The CPA Exam in Houston costs $1,180–$3,450 in 2026 depending on exam section fees, application charges, review course pricing, scheduling, and whether candidates require retake fees. Texas CPA Exam application fees range $80–$120, while exam section fees cost $238–$260 per section. Most candidates spend $312–$520 on initial application and registration. CPA review courses add $650–$2,400, forming the largest portion of total costs. Additional expenses include fingerprinting, score transfers, rescheduling fees, and annual Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) requirements. Retaking sections increases overall expense depending on the number of attempts.
The CPA Exam in Houston costs $1,180–$3,450 in 2026. Learn exam section fees, review course costs, retake fees, state board charges, materials, and application requirements.
CPA Exam Cost Breakdown in Houston
CPA exam expenses in Houston vary depending on exam sections taken, retakes, application requirements, review program choices, and Texas Board fees. The CPA Exam consists of multiple sections that must be passed within the testing window. Each section requires a separate fee, and most applicants purchase study materials or live review programs. Additional costs include scheduling changes, fingerprinting, and license-processing fees after passing. Understanding each cost category helps aspiring CPAs plan accurate 2026 budgets.
• Total CPA exam costs range $1,180–$3,450.
• Exam section fees cost $238–$260 each.
• Review courses form the majority of expenses.
• Application fees and board charges add to total costs.
• Retake fees vary by section and scheduling window.
Texas CPA Exam Application & Registration Fees
Before taking the CPA Exam in Houston, candidates must apply through the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Fees vary based on section selection and whether the application requires additional evaluation.
• Application fees range $80–$120 depending on evaluation needs.
• Section registration fees cost $80–$120 per scheduling cycle.
• Additional transcripts or document evaluations add $20–$40.
• Applicants must meet Texas education and accounting credit requirements.
• Registration fees increase if candidates schedule multiple sections at once.
CPA Exam Section Fees
The CPA Exam includes multiple timed sections. Each requires a separate payment, and candidates may pay again if they need to retake a section.
• Each CPA exam section costs $238–$260 depending on test date.
• Total exam fees cost $952–$1,040 for all four sections.
• Retake fees match the original section cost.
• Candidates pay for each attempt until passing.
• NTS (Notice to Schedule) fees depend on how many sections are selected.
CPA Review Course Costs
CPA review courses are the largest expense for most Houston candidates. These programs include textbooks, question banks, video lectures, simulations, and flashcards to prepare for the exam.
• Basic self-study programs cost $650–$1,150 depending on brand.
• Mid-tier review packages cost $1,150–$1,800 with full video lessons.
• Premium instructor-led courses cost $1,800–$2,400 depending on duration.
• Review providers include Becker, Wiley, Surgent, Gleim, and UWorld.
• Lifetime-access packages cost more but reduce long-term study costs.
Retake, Rescheduling & Extension Fees
CPA candidates who do not pass a section must pay retake fees. Additional charges apply when candidates reschedule sections or extend notice windows.
• Retake fees cost $238–$260 per failed section.
• Rescheduling fees range $20–$95 depending on timing.
• Exam extensions cost $10–$20 depending on NTS expiration.
• Additional transcript requests cost $10–$25 depending on institution.
• High retake frequency significantly increases total cost.
Fingerprinting, Background & Texas Board Fees
Texas CPA candidates must complete a background check and fingerprinting before receiving final eligibility. These additional steps add minor but required expenses.
• Fingerprinting costs $38–$55 depending on vendor.
• Background processing fees cost $25–$45 depending on method.
• Texas Board ethics exam fees cost $50–$75 depending on coursework.
• Some employers reimburse board-related fees for accounting interns.
• Additional document evaluations add $20–$40.
CPA Exam Study Materials & Supplements
Many candidates purchase supplemental study tools beyond their main review course to strengthen weak sections or practice simulations.
• Question banks cost $80–$220 depending on brand.
• Flashcard sets cost $20–$60 depending on format.
• Simulation practice tools cost $50–$120 depending on provider.
• Audio or mobile study tools cost $10–$30 monthly.
• Add-ons help candidates master difficult CPA exam areas.
CPA Exam Costs by Houston Neighborhood
While exam fees remain fixed statewide, review course centers, tutoring, and supplemental training options vary by neighborhood.
• Downtown & Galleria: premium in-person tutoring programs.
• Midtown & Heights: mid-range review centers with flexible schedules.
• Katy, Pearland & Cypress: budget-friendly test-preparation centers.
• Pasadena, Spring & Humble: lowest tutoring and group study pricing.
• Online review is popular due to Houston’s widespread commute times.
CPA Licensing Fees (After Passing the Exam)
Passing the CPA Exam is only part of the licensing process. Candidates must pay additional fees to obtain a Texas CPA license through the state board.
• Texas CPA license application fees cost $50–$75.
• Annual TSBPA license renewal fees cost $65–$95.
• Continuing education (CPE) costs $60–$240 annually depending on providers.
• Employers often reimburse CPE costs for staff accountants.
• License activation processing may require additional documentation.
Additional CPA Career-Related Costs
Many CPA candidates invest in optional career tools such as memberships, networking events, and resume services. These costs improve job placement and career advancement in Houston.
• Texas Society of CPAs membership costs $80–$150 annually.
• Local Houston chapter events range $15–$45 per event.
• Resume and interview coaching costs $50–$180 depending on package.
• Accounting conferences and job fairs cost $40–$130.
• Networking typically increases long-term career opportunities.
Summary Table
| Category | Cost Range (Houston 2026) |
|---|---|
| CPA Exam Application Fee | $80–$120 |
| CPA Exam Section Fees | $952–$1,040 |
| CPA Review Courses | $650–$2,400 |
| Retake Fees | $238–$260 per section |
| Fingerprinting & Background | $38–$100 |
| Supplemental Materials | $20–$220 |
| CPA License Application | $50–$75 |
FAQ Section
Q. How much does the CPA Exam cost in Houston in 2026?
A. Total exam-related costs range $1,180–$3,450, depending on review courses and retake fees.
Q. How much is each CPA Exam section?
A. Each section costs $238–$260, with all sections totaling about $952–$1,040.
Q. What is the most expensive part of becoming a CPA?
A. CPA review courses, which cost $650–$2,400, are the largest expense.
Q. Are CPA Exam fees refundable?
A. No. Exam fees and registration costs are non-refundable once scheduled.
Q. How much are Texas CPA licensing fees?
A. Initial licensing costs $50–$75, with annual renewals costing $65–$95.