How to Get a New NTS for the CPA Exam

The journey to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) involves successfully navigating several examinations. An important component of this process is the Notice to Schedule (NTS), an authorization document issued by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) that permits candidates to sit for sections of the CPA Exam. Without a valid NTS, scheduling and taking any part of the exam is not possible. This article outlines the process for obtaining a new NTS.

Understanding Your NTS Needs

Candidates often need a new Notice to Schedule (NTS) for several reasons. An NTS typically has a six-month validity period; if an exam section is not taken within this timeframe, the NTS becomes invalid, and fees are generally forfeited. A new NTS is also required to re-take a failed exam section after receiving a failing score.

Additionally, a new NTS is necessary if the original was lost, misplaced, or contained errors. Contact the issuing authority promptly to rectify any discrepancies. Eligibility for a new NTS requires candidates to continue meeting the same academic and residency requirements as their initial application.

Required Information and Documents for Reapplication

Before reapplying for a new Notice to Schedule (NTS), gather all necessary information and documentation. This includes:

Personal identification details: Your full legal name, current address, and contact information. The name on your application must precisely match the name on the identification you present at the testing center.
Official academic transcripts: Required if there are updates to your educational qualifications or if the state board requires re-verification. These must be official and sent directly from the educational institution to the board or NASBA.
Prior NTS numbers or candidate IDs: Have these available if you have previously applied.
Identification documents: Typically two forms, with at least one being a government-issued photo ID (e.g., valid driver’s license, passport, U.S. military ID). Secondary forms may include a valid credit card or accountancy board-issued ID. Ensure all identification documents are current and not expired.

Consult your state board of accountancy for specific reapplication requirements. Some jurisdictions use the NASBA CPA Portal, which serves as a central hub for managing your exam journey, allowing you to view exam section status, print NTS documents, and access score notices.

The New NTS Application Process

The application for a new Notice to Schedule (NTS) is typically conducted through the NASBA CPA Portal. Log into your existing account to access the reapplication features and select the specific exam section(s) you need.

Confirm your personal details and eligibility. The application will then guide you to the payment section, where you will pay the required examination fees. These fees typically range from $175 to $400 per section, varying by state. Some states may also charge an additional reapplication or registration fee, ranging from $50 to $200.

Upon successful payment, the system will process your request. You should expect an immediate confirmation of your submission, often displayed on screen and followed by an email. While initial application approval can take several weeks, obtaining a new NTS for a re-examination or expired NTS often has a faster turnaround, sometimes within days or hours. The portal will indicate when your new NTS is available for viewing and printing.

Receiving and Using Your New NTS

Once your application for a new Notice to Schedule (NTS) is processed, you will typically receive notification of its availability. The new NTS is usually accessible through your NASBA CPA Portal account, where it can be viewed and printed. While some jurisdictions may email the NTS, it is recommended to check the portal directly. The NTS will contain important information, including the exam sections you are approved to take, your candidate identification number, and the NTS expiration date.

Processing times for a new NTS can vary, often ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks, especially for re-examinations where initial eligibility has already been established. With your new NTS, schedule your exam section(s) with Prometric, the CPA Exam testing provider. Use the online scheduler on the Prometric website, entering the section ID from your NTS to book your appointment.

Schedule your exam as far in advance as possible to secure your preferred date, time, and location, ideally at least six weeks prior to your desired test date. You must sit for the exam before your NTS expiration date. Failing to do so will result in the forfeiture of fees and the need to apply for another NTS.