How much does the US CPA exam cost in total for international candidates?
2026-11-03 · 5 minute read · By Binod Raj Singh, CPA
Evaluation, application, four section fees and the international testing fee, with a worked total for testing outside the US.
The CPA exam bill comes in several pieces, paid to different bodies at different times. Most surprises come from the international testing fee, which is charged on top of the normal section fee. Here is each piece, in the order you pay it.
- Education evaluationIf your degree is from outside the US, most boards want it evaluated by a service they accept, such as NASBA International Evaluation Services (NIES) or WES. Fees change, so check the current price on the service's own site before you apply.
- Board application feeEach state board sets its own application and registration fees. They differ widely between boards, so read the fee page of the board you choose.
- Section exam feesYou pay a fee for each of the four sections you sit. As one example, the Virginia Board of Accountancy lists a section fee of $268.59, effective July 4, 2026. Your board's figure may differ.
- International testing feeTo test outside the US, NASBA charges an extra fee for each section: $390.00, or $460.00 in India. It is paid after you receive your Notice to Schedule and is non-refundable.
- After the examMost boards charge an initial license fee, and many require an ethics exam or course with its own fee. Budget for these too.
A worked total
Using the $268.59 section fee as an example, the four sections cost $1,074.36 before any international fee. Testing all four outside the US adds $1,560.00 ($390 × 4), for $2,634.36. In India the international fee is $1,840.00 ($460 × 4), for $2,914.36. Add your evaluation, board application and license fees to reach your full figure.
How to keep the cost down
- Schedule each section only when you are ready. Section and international fees are lost if you fail or miss the appointment, and a retake is paid again in full.
- Pick one board early and apply once. Changing boards later can mean a second evaluation and a second application fee.
- Study materials are often the largest single cost. CPA Notes is free: chapter-wise notes, practice MCQs, simulations and mock exams for all six sections.
Sources. NASBA: International administration of the Uniform CPA Examination · Virginia Board of Accountancy: CPA exam fees · NASBA: NIES frequently asked questions