How to Get a Notice to Schedule for the CPA Exam

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam is a significant hurdle for aspiring accounting professionals. A key step is obtaining a Notice to Schedule (NTS). The NTS confirms eligibility to sit for specific sections of the CPA Exam. It is a mandatory document required before a candidate can book an examination section with the testing provider.

Application Requirements for the Notice to Schedule

Before applying for a Notice to Schedule (NTS), candidates must fulfill specific educational and administrative requirements. Most jurisdictions mandate that candidates possess a bachelor’s degree and have completed a minimum of 150 semester hours of college coursework. These hours typically include 24 to 30 accounting-specific credits and 24 general business credits. Specific courses in areas like business ethics may also be required.

Official transcripts from all educational institutions are necessary. These transcripts must be sent directly from the university or college to the designated evaluation service or state board of accountancy, often in a sealed envelope or through approved electronic submission methods. For those with international education, an evaluation of foreign transcripts by a recognized service is typically required to determine their U.S. equivalency.

Candidates must also select a specific state board of accountancy or jurisdiction. While the CPA Exam content is uniform, eligibility requirements and licensing criteria can differ by jurisdiction. Beyond educational prerequisites, some jurisdictions may have additional requirements such as demonstrating good moral character or meeting a minimum age, though these are common generalities across states rather than specific laws. Required documentation for the application generally includes proof of identity, such as a government-issued photo ID, and in some cases, a Social Security number.

The Notice to Schedule Application Process

After compiling all prerequisite documents, submit the NTS application. The application process typically begins by creating an account on the relevant portal, which for many jurisdictions is the NASBA CPA Central online system, or directly through a specific state board’s online platform.

Candidates then complete the online application forms, providing personal details and confirming their eligibility based on the previously gathered educational and other data. As part of this submission, required documents, such as official transcripts and proof of identity, are either uploaded directly to the portal or mailed to the designated evaluation service. Ensure all application information precisely matches supporting documents to avoid delays.

Payment of application and examination fees is a necessary part of the process; these fees vary by jurisdiction and the number of exam sections applied for. After the application, documents, and fees are submitted, processing times for the NTS can vary, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. Some jurisdictions may process applications more quickly, while others, especially for first-time applicants requiring a thorough review of their academic records, might take longer.

Scheduling Your CPA Exam Section

After obtaining the NTS, schedule the CPA Exam section with the testing provider. The NTS contains a unique section ID and launch code, required to access the Prometric scheduling website.

On the Prometric website, candidates can select the specific CPA Exam section they wish to take. The system then guides them through choosing a convenient Prometric test center location and an available date and time slot for their exam. It is advisable to schedule the exam as far in advance as possible, ideally around 45 days, to increase the likelihood of securing a preferred date and location, as popular slots can fill quickly.

Upon successful scheduling, a confirmation of the appointment will be provided, often sent via email. This confirmation should be reviewed carefully for accuracy. On the test day, candidates must bring a printed copy of their NTS and two forms of valid identification, one of which must include a recent photograph and signature. The name on these identification documents must exactly match the name on the NTS to ensure admission to the testing center.

Understanding Your Notice to Schedule Validity

An NTS has a specific validity period, typically six months from its issue date, during which a candidate must schedule and take their CPA Exam section(s). This expiration date is clearly indicated on the NTS itself and includes non-testing months, requiring careful planning.

If an NTS expires before the candidate schedules and sits for the exam section, the associated fees are typically forfeited. In such cases, a new application and payment of all applicable fees will be necessary to obtain another NTS for that same section. It is generally not possible to extend the validity period of an NTS under normal circumstances, and canceling an exam appointment does not alter the NTS expiration date.

Procedures exist for making changes to an NTS, such as correcting a misspelled name or addressing other incorrect information, which usually involves contacting the relevant state board of accountancy or the designated agent. If an NTS is lost or misplaced, candidates can typically reprint it from their online portal or request a reprint. Refund policies for NTS fees are generally very limited and usually only considered under extreme, documented circumstances such as a medical emergency, military deployment, or a visa rejection.