From the CPA application to the actual exam, the process is complicated and stressful. One of the many things you need to do is to schedule your CPA exam at the so-called “prometric center”. What is it, and how does it work? Let me answer the top 5 questions related to Prometric CPA and take away one of these stressful uncertainties from you.
1. First Of All, What IS A Prometric Center?
Prometric is a company that specializes in administrating computerized examinations in exam sites throughout the USA. The Uniform CPA Exam is just one of the many standardized tests administered by Prometric – so you can expect to see doctors, lawyers and all sorts of professional taking the test with you.
2. How Do I Pick A Prometric Center For My CPA Exam?
Did you know that you are not restricted to the exam site in your state? You can take it anywhere – Hawaii if you wanna get a nice sun tan afterwards! But seriously, there are circumstances that you may want to take in a different state, and it is great that Prometric and the CPA examiners give you this flexibility.
3. How Do I Schedule The Exam?
I believe you get the instruction together with the NTS. Anyway, it is pretty simple:
- Go to the Prometric CPA site
- Click the start button. You will be asked to pick a state
- Enter the exam section ID and 4 letters of your last name.
- Register away!
4. When Should I Schedule The Exam?
Anytime you feel comfortable to fix a date for the exam, but within 6 months of your NTS (Notice To Schedule) issuance.
When you think there is a real possibility of you lagging behind the studying, or you don’t want to pressure yourself if a fixed deadline to finish your study, you may postpone the scheduling of the exam as last as possible. Please note that:
- You run the risk of Prometric center being full
- Given CPA exam (esp FAR and AUD) is one of the longest exams in the prometric centers, I suggest that you have to schedule at least 3 weeks prior to your preferred exam date.
5. Can I Reschedule The Exam?
Yes, up to 24 hours before the exam:
- 30 days or more in advance: no penalty
- 5-30 days in advance: penalty of $35
- 1-5 days in advance: penalty of a full charge by prometric
- <24 hours: impossible to reschedule and you’ll have to reapply.
6. Is There Anything I Should Do Before The Exam?
- Double-check that the information on your primary photo ID exactly matches the name you are scheduling under
- Confirm with prometric that your space is indeed reserved on that particular exam site in that particular time slot
- Make sure you know exactly how to get to the prometric center and take into consideration the traffic condition around the time of your exam
- Get familiar with how the computerized exam works by trying the computerized test tutorial in the Uniform CPA exam website
- If you plan to drive, make sure your car is functioning properly (hey, you never know…)
Consider taking a Test Drive at your prometric center!
For $30, you can book 30 minutes for a real-life experience at the center. Nothing will be graded. You can also take the opportunity to find out the best way to travel to the site. Click here for details.
7. Anything I Should Be Aware Of On The Exam Day?
- Triple-check that you bring the NTS and ID along
- Remember to bring the map / direction with you
Now, back to your study!
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