Beginning January 2024, the AICPA & NASBA rolled out CPA Evolution, reshaping the CPA Exam to meet today’s business, regulatory, and tech-driven demands. If you are targeting the 2026 CPA Exam Dates, it’s important to understand the changes and plan your preparation strategically.
What Changed in the CPA Exam?
Old Format (Before 2024)
Provided updated code to add in the place of the following code:
| Exam Data File Received By | Target Score Release Date |
|---|---|
| Jan 23, 2026 | Feb 10, 2026 |
| Feb 14, 2026 | Feb 24, 2026 |
| Mar 9, 2026 | Mar 17, 2026 |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Apr 9, 2026 |
| Apr 23, 2026 | May 7, 2026 |
| May 16, 2026 | May 27, 2026 |
| Jun 8, 2026 | Jun 16, 2026 |
| Jun 30, 2026 | Jul 10, 2026 |
Discipline Sections – Fixed Testing Windows
| Testing Window | Target Score Release Date |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 – 31, 2026 | Mar 13, 2026 |
| Apr 1 – 30, 2026 | Jun 16, 2026 |
📌 Tip: Because Discipline exams are offered in testing windows rather than continuously, you must plan carefully around the 2026 CPA Exam Dates to avoid scheduling conflicts.
CPA Credit Extensions
- Candidates with unexpired credits as of Jan 1, 2024 → valid until June 30, 2025.
- Many states are considering extending the credit window from 18 months to 30 months.
This extension provides relief to candidates transitioning into the CPA Evolution format.
Key Takeaways for 2026 Aspirants
- The 2026 CPA Exam Dates play a vital role in building your study plan.
- CPA Evolution ensures new CPAs have both foundational knowledge and specialized expertise.
- Be strategic in exam order selection – attempt Core sections first, then plan your chosen Discipline around fixed windows.
- Start preparation early and stay informed of NASBA and AICPA updates.
Preparing for the CPA Exam in 2026
The CPA Evolution marks a pivotal shift in accounting education. By aligning the CPA Exam with today’s regulatory and technological environment, it ensures candidates are career-ready.
Preparation strategies for 2026 should include:
- Staying updated on official 2026 CPA Exam Dates.
- Using a reliable review provider that adapts content to CPA Evolution.
- Creating a study plan that accounts for personal commitments and discipline exam testing windows.
- Planning strategically to maximize credit extensions and avoid expiration.
Conclusion
Aspirants targeting to write the CPA US Exam in 2026 will receive end-to-end support in live online interactive mode after or before working hours, 4 days a week, from our seasoned CPA Mentor and PwC veteran, Amitabha Ghosh, CPA US, CA, MCom at Uplift Professionals CPA Classes.
Don’t miss the advantage of:
- Studying in small batches
- Making direct interactions with your mentor
- Getting yourself 70% exam prepared during the classes
👉 Interested?
Write to info@upliftprofessionals.in for a preliminary inquiry.