How to Register for CPA Exam
Thinking about becoming a CPA? You’re not alone. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) designation remains one of the most respected and rewarding credentials in the accounting profession. But before you can add those three prestigious letters after your name, there’s a critical first step: understanding how to register for CPA Exam.
The CPA Exam application process can feel overwhelming, especially since requirements vary by state. But don’t worry—this guide breaks it down so you can submit your CPA Exam application with confidence, no matter your jurisdiction.
Whether you’re in Texas, California, New York, or anywhere in between, here’s what every CPA candidate should know.
Table of Contents
✅ Why CPA Exam Registration Varies by State
While the Uniform CPA Examination is standardized nationally and administered by the AICPA (American Institute of CPAs), the application and eligibility process is managed at the state level by each State Board of Accountancy. That means:
- Each U.S. state board and territory sets its own rules
- Educational and residency requirements can differ
- CPA Exam fees, application steps, and timelines may vary
Common ground across all states:
- You must apply for the CPA Exam through your state board or its representative (like NASBA or CPAES)
- The exam includes the same four sections: AUD, REG, FAR, and BEC (until it’s phased out)
- Testing centers, scoring, and administration follow uniform CPA standards
Understanding these differences is key to successfully navigating the CPA Exam application process.
🧩 Step-by-Step: How to Register for the CPA Exam
Step 1: Choose Your Jurisdiction
First, decide which state board you’ll apply through—usually your state of residency, where you went to university, or where you plan to work. This is where you’ll submit your application.
✅ Tip: If your current state has strict education requirements or other limitations, you may be able to submit your CPA Exam application to a different jurisdiction where you’re still eligible to test.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements
Each jurisdiction has slightly different rules for who can sit for the CPA examination, including:
- Minimum education level (usually 120–150 semester credit hours)
- Accounting and business coursework requirements
- Residency and Social Security Number policies
- Acceptance of foreign transcripts if you studied outside the U.S.
💡 Example:
- California Board requires 150 semester hours, with 24 in accounting and 24 in business subjects.
- Texas needs a bachelor’s degree with 150 credit hours, including 30 upper-level accounting and 24 business credits.
Use NASBA’s state requirement tool or your state board’s website to confirm your eligibility before starting the CPA Exam application.
Step 3: Submit Your CPA Exam Application
When you’re ready, follow these steps:
- Submit the online form via NASBA, CPAES, or your state board
- Send official transcripts from your school or university
- Pay the application fee, usually between $100–$200
- Provide identification, including SSN (if required)
Some jurisdictions require credential evaluations for foreign degrees prior to approval.
Step 4: Wait for Authorization to Test (ATT)
After your application is approved, you’ll receive your Authorization to Test (ATT). This document allows you to:
- Select which exam sections you want to take
- Pay the associated exam fees
- Proceed with scheduling your test
This is an essential step in the CPA Exam application process, so make sure your documents are complete before you apply.
Step 5: Receive Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)
Once you pay, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS). This document contains:
- Your Exam Section ID
- Valid testing dates
- Instructions to book at a testing center
You’ll typically have six months to schedule and complete the exam sections listed, depending on the state. If you wait too long, you’ll have to repay the CPA Exam fees.
Step 6: Schedule Your Exam at a Prometric Center
Use the NTS to book your scheduled exam at a Prometric testing center. You can test in any U.S. state—regardless of where you applied.
🌎 Registration Highlights by State (Examples)
| State | Key Requirements | Application Site |
|---|---|---|
| California | 150 hrs; 24 units in accounting & business each | California Board |
| New York | 120 hrs to sit; 150 hrs for licensure | New York State Board |
| Texas | 150 hrs; 30 in accounting | TSBPA |
| Florida | 120 hrs + 24 in accounting; 3 in ethics | Florida Board |
| Illinois | No residency required; foreign transcripts accepted | Illinois Board |
Want more info? Visit NASBA’s helpful resources for a full list of jurisdictions and links.
📈 CPA Exam Registration Stats
- In 2023, over 65,000 CPA candidates applied to take the Uniform CPA Exam
- The average first-time pass rate was around 54%
- Most candidates take 12–18 months to complete all four sections
(Source: AICPA, NASBA)
🔍 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing college transcripts or official transcripts
- Choosing the wrong jurisdiction
- Forgetting application fee deadlines
- Misunderstanding NTS expiration or testing dates
- Assuming international testing center access without confirming
📋 What to Do After You Register
Once you’ve scheduled your exam:
- Prepare using a CPA review course (Becker, Wiley, Roger, etc.)
- Understand the structure of all four sections
- Plan a study schedule to complete each exam section
- Stay updated on changes to the Uniform CPA Examination format
🤔 Can You Register Without a Degree?
You usually need a bachelor’s degree before you can sit for the CPA examination. However, some states allow candidates with 120 semester hours (prior to 150) to apply for the CPA Exam, as long as required coursework is met.
📌 Final Thoughts
Registering for the CPA Exam is a multi-step, state-specific process—but it’s manageable with the right plan. Start by reviewing your state board’s eligibility, gather your transcripts, and submit your application early to avoid delays.
Once your CPA Exam application is approved and your Notice to Schedule arrives, you’re one step closer to licensure. And that means better career prospects, higher pay, and professional credibility.
So go ahead—register, prepare, and conquer the Uniform CPA Exam.