{"id":2792,"date":"2024-10-26T00:54:40","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T20:54:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/?p=2792"},"modified":"2026-02-25T14:09:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T19:09:13","slug":"how-to-apply-for-the-cpa-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-apply-for-the-cpa-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Apply for the CPA Exam: 5 Steps You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Applying for the CPA exam might seem straightforward, but it\u2019s often more involved than expected. Having gone through this process myself, I quickly realized each state has its own rules, deadlines, and quirks\u2014and missing even a small step can throw off your entire timeline.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s where things can get tricky: Around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/certifications\/article\/aicpa-recognizes-extraordinary-2023-cpa-exam-performers-with-elijah-watt-sells-award\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">86,000<\/a> candidates sat for the CPA exam in 2023, each dealing with unique state-specific requirements before they even started studying. You\u2019re here to get the clear, step-by-step guidance you need to avoid any hiccups and focus on what really matters\u2014acing the exam.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Understand your state\u2019s CPA requirements<\/strong>: Each state has different education and experience rules, so know yours before you apply.<\/li> <li><strong>Four exam sections to prepare for<\/strong>: The CPA exam covers AUD, FAR, REG, and a discipline section (Tax Compliance, Business Reporting &amp; Analysis, or Information Systems &amp; Controls).<\/li> <li><strong>Have your documents ready<\/strong>: Gather transcripts, IDs, and any additional paperwork required by your state.<\/li> <li><strong>Submit your application and pay the fees<\/strong>: This process varies by state, so check if you apply through NASBA or your state board.<\/li> <li><strong>Schedule your exam ASAP<\/strong>: Once approved, you\u2019ll get a Notice to Schedule (NTS), and exam slots can fill up quickly.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-steps-to-apply-for-the-cpa-exam\">5 Steps to Apply for the CPA Exam<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-meet-your-state-s-cpa-exam-requirements\">Step 1: Meet Your State\u2019s CPA Exam Requirements<\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you apply, confirm you meet your state\u2019s specific CPA exam and licensure requirements. Generally, you\u2019ll need at least 120 credit hours to sit for the exam and 150 hours to get licensed. This translates to a bachelor\u2019s degree and additional coursework in most cases, but some states may require specific accounting courses. You&#8217;ll also need one to two years of work experience. Check your state\u2019s CPA board website or <a href=\"https:\/\/nasba.org\/stateboards\/\">NASBA<\/a> for the exact educational and work qualifications and any work experience needed before licensure.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-gather-your-required-documents\">Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents<\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you know you qualify, it\u2019s time to gather everything you need for your application. This includes:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Official Transcripts<\/strong>: Your school will need to send these directly to your state board.<\/li> <li><strong>Identification<\/strong>: A valid government-issued ID, such as a driver\u2019s license or passport.<\/li> <li><strong>Additional Forms<\/strong>: Some states may ask for affidavits or work experience verification.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you forget a document, it could delay the entire process. When I was applying, I made sure to triple-check everything before hitting \u201csubmit,\u201d and it saved me a lot of hassle.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-submit-cpa-exam-application\">Step 3: Submit CPA Exam Application<\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where the application process can get a bit tricky because it varies by state. Some states require you to apply through NASBA, while others have their own state board portal. No matter where you apply, you\u2019ll need to pay the application fee, which can range from $50 to $200, depending on your jurisdiction.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The process isn\u2019t hard, but missing even a small step can cost you time. Make sure to follow the instructions exactly as listed by your state or NASBA.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-wait-for-your-notice-to-schedule-nts\">Step 4: Wait for Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)<\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your application is approved, you\u2019ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS), allowing you to register for exam sections. An NTS typically has a validity of 6 to 12 months, depending on your state, so don\u2019t delay in scheduling your exams. Many candidates book their first section right away since available test dates fill up fast.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting with FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting) is often recommended, as it\u2019s considered the most challenging due to the volume of material. Tackling FAR first can give you a confidence boost for the remaining sections.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-5-schedule-your-cpa-exam\">Step 5: Schedule Your CPA Exam<\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Schedule your exam through Prometric. Popular testing times\u2014like summer or the end of each quarter\u2014tend to fill up quickly, so booking early is essential. CPA exam prep is similar to marathon training: consistent effort over time is key. Most candidates dedicate around 80-100 hours for FAR alone, with some studying 150 hours. For structured prep, Becker\u2019s CPA Review offers extensive simulations that closely resemble the actual exam.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While preparing, I broke study time into manageable sessions over weeks, focusing on consistency rather than cramming.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CPA exam application process can seem overwhelming at first, but breaking it into steps makes it much easier to manage. Once you gather your documents, meet the requirements, and submit your application, you\u2019re on your way to becoming a CPA. Just remember to stay on top of deadlines and book your testing dates as soon as you get your NTS.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to take the next step? Don\u2019t wait\u2014start your application today. Then take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-cpa-review-courses\/\">top CPA review courses<\/a> to help you study for the exam.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you know it, you\u2019ll be on your way to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-get-cpa-license\/\">earning your CPA license<\/a>.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\">FAQs<\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729887381391\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How long does the CPA application process take?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It usually takes 3-6 weeks for your application to be processed, depending on your state.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729887448928\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What are the four sections of the CPA exam?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The exam covers Auditing (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Regulation (REG), and your chosen discipline (Tax Compliance, Business Reporting &amp; Analysis, or Information Systems &amp; Controls).<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729887459375\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I apply for the CPA exam with 120 credit hours?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, in most states, you can sit for the exam with 120 credit hours, but you\u2019ll need 150 hours to get licensed.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729887473924\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How much does it cost to apply for the CPA exam?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Application fees range from $50 to $200, depending on the state, with additional fees for each CPA exam section.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729887490610\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I change my exam date after scheduling?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, but there may be rescheduling fees depending on how far in advance you make the change.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729887506717\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What prep course should I use for the CPA exam?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Becker is a popular choice because of its thorough coverage and excellent simulations. UWorld, Surgent, and Gleim are other top CPA review courses.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1729887514353\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What happens if my NTS expires?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If your NTS expires, you\u2019ll have to reapply and pay the CPA exam fees again. Be sure to schedule your exam before it runs out!<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Applying for the CPA exam might seem straightforward, but it\u2019s often more involved than expected. Having gone through this process myself, I quickly realized each state has its own rules, deadlines, and quirks\u2014and missing even a small step can throw off your entire timeline. Here\u2019s where things can get tricky: Around 86,000 candidates sat for [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":2793,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2792","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-accounting"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/10\/How-to-Apply-for-the-CPA-Exam-768x428.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Apply for the CPA Exam: 5 Steps You Need to Know<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Simplify your CPA exam application with this step-by-step guide. 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