How to transfer CPA Exam scores to another state
Separate your testing location, original jurisdiction, destination requirements, score transfer, and licensure application before paying a board.
Candidate decision
Follow the sequence before committing time or money
A CPA Exam score can often be transferred to another jurisdiction, but the destination board decides whether your education, experience, application, and other licensure requirements are met. If you are still taking sections, NASBA recommends finishing the Exam under the original jurisdiction and transferring the completed scores for licensure unless the boards direct you otherwise. Verify the destination rules before ordering anything because moving scores does not itself transfer eligibility or a license.
Candidate task
This is an administrative decision rather than an Exam content rule. Use the jurisdiction holding your candidate file and the destination board as separate checkpoints.
Your action plan
Handle it in three steps
- 1
Identify the jurisdiction holding the file
The place where you physically tested is not necessarily the jurisdiction that approved the application and holds the Exam record.
NASBA CPA Exam FAQ - 2
Finish first unless the boards direct otherwise
A mid-Exam jurisdiction change can require another education evaluation and consume conditional-credit time, so NASBA recommends completing the remaining sections under the original jurisdiction before transferring scores for licensure.
NASBA CPA Exam FAQ - 3
Order the correct record service
Use the official score-transfer channel only after confirming the destination and requested record type.
NASBA score transfer service
Candidate case
Apply the process to a real case
A candidate passed FAR and AUD under Jurisdiction A, has not finished the remaining sections, and plans to seek initial licensure in Jurisdiction B. The candidate physically tested in a third state.
CPAPass candidate-process analysis using the stated assumptions
Show the work
The test center does not determine the Exam file owner. Because the candidate is still mid-Exam, the default is to finish the remaining sections under Jurisdiction A and preserve conditional-credit time. The candidate separately checks Jurisdiction B education and licensure rules before paying for any transfer or new evaluation.
Rule source: NASBA CPA Exam FAQAnswer
Unless the two boards provide a reason to change course, the candidate completes the Exam under Jurisdiction A, then follows Jurisdiction B instructions and orders the official score transfer for the licensure application.
Rule source: NASBA CPA Exam FAQDo it now
Continue studying after the process check
Administrative readiness and exam readiness are separate. Continue with free CPA practice after you verify the process, then create an account only when you want the 5-day no-card trial.
The trap and the repair
Common trap
Ordering a score transfer before checking the destination board can move a record without resolving an education or application gap.
Repair
Write five lines first: file jurisdiction, destination jurisdiction, passed sections and dates, destination requirements, and the exact record service requested.
Authority and scope boundary
NASBA explains Exam administration and offers transfer services, but each destination board controls its own licensure decision. This page does not provide jurisdiction-specific legal advice or treat mobility after licensure as score transfer.
NASBA CPA Exam FAQ and NASBA score transfer service were reviewed on 2026-08-14. Check a newer authority when the effective date or facts change.
Transfer routing sheet
Five facts determine the correct next step
Treat score custody, destination eligibility, and post-license mobility as different questions.
| Checkpoint | Question to answer | Evidence to keep | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate file | Which jurisdiction approved the original Exam application? | Candidate portal or board confirmation | NASBA CPA Exam FAQ |
| Destination | Which board will decide the initial license application? | Destination board instructions | NASBA state board directory |
| Mid-Exam decision | Can the candidate finish under the original jurisdiction before transferring completed scores? | Conditional-credit dates and written direction from the relevant boards | NASBA CPA Exam FAQ |
| Requirement gap | Does the destination require a new education evaluation or other evidence for licensure? | Written board requirements and evaluation result | NASBA state board directory |
| Transfer order | Which official score or file service does the destination request? | Order confirmation and recipient | NASBA score transfer service |
| Later practice rights | Is the question now mobility after licensure rather than Exam score transfer? | Separate mobility guidance from the relevant boards | NASBA state board directory |
After the process check
Resolve a transfer question without guessing
- 1
Name the original file jurisdiction, remaining sections, conditional-credit dates, and intended destination in writing.
- 2
Finish the Exam under the original jurisdiction unless the relevant boards direct a mid-Exam change, then compare the destination licensure requirements.
- 3
Use the destination board's requested post-Exam transfer channel and save the confirmation before continuing the application.
Your candidate workflow
- Step 1Confirm the governing processThe place where you physically tested is not necessarily the jurisdiction that approved the application and holds the Exam record.NASBA CPA Exam FAQ
- Step 2Gather the required evidenceA mid-Exam jurisdiction change can require another education evaluation and consume conditional-credit time, so NASBA recommends completing the remaining sections under the original jurisdiction before transferring scores for licensure.NASBA CPA Exam FAQ
- Step 3Complete the next actionUse the official score-transfer channel only after confirming the destination and requested record type.NASBA score transfer service
- Step 4Verify the resultUnless the two boards provide a reason to change course, the candidate completes the Exam under Jurisdiction A, then follows Jurisdiction B instructions and orders the official score transfer for the licensure application.NASBA CPA Exam FAQ
Keep the next step narrow
Quick questions
What should a candidate verify first?
A CPA Exam score can often be transferred to another jurisdiction, but the destination board decides whether your education, experience, application, and other licensure requirements are met. If you are still taking sections, NASBA recommends finishing the Exam under the original jurisdiction and transferring the completed scores for licensure unless the boards direct you otherwise. Verify the destination rules before ordering anything because moving scores does not itself transfer eligibility or a license.
What should a CPA Exam candidate verify before acting?
This is an administrative decision rather than an Exam content rule. Use the jurisdiction holding your candidate file and the destination board as separate checkpoints.
What mistake most often changes the result?
Ordering a score transfer before checking the destination board can move a record without resolving an education or application gap. Write five lines first: file jurisdiction, destination jurisdiction, passed sections and dates, destination requirements, and the exact record service requested.
What should I do after verifying this process?
Keep studying while the administrative transfer question is resolved. Review Getting a CPA license when it controls the next process step.