CPA Application Process: What to Expect after Submitting the Form

Once you have submitted you state’s form to apply to sit for the CPA Exam, you have officially started your CPA application process! In this post, I am going to help you plan ahead by getting prepared to pass the actual CPA examination.

For those who are just about to start the CPA Exam process, read these posts on steps to become a CPA or the CPA application for international students.

CPA Application Process: The Second Stage

1. Wait For Your NTS

Once you have submitted your application to take the CPA Exam and paid your CPA Exam fees to the State Board (or CPA Exam Services from NASBA if your state board outsources the process to them), they will review your application and will either mail or email you a “Notice To Schedule” (NTS).

The wait could be long — 4-8 weeks depending on your state.

This document is very important. Remember to:

• Triple check if your name is spelled correctly and that it matches with the two IDs you are bringing to the testing site on your exam day;
• Bring your NTS to the exam site. You can’t beg your way in without the NTS.

2. Schedule Your CPA Exam

Once you receive your NTS, you will have 6 months from the date of issuance (not date of receipt) to sit for the CPA Exam part(s) you have applied for. Simply go to the Prometric CPA website and arrange for a seat at the exam site of your choice.

If you have trouble taking the exam within these 6 months — and the reason has to be compelling, such as hardship or medical reason — you can contact your State Board (or CPA Exam Services) for an extension. Please have the documentation ready to prove your case.

3. Take the CPA Exam

You don’t need wait until you get your NTS to start preparing for the CPA Exam. Instead, you should do so right after submitting your CPA Exam application.

To pass the CPA Exam, I highly recommend you check all the major CPA exam review courses to pick one that’s suitable for you. I have listed here the pros and cons of each program in this CPA exam review courses comparison.

Good luck!

Join Our Aspiring CPA Community!

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If you like this post and would like to learn more about the CPA Exam, check out my mini-course which is completely free. I have two versions designed for candidates with different backgrounds:

For US Candidates (Those with US degrees, or graduate/live/work in the US)	For Intl Candidates (Those who study abroad, or graduate/live/work outside of the US)