CPA Exam Testing Centers: What to Expect at Prometric
Everything you need to know about taking the CPA exam at a Prometric testing center, including check-in procedures, what to bring, rules, and tips for exam day.
Your Guide to Prometric Testing Centers
The CPA exam is administered exclusively at Prometric testing centers across the United States and at select international locations. Knowing what to expect on exam day eliminates unnecessary stress and lets you focus entirely on the exam itself. This guide walks you through everything from arrival to departure so you can walk in with confidence.
Before Exam Day
Schedule your exam appointment as early as possible after receiving your Notice to Schedule. Popular testing centers and desirable time slots fill up quickly, especially during peak testing periods. When selecting a center, consider the drive time, parking availability, and whether you have visited the location before. Many candidates recommend doing a dry run to the testing center before exam day to familiarize themselves with the route and parking situation.
The day before your exam, gather everything you need. This includes two forms of acceptable identification (your primary ID must be a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with your signature), your NTS confirmation email (though you do not need to bring a printed copy), and comfortable clothing in layers since testing room temperatures can vary.
Check-In Procedures
Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Late arrivals may be turned away and forfeit their exam fees. The check-in process involves several steps. You will present your identification at the front desk. The proctor will verify your name against your NTS and confirm that your IDs match. Your photo will be taken, and you will be asked to provide a digital signature and a palm vein scan (at most locations) for security purposes.
You will be required to place all personal belongings in a designated locker. This includes your phone, watch, wallet, keys, food, drinks, and any study materials. You are not permitted to bring anything into the testing room other than what the proctor provides. The testing center will supply you with two sharpened pencils and a booklet of scratch paper (or a laminated notepad with markers at some locations).
The Testing Environment
The testing room is a controlled environment shared with other test-takers who may be taking different exams. Each candidate sits at an individual workstation separated by dividers. The room is monitored by proctors and recorded by security cameras throughout the exam session. Noise-reducing headphones or earplugs are typically available upon request.
Your workstation will have a computer, a mouse, and a keyboard. The exam software includes an on-screen calculator, so you do not need to bring your own. Familiarize yourself with the Prometric calculator interface before exam day by practicing on the AICPA sample tests, as it differs from a standard handheld calculator.
During the Exam
Each CPA exam section has a four-hour time limit. A 15-minute standardized break is built into the exam between testlets for most sections. You may also take unscheduled breaks, but the clock does not stop during unscheduled breaks. Use break time strategically to stretch, use the restroom, and clear your head.
When you take a break, you must sign out with the proctor, go through the security check-in process again when you return, and accept that any time spent outside the testing room during unscheduled breaks counts against your exam time. Keep unscheduled breaks short to preserve valuable testing time.
Rules and Prohibited Behaviors
The testing center enforces strict rules to maintain exam integrity. You may not communicate with other candidates in the testing room. You may not access personal items during the exam. You may not take notes, scratch paper, or any exam content out of the testing room. Using any unauthorized device or material results in immediate dismissal and potential invalidation of your exam scores across all sections.
After the Exam
When you finish the exam or your time expires, follow the on-screen prompts to submit your answers. You will complete a brief exit survey about your testing experience. Return your scratch paper and pencils to the proctor before collecting your personal belongings from the locker. Do not discuss specific exam questions with anyone, as this violates AICPA confidentiality agreements.
Tips for Exam Day Success
- Eat a balanced meal before arriving but avoid heavy foods that might cause drowsiness.
- Dress in layers to adjust to the testing room temperature, which tends to run cool.
- Arrive early but do not cram in the parking lot. Last-minute studying rarely helps and often increases anxiety.
- Use the scratch paper provided to jot down key formulas or mnemonics at the start of the exam before diving into questions.
- Take the scheduled break to reset mentally, even if you feel fine continuing.
- Bring a snack and water to leave in your locker for break time.
Practice What You Learned
Study with 1,200+ flashcards and 140 practice exams across all 4 CPA sections.