CPA Exam Day Guide - What to Expect

Everything you need to know about CPA exam day: what to bring, Prometric center procedures, time management, and tips for test day.

Before Exam Day

Confirm your testing appointment at least one week before your exam date. Visit the Prometric center in advance if possible to familiarize yourself with the location. Print your Notice to Schedule (NTS) and have two forms of valid identification ready. Your primary ID must be government-issued with a photo and signature (driver's license or passport). Your secondary ID must have your name and signature. The name on your IDs must match your NTS exactly.

What to Bring

Bring your NTS (printed) and two valid IDs. You cannot bring personal items into the testing room including phones, watches, calculators, food, drinks, study materials, or outerwear. Prometric provides lockers for personal belongings. You will receive a notepad and pen or a whiteboard and marker for scratch work. The exam software includes an on-screen calculator and research tool for accessing authoritative literature.

At the Testing Center

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. You will check in, present your IDs, be photographed, and provide a digital fingerprint or palm scan. You will be escorted to your workstation. You cannot leave the testing center and return (some Prometric centers allow an optional break, but exiting the building forfeits the exam). You may take breaks between testlets but the clock does not stop.

Exam Structure & Timing

Each CPA section is 4 hours long. AUD and REG have 5 testlets (3 MCQ testlets + 2 TBS testlets). FAR has 5 testlets (3 MCQ + 2 TBS). BAR has 5 testlets (3 MCQ + 2 TBS). The first MCQ testlet is medium difficulty. If you perform well, the second testlet increases in difficulty (adaptive). TBS testlets are not adaptive. Budget about 1.5-2 minutes per MCQ and 10-15 minutes per TBS.

Time Management Strategies

Do not spend more than 2 minutes on any single MCQ. Flag difficult questions and return to them. For TBS, read the entire scenario before starting. Use the research tab to look up unfamiliar standards. Take a 30-second break between testlets to reset mentally. Watch the clock but do not panic. Most candidates finish with 15-30 minutes to spare if they maintain pace.

After the Exam

You will receive a brief survey after submitting your exam. Scores are released by NASBA on a rolling basis, typically 2-4 weeks after the testing window closes. You need a 75 to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake the section after waiting until the next available testing window. Under the continuous testing model, you can test year-round except during brief score-release blackout periods.