[str6116]

(First few paragraphs are just a bit of my back story, sorry to ramble… would like to hear if anyone had similar experience/their thoughts though. Main question is at the bottom)

My graduation date was April 25th, and I sent in my application for the exam after all my grades were final, along with my transcripts (to be sent when they become official, of course). Now my transcript didn’t become “official” until around May 20th, so I was a bit worried I could’ve made the mistake of getting denied since it took so long between my application and transcripts being sent.

Well, after 3 times trying to contact the state (Maryland), I finally talked to someone today and they were able to tell me they do have my transcripts, so that’s a good sign I guess. But all I could get in terms of a status update was that I was “pending review” and they have a lot of applications to go over, not very assuring.

I began studying for FAR a little over a month ago regardless (currently on F7 in Becker) and I was hoping to take this about a month from today, then AUD end of August, and REG/BEC in the Oct/Nov. testing window (I start FT in November)

Starting to think this miiiight not be possible at this pace – so I’d say my backup plan is FAR ASAP in August, then AUD/REG in Oct./Nov. and BEC in January before busy season hits (all of this is assuming no fails I guess… I could fail FAR and may need to retake that for example, but I’ll worry about that when I take it/if I fail, one thing at a time)

So assuming the board approves me (I really can’t see why not though you never know…), I get the Authorization to test, right? Then I actually have to receive my NTS from NASBA and actually schedule my exams? Is there anything extra I need to do, or is this ATT automatically forwarded to NASBA? This extra step is what makes me feel like I may need to resort to my backup plan for when I take the exams… it takes some extra time I guess? Read online it can be 3-6 weeks, or in some cases not long at all? Kinda a bummer since I was hoping to at least try all 4 sections before really getting into my job, but we’ll see. This process is a real headache, but I guess I’m not too surprised about it.

FAR-82 (7/27/15)
AUD-74 (8/31/15), 92 (1/4/16)
REG-65 (10/28/15), 70 (6/9/16), 80 (7/18/16)
BEC-86 (11/28/15)

DONE

...and that's all the people need to know.

[golfball7773]

I think you are adding terms….unless I am wrong, all you need is your NTS – can you help clarify?

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[str6116]

Straight from the source I was reading: (steps to the CPA exam application process, 1 and 2 were to to send all transcripts and submit application to the state which I already did)

3) Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) from your State Board

In most states, this gives you 90 days to decide which sections you want to sit for. Your application fee will be forfeited if you don’t remit payment with this 90-day period.

Choose which sections you want to take and pay for them on NASBA’s website. (Please read step #4 before paying!)

Fees range from $700-$1,000 for all 4 sections depending on the state or around $175-$250 per section.

4) Receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS) from NASBA

This is your official document that authorizes you to sit for the CPA exam in the United States

Typically this takes between 3-6 weeks to receive, however, certain states allow you to apply online and get it the same day (my California NTS took 5 weeks)

…so once I even get approved by the state, I need to wait again to get my NTS? Or?

FAR-82 (7/27/15)
AUD-74 (8/31/15), 92 (1/4/16)
REG-65 (10/28/15), 70 (6/9/16), 80 (7/18/16)
BEC-86 (11/28/15)

DONE

...and that's all the people need to know.

[str6116]

(ook, no idea why but this got double posted… sorry)

FAR-82 (7/27/15)
AUD-74 (8/31/15), 92 (1/4/16)
REG-65 (10/28/15), 70 (6/9/16), 80 (7/18/16)
BEC-86 (11/28/15)

DONE

...and that's all the people need to know.

[golfball7773]

sounds like once the state approves you then you can select which tests you want to pay for to get your NTS.

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[str6116]

Well, I guess the bottom line amidst my rambling is wondering if it does take much more time between getting authorized by the state and getting my NTS?

FAR-82 (7/27/15)
AUD-74 (8/31/15), 92 (1/4/16)
REG-65 (10/28/15), 70 (6/9/16), 80 (7/18/16)
BEC-86 (11/28/15)

DONE

...and that's all the people need to know.

[rnin1ee]

When board approves your application and finds you eligible to sit in the exam, they should be able to forward your information to NASBA right away(or it could take lil longer depending on how busy they are so you might want to check with them) and you'll receive your NTS coupon the next day.

I got my NTS coupon the next day the board emailed me ATT which was less than a week from I re-submitted my application to board. Once you pay, you'll get your NTS and should be able to schedule your exam.

Hope this helped.

FAR - 74, 74, 84
REG - 79
AUD - 77
BEC - 71, 80

[Anonymous]

Different states may have slightly different processes, but for me (Texas), once the state board approved my application of intent to take the CPA exam (this is where they make sure you meet the educational requirements and do a preliminary background check), they notified me that I could start applying for eligibility to take each section. I only applied to take one at a time, but you can apply for all 4 at once. There is a $20 fee for each eligibility application, and, once it is approved (only takes a day or two), you get an exam fee coupon from NASBA for each exam you were approved for. You have to pay the fee before you get the Notice to Schedule, which is usually within one business day after they receive the fee. Once you get the NTS, you then have 90 days to schedule AND take whatever exams you paid for.

In total, the time from applying to take a section to receiving my NTS was about 4 days for the first exam and 2 to 3 days for all other exams.

[str6116]

Kind of a delayed response here but thanks for the responses. For anyone who is wondering the same thing/comes across this thread in a search, for what it's worth: I did get my approval from the state July 1st, applied online, and my NTS came July 5th (Sunday, weird).

I was kind of annoyed it took a little over 2 months from the time I applied, but regardless I was able to schedule FAR & AUD in this window like I wanted… the stress/sense of urgency has kicked in.

FAR-82 (7/27/15)
AUD-74 (8/31/15), 92 (1/4/16)
REG-65 (10/28/15), 70 (6/9/16), 80 (7/18/16)
BEC-86 (11/28/15)

DONE

...and that's all the people need to know.

[Author]

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