CPA Exam Day Guide

What to Bring

You need exactly three things to be admitted. Missing any of them can result in being turned away and forfeiting your exam fee.

• Printed NTS (Notice to Schedule) — a hard copy is required, digital/phone copies are NOT accepted
• Primary ID: Government-issued, unexpired, with photo AND signature (drivers license, passport, or US military ID)
• Secondary ID: Pre-printed with your name and signature (credit card, debit card, or school ID)
• Critical: The first and last name on both IDs must exactly match the name on your NTS — any mismatch means denied entry
• NOT accepted as primary ID: Social Security cards, green cards, permanent resident cards, student IDs

What NOT to Bring

These items are prohibited in the testing room. Everything must be stored in your assigned locker before entering.

• Cell phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, or any electronic devices
• Personal calculators of any kind (on-screen calculator is provided)
• Notes, books, study materials, or personal writing materials
• Bags, backpacks, purses, briefcases
• All watches (analog and digital)
• Large jewelry, hair accessories that could conceal materials
• Outerwear (coats, jackets, hats — religious headwear excepted)
• Food and beverages (accessible during breaks from your locker)

Morning Of Checklist

Your exam morning routine can impact your performance. Plan ahead and stick to your normal habits.

The Check-In Process

Prometric check-in is a structured process. Every candidate goes through the same steps, every time — including when returning from breaks.

• 1. Present your printed NTS and two forms of ID to the test center administrator (TCA)
• 2. Sign in on the testing roster
• 3. Photo taken and digital signature captured
• 4. Receive your assigned locker — store all personal belongings
• 5. Security screening: hand-held metal detector wand scan (mandatory in US and territories)
• 6. Visual inspection of pockets (may be asked to turn them inside out), glasses, forearms, and ankles
• 7. Receive two double-sided laminated noteboards and a fine-point marker
• 8. Escorted to your testing station

Calculator and Spreadsheet Policy

Personal calculators are strictly prohibited. The exam provides an on-screen calculator built into the exam software. For simulations, you also have access to a basic spreadsheet tool.

• On-screen calculator is the only calculator available — no physical calculators allowed
• The spreadsheet tool on task-based simulations supports basic formulas and cell references
• Practice with the on-screen calculator and spreadsheet before exam day using AICPA sample tests
• You can request traditional scratch paper and pencil instead of noteboards by emailing candidatecare@nasba.org in advance
• Noteboards can be swapped for fresh ones during the exam — just raise your hand

Break Rules

Understanding break rules is important for time management. One break does not count against your time — all others do.

• Standardized break (~15 minutes): Offered after the third testlet, approximately midway through. This does NOT count against your 4-hour exam clock.
• Optional breaks: You can take additional breaks between any testlets, but this time IS deducted from your total exam time.
• During breaks: You must remain in the testing center, can access your locker for snacks and water
• Prohibited during breaks: Study materials, cell phones, electronic devices, notes of any kind
• Re-entry: Full security re-screening (metal detector wand) is required every time you return from a break

During the Exam

Once seated, you will accept the NDA on-screen and begin your exam. Proctors and cameras monitor you throughout.

• Accept the Conduct and Non-Disclosure Agreement on-screen before testing begins
• Proctors and security cameras monitor all candidates throughout the exam
• Raise your hand to get the proctors attention for any issues
• Exam content is confidential — capturing, copying, or discussing questions is prohibited and can result in score cancellation
• If your computer crashes, immediately notify the TCA — the software typically preserves your answers

If Something Goes Wrong

Technology failures, disruptive candidates, and other issues can happen. Knowing the process helps you stay calm.

• Computer crash: Notify the TCA immediately. They will attempt to reboot. Answers from completed testlets are usually preserved.
• The exam clock is supposed to pause during outages, though some candidates have reported losing time
• File a complaint with NASBA Candidate Care (candidatecare@nasba.org) within 5 business days
• Include testing details and the incident ticket number from Prometric staff
• In significant disruption cases, NASBA may offer a free retest or NTS extension

After the Exam

The sign-out process is quick. Score timing depends on whether you took a Core or Discipline section.

• Return all noteboards and markers to the TCA
• Sign out on the roster and retrieve personal belongings from your locker
• Scores are not available immediately — check the score release calendar for your section type
• Core sections (AUD, FAR, REG): Scores release every 2-3 weeks on a rolling basis
• Discipline sections (BAR, ISC, TCP): Scores release 6-7 weeks after the quarterly testing window closes
• Check scores at your NASBA CPA Candidate Account (nasba.org) — scores are not sent by email or phone