The CPA Exam Application Process: How to Get Started

One of the first steps to becoming a CPA is learning how to apply and sit for the CPA exam.

If you’re just now starting your journey to become a CPA, then congrats! I was in your shoes not too long ago and becoming a CPA has opened up so many doors in my career, and I know it will for you as well!

While the application process to sit for the CPA exam may seem pretty straightforward, it can be a little confusing because there are several steps involved and the application itself can vary from state to state. Plus, things can get complicated if you overlook any steps, do things in the wrong order, or aren’t fully prepared.  

Since the exam itself is hard enough, I’d like to save you some time and frustration by breaking down the process into 8 simple steps so you can sit for your first section as soon as possible!

The 8-Step CPA Exam Application Process

Step 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible to Sit for the CPA Exam

Before you can even apply for the exam, you’ll need to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements of the state you’re looking to obtain your license. Since the eligibility requirements can vary state by state, it’s easy to get confused and not realize that you may have missed something that your state requires. To make things easier, have a look at exactly what you need to qualify for the CPA Exam in your state.

Once you’ve determined that you’re eligible to sit for the exam, you’re ready to begin the CPA exam application process.

Step 2: Order and Send in ALL of Your Official School Transcripts

I suggest you get this step out of the way before you even complete the exam application since this step is the one most likely to cause a delay.  

Yes, many universities and colleges are well into the 21st century and can give you or your state board instant access to your transcripts via PDF, but don’t automatically assume that your school is one of them!

There are still plenty of old-school (pun intended 🙂 ) places out there that insist on doing everything with paper and snail mail, which just ends up creating delays and headaches. Better to get this step out of the way first so you can address any issues early.

Which transcripts do you need to send in? Every. Last. One.

This includes all universities, colleges, junior colleges / community colleges, etc. that you’ve earned college-level credit from. Presenting your entire collegiate academic record will minimize any delays in the application process.

Step 3:  Fill Out and Submit Your CPA Exam Application and Pay Your Required Fees

You can obtain your application directly from the NASBA website. or from your state CPA Exam board.

The application itself will vary state by state but it should be fairly straightforward. Expect to pay an application fee anywhere between $100 – $200, depending on the state.

Step 4: Think About Which Exam to Take First and Begin Studying (if you can!)

It can take up to 4-6 weeks for your application to get approved, which means this is the perfect time to think about which section of the CPA Exam to take first and within your first testing window (see below).  

This is also a great time to choose a CPA review course, get familiar with your study materials, and start studying so you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when you eventually schedule your exams!

Step 5: Obtain your Authorization to Test (ATT)

After your application is approved, you’ll receive your ATT, which allows you to register for individual sections of the exam.

In most states your ATT will only last for about 90 days, so make sure you’re prepared to move forward with the exams at this point and don’t let this window lapse, or else you’ll forfeit the application fee you had to pay!

Now is also the time to decide which sections you’d like to sit for first. I say first because while it’s possible to register for all 4 sections of the exam in one testing window, I would strongly advise against doing so.

Why? Because in most states you only have a 6 month window to sit for the exam sections you register for. Even if you’re not working and plan on studying full-time, 4 exams is a heavy workload.   

Instead, I suggest limiting your first registration period to 2-3 exam sections at the most. Registering for the remaining sections in a later window won’t cost much additional money and it’ll give your study schedule some breathing room.

Remember, you have an 18 month window to pass all of the exam sections, so you’re better off taking your time to study rather than rushing and failing!

Once you’ve decided which sections of the exam you’d like to take first, go ahead and register and pay the associated fees. Registration fees vary from state to state, but expect to pay anywhere between $50 – $150 for your initial registration and $225 per exam section.

Step 6: Narrow Your Exam Focus and Begin Preparing for Your First Exam

The processing time between submitting your exam registration and receiving your Notice to Schedule (NTS) in most states could take up to another 4-6 weeks, which is valuable time you can use for exam prep.  .

Now is also a good time to think more about your study schedule and how it will fit in with your other responsibilities and priorities in life. For example, will you need to take time off from work or re-schedule some things in your personal or social life?

Everyone’s situation is different, but I recommend letting your friends, family and other folks know about your big CPA plans early while the pressure isn’t so great.

Step 7: Receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS) and Schedule Your Exam

Once you finally receive your much awaited NTS, you’ll then schedule the exams you registered for within the validation period for your state. In most states the NTS validation period is 6 months, but there are a few exceptions:

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To actually schedule your exam, you’ll need to go to the Prometric website and click on the “Schedule My Test” button.

The process from there is fairly straightforward, but here are a few tips to keep in mind as you navigate the process:

• You can easily look up testing center locations by clicking the “Locate a Test Center” button on the site.  Most people prefer to schedule their exam at the nearest testing location, but you can schedule your exam at any location you’d like, or even in a different state!
• Each testing center is a little bit different and they administer lots of different exams, not just the CPA exam, which means spots can fill up FAST.  The sooner you schedule your exams, the better chance you’ll have of getting a date / location that you want.
• While you should schedule your exams as soon after receiving your NTS as possible, be mindful that you may incur fees if you need to reschedule.  Rescheduling fees are based on how close to the exam date you are, as follows:

  • 30 or more days in advance – No fee will be incurred
  • 5-30 days in advance – $35
  • 1-5 days in advance – The ENTIRE exam fee (ouch!)
  • Less than 24 hours before the exam – You cannot reschedule and will need to take the exam and re-apply (and repay) for the exam later if needed

Step 8: Take and Pass the Exams!

Exam day is when you get to put all of your hard work and studying to the test, so make sure you don’t forget to bring your Notice to Schedule and 2 valid forms of photo ID (that match the name on your NTS!) with you on exam day. The last thing you want to do is squander all of those study hours because you forgot to bring these things with you.  

Plan to arrive at the testing center at least ½ hour – 1 hour early just in case there’s any traffic or unexpected delays on the way to the testing center.  You’re better off showing up a little early and having some extra time for one last final review session than showing up late and missing part of your exam!

I recommend you plan and schedule your route through Waze or Google maps ahead of time to make sure you know how long it will take to get there, and don’t be afraid to go a little old-school and actually drive to the testing center the day or two before the exam.  

Finally, when you’re finished with the test, don’t be afraid to celebrate a little bit, even if you don’t feel 100% confident that you passed. You’ve earned it! The journey to becoming a CPA is long and grueling, pass or fail, and rewarding yourself along the way is a great way to keep the motivation going.

After you get a chance to recharge, just be sure to get back in the saddle and start preparing for your next exam. You can do it!