National CPA Exam Pass Rate Trends (Q3 2025)
As reported by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA®), the Q3 2025 data shows both gains and declines across the new sections of the CPA Evolution. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) launched the CPA Evolution initiative in 2024 to better reflect the ever-changing skills and competencies required in today’s accounting profession.1
An overview of the Q3 2025 CPA Exam pass rates2 follows:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD): 50.03% (up from 49.05% in Q2)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): 43.07% (down slightly from 43.52%)
- Regulation (REG): 66.05% (up from 63.58%)
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): 39.46% (down from 47.26%)
- Information Systems and Controls (ISC): 66.91% (down from 71.96%)
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): 76.68% (down from 80.63%)
These figures underscore a consistent trend: The CPA Exam remains challenging, with some sections still seeing pass rates below 50%. Candidates in REG and TCP have seen promising results. However, the lower rates in FAR and BAR highlight the need for both an effective study plan and proven resources and technology.
How UWorld CPA Candidates Achieve a Higher Pass Rate
UWorld’s methodology is built around a data-driven approach that combines active learning, adaptive technology, and strategic preparation.
Candidates who reach the SmartPath Predictive Technology targets consistently achieve higher success rates, averaging a 90% pass rate* when meeting specific study milestones in each exam section, including:
- Achieving SmartPath targets in at least 75% of topic areas
- Completing at least 75% of the question bank (QBank)
- Creating a minimum of 100 short practice quizzes in the QBank
- Studying for at least 60 days for each exam part
SmartPath Predictive Technology monitors your performance in real-time, identifies areas for improvement, and provides data-informed recommendations to optimize your study time. Learn more about how UWorld measures pass rates and the criteria students must meet to qualify.
* Pass rates are based on self-reported data from UWorld students who took the current CPA Exam. Candidates must meet certain performance criteria in the UWorld course to qualify.
Why This Matters for CPA Candidates
With national pass rates ranging from approximately 40% to 80%, passing the CPA Exam is no small feat. UWorld’s system gives you a measurable advantage by combining expert-written content with intelligent study analytics and predictive learning technology.
By using UWorld’s SmartPath Predictive Technology, UWorld CPA candidates are transforming their study habits from guesswork into a science-backed process that leads to consistent success. And you can, too.
Ready to Get Started?
As the CPA Exam evolves and becomes more complex, so must your preparation strategies. With a data-driven study system, you can go into the exam with clarity, focus, and confidence. Start your CPA journey with UWorld today and see how smarter prep leads to better results.
References
- National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) & American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). (n.d.). CPA Evolution. https://evolutionofcpa.org
- AICPA & CIMA. (2025, October 16). Learn more about CPA Exam scoring and pass rates. https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/article/learn-more-about-cpa-exam-scoring-and-pass-rates
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UWorld CPA Candidates Achieve a 90% Pass Rate on the CPA Exam
Learn more about how CPA candidates achieve a higher pass rate on the CPA Exam with SmartPath Predictive Technology. Gain insights into how candidates calculate their scores through UWorld’s platform.
