Applying for the CPA exam can be a surprisingly complex process. That shouldn’t put people off from sitting the exam and becoming Certified Public Accountants, though. Instead of risking missing a step in the process and setting themselves back several months or incurring extra fees, those who want to sit the exam can read on to find out how to apply.
Step One: Check Eligibility
The first step exam-takers must take is to ensure they are eligible to take it in the United States. There’s no sense in filling out an application or doing MDS CPA Exam Review prep if applicants aren’t even eligible to take the test. Every state has different requirements, but even minimum requirements include having a bachelor’s degree in either business or accounting. Most states also have credit hour and coursework requirements, so contact the relevant state board to ask about eligibility before filling out the application.
Step Two: Send Official Transcripts
Before filling out the application, prospective exam-takers should send their college transcripts to the state board of accountancy. Include transcripts from junior colleges and community colleges as well as four-year universities. Once the board receives the transcripts, they will keep them on file until the applicant sends in an application.
Step Three: Determine Application Fees
Just like each state has different requirements for taking the CPA exam, each state board also charges a slightly different application fee. Most are around $150 and should be sent in at the same time as the application.
Filling out the exam application is usually relatively easy. Most states provide short forms that ask about the personal and educational experience required for eligibility. Make sure to read the fine print and fill out all required questions. Then, make copies of all documents before sending them to the state board.
Step Four: Wait for the ATT and NTS
Once applicants have submitted their paperwork, they will be working on a limited time frame. Once applicants receive their authorization to test (ATT), they usually have 90 days to apply for the first section of the exam.
It will usually take around four weeks for those who have applied for a section to receive notice to schedule (NTS). This can be used to sign up for an exam date. Depending on the state, test-takers can sign up to sit for the exam section anywhere from 90 days in Texas to 12 months in North Dakota, South Dakota, or Virginia from the time they receive the NTS. If test-takers don’t schedule the exam section by the time the NTS expires, they will have to reapply and pay exam fees a second time.
Step Five: Start Studying
If applicants are confident that they are eligible to take the CPA exam, they should start studying as soon as possible. Don’t procrastinate. Review all available resources, take a study course, and set up study groups online or in-person. It takes time to really get all of the information down, so expect to devote a good deal of time and energy to studying for the exam.
The Bottom Line
The idea of sitting for the CPA exam is already stressful enough for most prospective public accountants. They shouldn’t have to worry about losing their application fees or missing an important step before even signing up for the first exam section. Follow the steps above to avoid hassles and ensure that everything goes smoothly.
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