Introduction
Starting or continuing your journey to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) involves a number of steps—but one of the most important documents you’ll encounter along the way is the Notice to Schedule (NTS). Whether you’re a first-time candidate or someone retaking a section, knowing how to get a new NTS for CPA exam is vital.
The NTS authorizes you to schedule your CPA exam at approved Prometric testing centers and is required on exam day. However, many candidates run into issues: their NTS expires, they lose it, or they need to switch exam sections or jurisdictions. Others may discover discrepancies between their NTS and their government-issued ID, which can lead to serious complications.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- What the Notice to Schedule is
- Common reasons you may need a new NTS
- A step-by-step process to request a new NTS
- The fees involved
- How long it takes
- And how to avoid common mistakes that cost you time and money
Table of Contents
What is an NTS and Why Do You Need It?
The NTS (Notice to Schedule) is an official document issued by your State Board of Accountancy or CPA Examination Services (CPAES) after you’ve completed the CPA exam application process and are approved to sit for one or more exam sections.
🔍 What’s Included on the NTS?
- Your full legal name (must match your ID or valid passport)
- Your Jurisdiction and Exam Section ID(s)
- The specific exam section(s) you’re authorized to take
- The effective date and expiration date
- A confirmation number used to schedule through Prometric
- Instructions for scheduling your exam
You’ll need the NTS to schedule your CPA exam section, enter the test center, and confirm eligibility. Without it, you will be turned away on test day, and you will not be refunded.
Reasons You May Need a New NTS
There are several legitimate reasons why CPA candidates need to request a new notice to schedule:
🕒 1. Your NTS Has Expired
Each NTS comes with a limited time period of validity, typically 6–12 months depending on the state board. If you don’t schedule and sit for the section during that window, your NTS expires, and the fees paid are non-refundable.
🔄 2. Changes in Your CPA Exam Application
Common application changes that require a new NTS include:
- Switching exam sections (e.g., from REG to AUD)
- Transferring to a different jurisdiction
- Changing test center preferences (especially for international locations)
❌ 3. Personal Information Errors
If your name on the NTS doesn’t match your ID exactly (including hyphens, suffixes, or spelling), you may be denied access to your testing event. In this case, you’ll need to request a new notice with corrected information.
📄 4. Lost or Misplaced NTS
If you no longer have access to the original email or cannot retrieve your NTS from your CPA portal, you’ll need to reissue the document to schedule or sit for the exam.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a New NTS for the CPA Exam
Getting a new NTS doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
✅ 1. Log Into the CPA Portal
- Visit your state board of accountancy or the NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) website.
- Sign into your CPA candidate account.
Tip: Make sure your contact and personal info is up-to-date before continuing.
📝 2. Submit a Re-Application
- Select the examination section(s) you want to reapply for.
- If you’re changing jurisdictions or sections, make sure all updates are correctly entered.
You may need to submit additional documents depending on the jurisdiction.
💳 3. Pay the Required Fees
Be prepared to pay:
- Re-application fees
- Examination fees for each CPA exam section
- Possible administration fees or international testing fees
All fees are non-refundable once submitted.
⏳ 4. Wait for Approval and NTS Issuance
After payment, your application will be reviewed. This process can take 1–3 weeks, though it may vary based on your jurisdiction or testing window demand.
📧 5. Receive and Review Your New NTS
Once approved, your new NTS will be:
- Sent to your email, or
- Available for download in your candidate portal
Double check all information—especially your name and exam section details—before scheduling your test.
How Long Does It Take to Get a New NTS?
⏱️ Standard Processing Time
- Typically 7–21 business days
- Faster for some states using NASBA’s CPA Examination Services
⚠️ Possible Delays Include:
- Errors in the re-application
- Incomplete documentation
- Backlog during same testing window demand spikes
- Payment issues (wrong fees, declined cards)
🗓️ When Should You Apply?
- Reapply at least 4–6 weeks before your preferred date or testing window
- This ensures availability at your Prometric center and enough study time
Costs Associated with Getting a New NTS
💸 Common Fees
| Fee Type | Range |
|---|---|
| Re-application Fee | $20 – $50 |
| Exam Section Fee (per part) | $200 – $250 |
| Admin/Processing Fees | Varies by state |
| International Testing Fee | $150 – $250 |
You must pay these fees each time you apply for a new NTS—even if the reason was beyond your control.
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- Only apply for exam sections you’re ready to sit for
- Schedule immediately to avoid expiration date issues
- Keep digital and printed copies of your NTS
- Use a spreadsheet or app to track deadlines
Tips to Avoid NTS Issues in the Future
Avoiding the hassle of requesting a new NTS is entirely possible with a bit of organization and foresight.
📌 Proactive Strategies:
- Apply Early: Don’t wait until the end of your eligibility period to schedule your exam.
- Set Reminders: Use digital calendars, apps, or study planners to track your testing window and expiration date.
- Check Your ID: Your name must match exactly—middle names, suffixes, hyphens, etc.
- Schedule ASAP: Prometric test centers fill up fast—especially around deadlines.
- Monitor Your Email: Important updates from NASBA or your state board will come via email. Don’t miss them.
FAQs About the CPA Exam NTS
❓ Can I extend an expired NTS?
No. NTS extensions are not permitted. If your NTS expires, you must submit a new application, pay all fees again, and wait for a new NTS to be issued.
❓ Do I need a separate NTS for each section?
Yes, unless you’re applying for multiple sections at once. Each NTS includes specific CPA exam sections and their associated exam section IDs.
❓ Is my NTS valid in another state or jurisdiction?
No. Your NTS is jurisdiction-specific. If you switch jurisdictions (e.g., from Texas to Florida), you’ll need to reapply through your new state board and meet their unique eligibility requirements.
❓ What happens if I lose my NTS?
Log into your CPA portal to download it again. If it’s not available, contact CPA Examination Services or your state board directly.
Conclusion
The Notice to Schedule is more than just a formality—it’s your ticket to sitting for the Uniform CPA Examination and ultimately becoming a licensed CPA. Whether your NTS expired, was lost, or needs to be updated, knowing how to get a new NTS for the CPA exam puts you back on track.
By staying organized, applying early, and carefully reviewing every detail of your application, you can avoid unnecessary fees, delays, and missed testing events.
📣 Plan Ahead. Stay Informed. Pass Confidently.
- Bookmark your CPA account portal
- Use digital reminders for all key deadlines
- Follow your state board and NASBA for updates on policies and testing windows
- And most importantly, make your study time count!
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