Completing the Application to Sit for the CPA Exam
While there are two separate actions within the concept of CPA Exam Preparations, Study Materials (see “CPA Exam Preparations: Study Materials”) and Steps to complete the administrative application process, it is applying which takes more planning. This is Part 2 in a series.
After you get your application questions answered, send in your
- completed application,
- supporting documents and
- the two application fees for applying to sit in that jurisdiction and for sitting for that specific section (e.g., BEC or REG).
Pay attention to these specifics:
- Who is applying? As silly as it may seem, people have been turned away from a testing center because they used a nickname on the application—and this didn’t match their driver’s license. Suggestion: Look at the two pieces of ID you will present on exam day and use that name on your application.
- Where do I send the application? Yes, you want to sit for the exam in Connecticut but did you know that you will send your application to Nashville? Sending your application to the wrong location wastes your valuable time. Read the state Board of Accountancy website. If you are not sure, call and ask.
- What do I send? Read the fee schedule carefully. In California, there is a first time sitting fee of $145.00 and there is a fee of $180.95 to sit for BEC and $230.55 for AUD (as of 4/15/2010). Therefore, send in the right fee for the right section.
- Why do they want to see my college transcripts? To prove you graduated and took the classes required by that state. For example, if you don’t have 24 semester units of accounting and 24 semester units of business-related subjects, you can’t sit for the exam in California. If you were educated outside the U.S., the state board will probably ask that you have your transcript evaluated for academic rigor and equivalency. Contact Leslie-Ann Rogers (la@cpaexcel.com) for more information for international students.
- How do I request Special Accommodations? You need to request any Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) special accommodations for mental or physical challenge at the time you apply to sit for the exam. Certain test centers are equipped to make accommodations while others are not. The state board must approve all accommodations at specific testing locations.
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