (AOV) or Lifetime Value (LTV), ensuring a reasonable Return on Ad Spend (ROAS). For example, if AOV is $100 and CPA is $20, that's a healthy scenario, pointing to profitable campaigns.
The share of CPA-licensed staff working in public accounting firms dropped below 50% in 2024, according to Inside Public Accounting's latest Data Dive. Research indicates that from 2020 to 2024, the average percentage of staff holding CPA licenses at said firms fell from 56% to 48.4%.
How hard is the CPA Exam? From Q1 2024 - Q3 2025, the overall pass rate was just over 50%, which shows that the exam is difficult, but certainly not impossible.
Below are the official exam pass rates as reported by CPA Canada. The 2024 CFE pass rate is 67.3%. *In 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021, there were two offerings of the CFE. The 67.3%, 70.5%, 71.3% and 73.6% pass rates are the combined averages of the first-time writers in both the May and September CFEs.
Many students pursue a master's degree as part of their studies to become a CPA. Requirements to become a CPA typically include 150 college credits, which is 30 more than most bachelor's degrees. A master's degree generally requires 30 to 45 credits, which are often used to fulfill CPA requirements.
Choosing the Right CPA for Your Business
The best CPA will guide your business with accuracy, foresight, and integrity, helping you make decisions that improve financial stability and long-term growth.
There is no limit as to the number of times you may repeat a failed section. You may take any unpassed section of the CPA Exam year-round. Your only restriction is waiting to receive your score from a previous attempt of the same section.
James 'Jimmy' Chilimigras is 15 years old, a Loyola Law student, and the youngest person to pass the Certified Public Accounting exam in the world. After scoring 31 on the ACT at the age of 12, he said he had too big of a passion not to continue his studies.