AICPA / NASBA / state boards Certifications
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is issued jointly by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), and individual state boards of accountancy. This overview covers one certification in that portfolio. Each certification carries an official examination fee established by the issuing bodies, along with published prerequisites for eligibility and a defined validity or renewal cycle. Candidates should verify the current fee structure, requirements, and renewal rules directly on the AICPA, NASBA, or their respective state board website before registering.
The examination fees presented here reflect the base single-attempt charge from the official issuing bodies as of June 2026 and are subject to change. These figures exclude the cost of third-party exam preparation materials, retake fees, or other ancillary services. Individuals interested in pursuing this credential should consult the issuing body's official pages to confirm live fee amounts, current eligibility prerequisites, examination windows, and renewal requirements. The issuing bodies remain the authoritative source for all certification details.
| Certification | Exam fee | Domain | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | $1,051 | Finance & accounting | License renewed per state (CPE) |