Minnesota CPA exam pass rates, by the numbers
August 12, 2026 | Julia Shiota
Each year, the Minnesota Board of Accountancy (BOA) keeps close record of CPA exam pass rates and publishes the data each quarter. You can find national pass rates on the CPA Exam Statistics part of our website to see the quarterly updates as they are shared.
It can be exciting to see the pass rates for each section of the exam change each quarter, but it can also be useful to take a broader look to track trends over time.
The BOA recently shared the pass rate data from the past two years, specifically comparing Minnesota’s rates with national averages.
Key: AUD=Auditing and Attestation; FAR=Financial Accounting and Reporting; REG=Taxation and Regulation; BAR=Business Anaylsis and Reporting; ISC=Information Systems and Controls; TCP=Tax Compliance and Planning
CPA Exam
Pass Rates |
2024
Q1 |
2024
Q2 |
2024
Q3 |
2024
Q4 |
2025
Q1 |
2025
Q2 |
2025
Q3 |
2025
Q4 |
2026
Q1 |
| AUD |
Total |
44.6% |
46.6% |
47.8% |
43.5% |
44.3% |
58.2% |
50.0% |
48.8% |
47.8% |
| MN |
51.0% |
56.3% |
52.3% |
51.1% |
50.4% |
50.0% |
55.0% |
56.0% |
56.7% |
| FAR |
Total |
41.9% |
40.6% |
39.8% |
36.8% |
41.7% |
47.4% |
43.1% |
40.2% |
43.5% |
| MN |
54.2% |
53.4% |
43.3% |
40.0% |
39.8% |
52.5% |
39.8% |
38.3% |
50.3% |
| REG |
Total |
63.4% |
63.4% |
62.9% |
60.4% |
62.0% |
72.0% |
66.1% |
60.7% |
66.6% |
| MN |
65.9% |
66.7% |
66.8% |
55.4% |
65.6% |
67.1% |
71.5% |
65.5% |
65.1% |
| BAR |
Total |
42.9% |
40.3% |
40.1% |
33.7% |
37.6% |
52.9% |
39.5% |
39.7% |
41.3% |
| MN |
0% |
40.0% |
41.0% |
17.9% |
30.0% |
52.0% |
33.3% |
64.7% |
40.0% |
| ISC |
Total |
50.9% |
57.9% |
61.9% |
56.4% |
61.2% |
81.4% |
66.9% |
66.7% |
66.8% |
| MN |
0% |
66.7% |
71.4% |
65.5% |
67.9% |
70.7% |
72.3% |
67.3% |
78.6% |
| TCP |
Total |
82.4% |
75.7% |
72.9% |
72.2% |
74.9% |
82.3% |
76.7% |
76.7% |
79.3% |
| MN |
100% |
80.0% |
80.6% |
75.5% |
70.3% |
80.6% |
86.5% |
82.4% |
80.0% |
Data from the 2024-26 fiscal years, courtesy of the Minnesota Board of Accountancy.
The trend is clear: Minnesota consistently scores above national averages across nearly all sections of the CPA exam, with the exceptions being REG (65.1% versus 66.6%) and BAR (40% versus 41.3%).
As interesting as all these numbers are, you might be wondering how this data can help you prepare to take the exam.
Think about it this way: If the average test taker in Minnesota is struggling with certain sections of the exam, it could be an indication that you might need to dedicate more study time to that section, too. Looking at these pass rates might also help you decide when and in what order you want to take each section.
Remember, these are just averages, so don’t feel discouraged if they differ from your experience. Take a look through the MNCPA’s online resources for passing the CPA exam, including exam tips, potential CPA exam review courses and more.
Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow students, colleagues or others in your professional network for help or to commiserate — no one understands what you’re going through better than those who have gone through it or who are going through it with you!
Topics: Professional Certification, Education
Julia Shiota
Julia Shiota is the MNCPA’s communications coordinator, bringing her passion for storytelling to members through content development, media relations, and covering member accomplishments and events. Outside of her work with the MNCPA, Julia enjoys knitting, reading, and keeping track of all the birds she encounters on nature walks. You can reach Julia at 952-855-5533 or at jshiota@mncpa.org.
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