When to Take the CPA Exam
CPA exam applicants submit applications online. First-time applications generally take 4 to 8 weeks to process.
When to apply?
Deciding when to apply and sit for the CPA exam is the first step on your path to becoming a CPA. You have two options in deciding when to apply for the CPA exam: before or after graduation. Below we have outlined the timeline for each CPA exam scenario.
Application pre-graduation:
- You can apply to sit for the exam up to 180 days prior to your expected graduation date.
- You can begin sitting for exam sections up to 90 days prior to graduation, provided you have met all requirements except having an official transcript.
- Within 150 days after sitting for the first exam section, you need to submit an official transcript to NASBA showing proof that you have completed the education requirements.
NOTE: If a transcript is not submitted within 150 days, no credit will be given for any sections of the exam passed.
Example: Graduating May 31, sitting in April
| December |
Apply December 1
180 days prior to graduation is the earliest to apply with a May graduation date |
| April |
Sit April 1
90 days prior to graduation is the earliest date you can sit |
| May |
Graduate |
| August |
Send transcript to NASBA
Send transcript as soon as possible but no later than 150 days after completing exam section |
Applying too early could have negative results if you don't plan to sit before summer. Remember that your Notice to Schedule (NTS) is valid for 6 months.
Application post-graduation:
Applying to sit for the CPA exam following graduation may allow you more flexibility in scheduling. Below is a timeline to keep in mind when applying to sit post-graduation.
Example: Graduating May 31, sitting in November
| May |
Graduate
|
| June |
Create timeline of dates to study and sit for sections |
| August |
Submit CPA exam application to NASBA |
| October |
Receive NTS from NASBA, schedule exam section |
| November |
Sit Nov. 1
|
Obtaining an application
If you have never applied for the exam before, start the process by visiting NASBA's website.
If you need to retake a section of the exam, you must complete your re-exam registration online.
