CPA Exam Application Process
Updated Sept. 2023
Sitting before graduating
Minnesota candidates can apply for the CPA exam up to 180 days before graduation and sit up to 90 days before graduation, given that all requirements are met except for having an official transcript.
Pre-graduation dates to remember:
- 180 days prior to graduation: Apply to sit for the CPA exam.
- 90 days prior to graduation: Begin sitting for the exam.
- 150 days after sitting: Submit official transcript to NASBA.
Example timeline:
| December 1 |
April 1 |
May 31 |
August 29 |
| Apply to sit. |
Sit for exam. |
Graduate. |
Submit official college transcript. |
Applying for the CPA exam
Education evaluation application
Follow these steps if you've never applied for the CPA exam before.
- Start the application process by creating an account on NASBA's website.
- Gather the correct documentation, including:
- Social Security number.
- Employer information (if applicable).
- Education history.
- Submit the education evaluation application fee.
- Mail additional supporting documentation, such as a transcript, to NASBA.
Applications for first-time candidates take 4-8 weeks to process.
Exam section application
Once you are deemed eligible to sit for the exam in your jurisdiction, you can apply for a specifc exam section and pay the exam section application fee. You can only apply for one exam section per application.
View NASBA's fee structure
Scheduling the CPA Exam
CPA Examination Services (CPAES) determines who is eligible to sit for the CPA Exam. Once you're approved, CPAES will notify NASBA on your behalf.
Understanding your Notice to Schedule (NTS)
Once approved for the exam, NASBA issues your NTS, and it’s valid for 6 months. The document lists the section you’re approved to take as well as the earliest and latest dates you can sit for that section.
Testing sites
Once you've received your NTS, register to take each section directly with Prometric.
Testing centers in and around Minnesota include:
- Bloomington, MN
- Duluth, MN
- Rochester, MN
- Grand Forks, ND
- Fargo, ND
- Sioux Falls, SD
In general, Prometric is open Monday through Saturday. Times vary by location.
