Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before you apply, make sure you meet your state’s education and residency requirements. Most states require:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field

• 150 semester credit hours (some states allow you to sit with fewer, then complete hours later)

• Specific coursework in accounting, auditing, and business law

International candidates may have additional evaluation steps through NASBA’s International Evaluation Services (NIES).

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact our support team for a quick check based on your state.

Step 2: Choose Your State Board of Accountancy

Each U.S. state and jurisdiction has its own board of accountancy that sets requirements and processes applications.

• Apply directly through your chosen state board, or

• In some cases, apply via NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy)

Where you apply affects how quickly you can schedule and sit for the exam, so it’s important to choose correctly.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve chosen your state, you’ll need to:

• Complete the online application form

• Submit official transcripts from your college/university

• Provide application fees (varies by state, typically $150–$250)

Applications can take several weeks to process, so apply early if you have a target exam date in mind.

Step 4: Receive Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)

Once your application is approved:

• You’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) from NASBA

• The NTS allows you to book your exam section(s) at Prometric Testing Centers

• Each NTS is valid for a specific period (usually 6 months)

Do not delay scheduling — seats at testing centers can fill quickly.

Step 5: Schedule Your Exam

• Go to the Prometric website

• Choose your exam section, date, and testing center location

• Confirm your appointment and keep your confirmation email safe

Step 6: Pay Your Exam Fees

Each CPA Exam section requires an exam fee, typically ranging from $200–$250 per section (depending on the state).

• You can pay for all sections at once or individually, depending on your plan

• Remember: Once you pay, you must sit for the exam before your NTS expires

Step 7: Prepare & Sit for the Exam

Once your date is set, the focus shifts to exam preparation. You’ll need:

• A structured study plan

• The right CPA prep tools (review courses, practice questions, simulations)

• Support from experts or study groups

Check our CPA Exam Prep Tools page for a full breakdown of how to study effectively.

Important Notes

• You can apply for one section at a time or multiple sections at once, depending on your study timeline.

• If you fail a section, you can retake it, but you must pass all four sections within 18 months of your first passing score.

• International candidates may need to apply through a specific jurisdiction and schedule exams at approved international Prometric centers.

Need Help Applying?

The CPA Exam application process can be tricky — and making mistakes can cost you time and money.

Text our support team today for step-by-step assistance with:

• Choosing the right state board

• Submitting your application correctly

• Planning your exam schedule strategically

We’ll simplify the process so you can focus on passing, not paperwork.