[supergirl]

It seems like there’s plenty of information about what to expect before and during the exams, but very little for after you’ve passed the exams. I received my last score on 12/16/16 and am in TN where we have to wait for NASBA’s congratulatory letter before we can submit our TN initial application.

I saw on NASBA’s website that the letters for the October/ November window should be sent by January 15th. Does anyone know if the 10-day extension of the window will affect this? Has anyone gotten the letter yet?

It’s so hard being patient; we spend so long trying to pass these exams and then it’s almost anti-climactic because we have to wait so long to get licensed.

[mitchvols]

I'm in Tennessee too, and I got my last passing score on 12/16/16. I called the state board and NASBA and all of them. From what I understand, NASBA will send the state board our scores in the middle of January. After that the state board takes over, they told me it would go relatively fast at that point.

[supergirl]

@Mitch, sounds like we have a similar timeline. I called the state board too and got someone's email address and have already sent in my Experience Affidavit and my Ethics certificate. The guy told me not to be surprised if it's 6-8 weeks before I get everything from NASBA, though I'm hoping it's sooner. He said after that, you can apply online and it should only be about a week if they have everything. Maybe by the end of January?!

Keep me posted on when you start receiving stuff!

[aaronmo]

Without understanding their process, I'm baffled by why it would take so long to send a congrats! authentication letter:

They've already pre-screened qualifications to take the exam.
A database that automatically validates passing scores and then sends a form letter is child's play.
They've already sent form letters, days after score release, authenticating individual exam scores.

I can't see why another control here would be warranted, and it would seem like the letter could be sent out within 10 minutes of score release. I get that their process is for their convenience, not ours, but this is frustrating and baffling! Give me my gosh darn “it's official” letter! Have a web function that provides the “it's done!” authorization…why should that be different than a site listing the scores and stating credit?

[mitchvols]

@supergirl, I haven't done my ethics test yet. When I found out that I passed FAR, I decided to take it easy and enjoy Christmas. Now I need to get on it. I did get an email say that I could take it at one of two places:

https://www.aicpastore.com/AST/Main/CPA2BIZ_Primary/Ethics/PRDOVR~PC-732302/PC-732302.jsp
https://www.tscpa.com/education/ethics-exam

Which one did you do? Also, was the text in pdf format? I hear from some that there is a 12 hour review, but I haven't seen anything on that.

[supergirl]

I don't really understand the extra wait, either. It would seem to me that the email we get should suffice, but I'm sure they have some kind of reason for the requirement (although I don't think all states require that letter)

@Mitch, I did the AICPA one – option 2 (Online – For Licensure), as I didn't want to wait for the book. I searched this forum and somewhere I found that there is a searchable PDF download that has everything. I think it was this one: https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/aicpa-ethics-exam-on-demand/

Basically the online one is a PowerPoint you click through with questions throughout and the test is at the end. I took about 4-5 hours between the course and the test, just because I didn't want to click through super fast out of fear that I wouldn't get the credit, lol. I got a 95 on my first try. Good luck!

[Trele6]

I've been licensed since Dec but I wont get my nice display certificate until the swearing in ceremony I was told for New Mexico.

First go at the CPA! Only using Becker
Reg / Nov 2015 - 87
Far / Apr 2016 - 79
Bec / May 2016 - 80
Aud / Aug 2016

[aaronmo]

Got my letter a few days ago…

Basically one nice sentence…congrats…

Followed by 3 paragraphs of bureaucratic DON'T CALL YOURSELF A CPA, YOU ARE NOT A CPA and instructions on how to find what else you need.

Sort of anti-climatic.

[CPA2BEE]

The licensing process is totally anti-climatic! It took the California board nearly 4 months from the time I passed the exams and sent in my application to process everything and license me, so ridiculous. Just be patient, remind yourself the hard part is over, and before you know it you'll be a CPA. Even after 4 months, knowing that I am officially a CPA is an incredible feeling 🙂

Congrats on passing the CPA exam and hope to see you licensed soon!

FAR - 80
AUD - 82
BEC - 80
REG - 85

ETHICS - 90
EXPERIENCE - COMPLETE
Application for California license mailed 8/4/2016

[supergirl]

@aaronmo, I wonder how you got this so quickly? When did you pass your last exam? And what state are you in?

I called NASBA the other day and they told me the letters will be sent on 1/15. Except that's a Sunday, and the next day is MLK day, so I don't really know when to expect it but I still check my mail obsessively just to make sure 🙂

CPA2BEE, thanks and congrats to you, too! I'm trying my best to be patient, but it gets frustrating having to explain to everyone that they can't call me a CPA yet. You'd think with all the stuff we have to send in with the initial application, and the score reports they email, there would be a much more efficient licensing process….

[red_rose]

All-

Trust me when in say i understand & the struggle is real! Im in TX & got my last passing score 12/9/16. I asked my last mgr from a previous job to sign off on my hours/work experience. She gave me the run around & ended up saying “im sorry but i dont think your job duties qualified. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!” Yeah. I was an accountant & created financial stmts: Profit loss, balance sheet, journal entries, so she could've checked the “financial stmts” on the state form. So now im at a public firm & my mgr said she'll do it no prob, BUT 2 things: 1. been there only 10 months, 2. its busy season, 2 ppl quit & i've gotten their work. So im working Saturdays & Sundays prolly until April. About 70+hrs/week. Im tired, feel worked to death, but im staying positive. I'm getting alot of knowledge & i'll. e able to apply for the cpa license in 2 months. Ya'll (said Texan style lol) hang in there! Hard part is over! 🙂

[kiester]

I mailed in my application (early this week) before I received the congratulatory letter. I'm hoping it won't mess anything up and crosses in the mail. A little worried.

AUD (10/14) 62 (2/16) 83
BEC
FAR (8/14)71 (1/24/15)77
REG (5/14) 69

[aaronmo]

Apologies for not replying sooner…missed your response.

I got my notice on the last exam Dec 16th? Took it Dec. 9 if I recall. It's becoming a distant memory already.

I'm in PA.

[supergirl]

Update: I received an email today (1/12) from my state board with instructions on how to apply! However, still no letter from NASBA which makes me nervous to submit my initial application, considering the first question asks if you've passed all four of the exams AND received the congratulatory letter from NASBA.

The email mentions nothing of said letter, so I sent an email back to the representative to ask if I can go ahead and apply. Anyone else get the letter yet?

[So FAR So Good]

Yes, received mine today. I imagine you'll receive yours by tomorrow.

F - 91 (6/5/2016)
A - 7/30/2016
R - 10/8/2016
B - 12/10/2016

[Yerzhan]

what is this letter anyway? is this a one page doc? is it required for Washington licensure?

[Author]

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