CPA Exam Day Tips
What to bring, how to manage your time, and the strategies that help candidates pass. Everything you need to know before walking into Prometric.
Before Exam Day
What to Bring
- Notice to Schedule (NTS): Your printed NTS with the correct exam section listed
- Two forms of valid ID: Primary ID must be government-issued with a photo and signature (driver's license, passport). Secondary ID must have your name and signature
- Confirmation email: Your Prometric appointment confirmation (optional but helpful)
What NOT to Bring
- Cell phones, smartwatches, or any electronic devices
- Notes, textbooks, or study materials
- Calculators (one is provided on screen)
- Food or drinks (store in your locker)
- Wallets, bags, or purses (store in your locker)
- Hats, scarves, or bulky clothing (may be inspected)
Prometric Testing Center Procedures
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Here is what to expect:
- Check in at the front desk. Present your NTS and two forms of ID. Your name must match exactly across all documents.
- Store your belongings. You will be assigned a locker for your personal items. Keep your locker key with you.
- Biometric scan. A digital photo and palm vein scan are taken for security. This is repeated each time you leave and re-enter the testing room.
- Receive your noteboards. Prometric provides laminated noteboards and markers (no scratch paper). Raise your hand if you need replacements during the exam.
- Begin your exam. A proctor walks you to your workstation and launches the exam software. You will see a brief tutorial before the timed portion begins.
Time Management Strategies
Each CPA exam section is 4 hours long. Poor time management is one of the most common reasons candidates underperform. Here is how to pace yourself:
MCQ Pacing
- Budget roughly 1 to 1.5 minutes per MCQ
- Flag difficult questions and come back within the testlet
- Do not spend more than 2 minutes on any single MCQ
- Make your best guess rather than leaving questions blank
- First testlet answers determine second testlet difficulty
TBS Pacing
- Budget 15 to 20 minutes per task-based simulation
- Read all exhibits and instructions before answering
- Tackle easier TBS questions first within the testlet
- Use the on-screen spreadsheet tool for calculations
- Leave the research task for last (it is often the quickest)
Rule of thumb: Spend no more than half your total time on MCQs and save at least half for TBS. If you finish MCQs faster, bank that time for simulations. TBS questions are heavily weighted in your score.
Multiple-Choice Strategies
- Read the question stem first. Know what is being asked before reading the answer choices. This prevents you from being distracted by plausible-sounding wrong answers.
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers. If you can eliminate two choices, your odds of guessing correctly jump from 25% to 50%.
- Watch for qualifiers. Words like “always,” “never,” “most likely,” and “except” change the meaning of a question entirely.
- Understand adaptive testing. The first MCQ testlet is medium difficulty. If you perform well, the second testlet is harder. A harder second testlet is a good sign. Do not panic.
- Never leave a question blank. There is no penalty for guessing. An educated guess is better than no answer.
- Trust your first instinct. Research shows that changing answers is more likely to result in changing from right to wrong than the reverse. Only change an answer if you have a clear reason.
Task-Based Simulation Strategies
TBS questions test your ability to apply knowledge in realistic scenarios. They are heavily weighted and often determine whether you pass or fail.
- Read all tabs and exhibits first. TBS questions often include multiple tabs with financial statements, trial balances, memos, and authoritative literature. Skim everything before you start answering.
- Use the authoritative literature. For research-type simulations, practice using the AICPA Professional Standards and FASB Codification search tools. Speed with these tools saves significant time.
- Show your work on noteboards. Write down key numbers and formulas. Organized notes help you catch errors and save time if you need to verify your work.
- Partial credit is available. Unlike MCQs, you can earn partial credit on most TBS questions. Fill in every field even if you are not sure. A partially correct answer is better than a blank one.
- Practice with the AICPA sample exam. The free AICPA sample test uses the same software and TBS format you will see on exam day. Familiarity with the interface saves time.
Mental Preparation and Anxiety Management
The Night Before
- Do not cram. Light review at most.
- Lay out your NTS, IDs, and directions
- Eat a normal dinner and get a full night of sleep
- Set two alarms to avoid oversleeping
- Drive the route to Prometric if you have not before
During the Exam
- Take deep breaths if you feel anxiety rising
- Skip hard questions and come back to them
- Remember: you do not need a perfect score, just a 75
- A harder second testlet means you did well on the first
- Focus on the question in front of you, not your overall performance
Break Strategies
- Use the scheduled break. There is one optional timed break between testlets that does not count against your exam time. Take it. Stand up, stretch, use the restroom, and drink water from your locker.
- Keep unscheduled breaks short. Any break outside the scheduled one uses your exam time. If you need to step out, keep it under 3 minutes.
- Break between testlets. Take your breaks between testlets, not in the middle of one. Once you submit a testlet, you cannot go back to it.
- Eat a small snack. Keep a granola bar or trail mix in your locker. A quick bite during a break can help maintain your energy and focus for the second half.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Running out of time on TBS
Budget your time section by section. Set mental checkpoints at each testlet boundary.
Spending too long on one MCQ
Flag it after 2 minutes and move on. Come back if time permits within the testlet.
Not reading TBS exhibits carefully
Skim all tabs and exhibits before answering. Missing a key detail can cost you the entire simulation.
Changing answers without a reason
Trust your first instinct unless you identify a specific error in your reasoning.
Forgetting your NTS or ID
Pack your bag the night before. Double-check that your name matches across all documents.
Panicking over a hard second testlet
A harder second testlet is a positive signal. It means you performed well on the first testlet.
Common Questions
What happens if I arrive late to my CPA exam appointment?
If you arrive more than 30 minutes after your scheduled start time, you may be turned away and forfeit your exam fees. Prometric recommends arriving 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in procedures. Arriving late can also increase your anxiety, so plan to arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Can I bring a calculator to the CPA exam?
No. You cannot bring your own calculator. Prometric provides an on-screen calculator within the exam software. Practice using an on-screen calculator during your study sessions so you are comfortable with it on exam day.
How many breaks do I get during the CPA exam?
You can take breaks at any time during the exam, but the clock does not stop. There is one optional scheduled break (typically after the first testlet) that does not count against your exam time. Any additional breaks you take will reduce your available testing time.
What if I need to use the restroom during the exam?
You can leave to use the restroom at any time, but the exam clock keeps running. You will need to go through a security check-in process each time you re-enter the testing room. Plan your breaks strategically between testlets to minimize lost time.
Can I change my answers on the CPA exam?
You can change answers within a testlet before moving to the next one. Once you submit a testlet and move forward, you cannot go back to change answers in a previous testlet. Review all your answers within a testlet before advancing.
What score do I need to pass each CPA exam section?
You need a score of 75 or higher on each section. The scoring uses a weighted combination of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. The scale runs from 0 to 99, but it is not a simple percentage. A 75 represents the minimum level of competency.
When will I get my CPA exam score?
Score release dates are published by NASBA and typically occur within a few weeks of the testing window close. Scores are generally released in waves. Check the NASBA website for the most current score release schedule.
Practice before exam day
Take timed practice exams that mirror the real CPA exam format. 180 mini exams and 30 full practice exams across AUD, FAR, REG, BAR, ISC, and TCP.