Applying for the CPA Exam

Obtaining an application

If you have never applied for the exam before, download an application form (PDF.

If you need to retake a section of the exam, you must complete your re-exam registration online.

Information needed to complete the application

• Contact information
• Social Security number
• Transcript showing completed degree
• Employer information (if applicable)
• Education history
• School code (see the school code list (PDF))
• 2 x 2 passport-style photo taken within past 3 months

Note: All candidates are required to pay both an application fee and the fee for each exam section you're applying to take at the time of registration.  Please see our exam fact sheet for information on exam fees.

Mail your application materials to the address listed in the application.

Your application generally takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to process for first-time candidates.

Notice to Schedule (NTS)

Once CPA Exam Services determines you're eligible to take the exam, they will contact NASBA. NASBA will issue a Notice to Schedule (NTS) via mail. The NTS is valid for 6 months from the date of the NTS to schedule and take the approved sections. Your NTS will include the date that your NTS expires.

Once you've received your NTS, you can register to take a section(s) of the exam directly with Prometric, Inc. View the list of Prometric test centers.

CPA re-exam candidates

Reexamination candidates are those who have previously taken the CPA exam as a candidate of the State of Minnesota.

Reexam candidates only have the option for online registration.  There is not a paper form.  You can  also apply by phone with CPA Examination Services at 800-CPA-EXAM or 615-880-4250, Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time.

There is a modified fee schedule for reexamination candidates.  To see the current fees, go to NASBA's exam fees page and click on the "Re-Examination Fee" button.

Most common reasons for application delays

• Candidate fails to submit transcripts from ALL schools attended
• Candidate lacks specific, required course work
• Course descriptions must be obtained to ensure that particular subject matter was covered
• Candidate lacks required credit hours in one or more academic areas
• Candidate fails to meet special jurisdiction requirements (ie. borad fees, addition forms, etc.)
• Candidate fails to submit appropriate fees
• Candidate fails to sign application
• Candidate fails to submit photo (approximately 50% of jurisdictions require a photo)