How to Get Your Notice to Schedule for the CPA Exam

The Notice to Schedule (NTS) is a mandatory document for taking the Uniform CPA Examination. It authorizes candidates to sit for specific sections of the CPA Exam. Without a valid NTS, candidates cannot schedule their exam appointments with testing centers like Prometric or be admitted to take any section of the exam. This document is a fundamental component of the CPA licensure process, ensuring that only qualified individuals proceed to the examination phase.

Understanding Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for the Notice to Schedule (NTS), candidates must satisfy specific educational qualifications set by their chosen state board of accountancy. Most jurisdictions require 150 semester hours of college coursework. This often includes a baccalaureate degree or higher. Within these 150 hours, there are typically detailed requirements for accounting and business-related subjects. For instance, many boards mandate a certain number of semester hours in accounting and an additional number in business subjects.

The selection of a jurisdiction for licensure is a significant decision, as educational and other requirements can differ considerably from one state board to another. Candidates must carefully review and adhere to the specific rules of their chosen board, as these dictate eligibility for the NTS and ultimately for licensure. To verify these educational qualifications, candidates are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. These transcripts must typically be sent directly from the educational institutions to the relevant accounting board or its designated evaluation service.

Preparing Your Application

Accessing the application portal is the initial step for your NTS application. Most state boards manage this process through NASBA’s CPA Central. Once in the portal, candidates select the specific CPA Exam sections they intend to take, such as Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), or Regulation (REG). It is generally advisable to apply only for sections a candidate is prepared to take within the NTS validity period.

The application requires various supporting documents, which may include official transcripts if they have not been previously submitted and processed. Additionally, candidates must provide proof of identity, often a valid driver’s license or passport, and any other state-specific forms required by their chosen jurisdiction. Accurately filling out all fields in the online application is important, encompassing personal details, academic history, and the selected exam sections. Application fees are part of this stage, with initial application fees typically ranging from $50 to $200, paid directly to the state board, and examination fees per section averaging around $208 to $345. These fees are generally non-refundable.

Submitting and Managing Your Notice to Schedule

After completing the application, candidates submit it through the online portal. Processing time for NTS applications varies, generally from three to six weeks. Once approved, the NTS is usually made available for download from the candidate’s CPA Central account, and an email notification is often sent.

The NTS contains crucial information, including the authorized exam sections, a unique NTS ID, and its expiration date. The validity period for an NTS is typically six months, but this can vary by jurisdiction, with some states offering up to nine or even twelve months. Candidates use the NTS to schedule their exam appointments directly with Prometric, the official testing center. This involves visiting the Prometric website, entering the NTS ID, and selecting a preferred testing center, date, and time. It is recommended to schedule appointments at least 45 days in advance to secure a desired slot.

Should a candidate need to reschedule an exam, it is possible through the Prometric website, though fees may apply depending on the notice provided. If an NTS is nearing expiration or expires before an exam is taken, the fees for that section are forfeited, and a new application and payment are required to obtain another NTS. An NTS is valid for one testing event per section listed, meaning a new NTS is needed if a candidate fails a section and wishes to retake it.