How to sign up for and schedule the CPA Exam

Step by step

1. Check your state board’s rules to sit. Each board sets its own education requirements.
2. Create an account in NASBA’s CPA Portal, at dashboard.nasba.org, if your state uses it.
3. Send your eligibility application and have your schools send official transcripts. NASBA says processing usually takes two to four weeks once your file is complete.
4. Once you’re eligible, apply and pay for each section, one at a time.
5. Wait for your Notice to Schedule (NTS).
6. Book your seat with Prometric using your NTS. You can test at any Prometric center in the US, whichever state you applied in.

When you can test

Core sections, AUD, FAR and REG, can be taken any time of year. In 2026, Discipline sections, BAR, ISC and TCP, are only offered in January, April, July and October. The next Discipline windows are January 1 to 31 and April 1 to 30, 2027.

No exams will be given from July 1 to July 11, 2027, while the exam moves to a new delivery platform. The windows change after that, so check the AICPA’s schedule.

Book early

Prometric’s tool shows dates up to 6 months ahead. You must book at least 5 days in advance, but NASBA suggests 45 days. Your NTS expires, and if you don’t test in time you lose the fee. The validity period depends on your state.

Rescheduling

For an emergency or medical problem, contact NASBA straight away to ask about an extension. You’ll need documents.

• 61 days or more ahead: no fee.
• 5 to 60 days ahead: a fee paid to Prometric.
• 2 to 5 days ahead: the full Prometric seat fee.
• Under 24 hours: no changes allowed. Contact your board.

When scores come out

Core scores come out on a rolling schedule, usually one to two weeks after testing. As of October 2026, the next target dates are November 10, November 24 and December 16. Discipline scores come out about six weeks after each window. October 2026 Discipline scores are due December 15.