Should I take the CPA exam?

How to Take the CPA Exam

• Answer:

  The Certified Public Accountant, or CPA, exam allows the holder to be recognized as a certified professional in the accounting field. To take the CPA exam, you must complete college-level coursework based on the accounting field. The number of college course hours for the CPA exam will vary by state, but the American Institute of CPAs suggests that students complete at least 150 hours of college-level coursework. Difficulty: Moderate Instructions Complete the required college credit hours for the CPA exam in your state. The number of college credit hours will vary by state (see Resources). Apply for the CPA exam in the jurisdiction of your choice. Your ability to apply to certain jurisdictions will vary based on the regulations set by that jurisdiction. You must pay the fees associated with the exam when you submit your application. The fees vary by jurisdiction. If you are a first-time candidate, you must submit your official educational transcripts prior approval for the exam. The jurisdiction you are applying with will provide you the necessary information on how your transcripts must be submitted. Schedule yourself for the exam. You will receive a Notice to Schedule, or NTS, that is your notification that you are able to take the CPA exam. You must schedule the exam within the testing window provided on your NTS. The NTS is usually valid for 6 months or your letter will expire, and there is no refund on any fees that are paid. You must take your NTS with you when you take the exam. Arrive at the testing location on your testing date and provide the testing proxy with your valid identification. Plan to arrive at the exam site at least 30 minutes early so that you can complete the sign-in process prior to testing. After signing in, you will be allowed to complete the exam. After completing the test, you will be provided a survey on the test and the testing process. Your scores will be released during the testing window after you complete the exam.