[G]

Hi guys!

I will be taking my very first ever CPA test (REG) this coming Saturday.
Since, I have no prior experience on taking tests in a Prometric Center, can any of you please walk me through the process?

I do know that I should bring at least 2 valid IDs and the NTS.

Few questions:
1. Do they let you borrow calculator? Is there a process for this or I can just straightly ask them when I get there?
2. Can I ask for pencil and few pieces of paper?
3. Can I bring earplugs?

Thanks!

[YouCanDoIt]

I take mine in NY, and
1) yes, if I ask and they have one available
2) yes, must let them know beforehand though
3) Never asked

FAR: 76
REG: Currently studying
AUD:
BEC:

[G]

@YouCanDoIt, thanks! I'll take mine in CA.
How do you let them know beforehand? When you arrive at the prometric and before taking the test OR you call them a few days before your exam?

[Recked]

You need to request the pencil and paper from NASBA candidate care.
Google to find their email address.
They usually want you to make the request 2 weeks before your test date.
I was able to get the request in once with only one week notice (my first exam).
You cannot bring your own anything into the room, no pens, no pencils, no paper, no earplugs. Everything is left outside the room or in your locker.
They have calculators, but if you are good with a 10 key you'll be much faster using the onscreen calculator. I got a calculator every time just because I could. I also used pencil and paper for all 4 exams. Highly recommend it.

[G]

candidatecare@nasba.org

Is that the right email address?
I was just wondering if what details should I include on the email?
And do you think I can still get away with a only a few days before my test?

[Recked]

That is the correct email.
They will need your name, date of exam, launch codes, section you are taking.
Not sure what else.
Send the email now, don't wait. Then try and call them if you can.
From NASBA it has to go to the prometric head office, and then sent down to the testing site.
Even with 2 months notice it was still a hassle and I was calling Prometric a week before my exam to see if they had received my approval, then when they called me to confirm the appointment I was asking again. If you get the okay from NASBA be sure to print it and bring it, but they always have to confirm.

[G]

Hi! I already emailed them, but I can't seem to find their phone # online. Do you happen to have it?

Also, how long did you have to wait before they replied to your email? I'm stressing out right now as I actually can focus more on taking my tests (even with no calculations) when I'm jotting details down. Do you think calling prometric will help? Or the approval should really come from NASBA?

[Gemini]

I took my audit exam this past Saturday and I'm in California. The center I went to provided a calculator, 2 dry erase markers, and two dry erase boards (the size of a normal sheet of paper). They also provided me with noise canceling headphones. I didn't call/email in advance for any of these items. Just to be safe you should call your test center to see if you have to request any of these items in advance!

[G]

@Gemini, thank you so much for the info!! I will call them first thing in the morning. Did you have an option to get an actual piece of paper?

[pwhite8388]

My Prometric lets you bring earplugs but they can't be in a bag or anything. Last time they just made me take them out , put them in my hand before going in, and put them on the table when I got to my station and then I could insert them.

[G]

@Pwhite8388, thanks for the input! Did you get some scratch paper in your test center tho?

[YouCanDoIt]

G, I think your best bet is to contact your prometric center directly as recked suggested, because it honestly seems like they might or might not be so lenient.

FAR: 76
REG: Currently studying
AUD:
BEC:

[pwhite8388]

@G I have never asked or tried. I used Excel as my scratch paper. Having a working knowledge of Excel really helps on both the MCQs and TBSes.

[G]

@YouCanDoIt @Pwhite8388 thanks guys for all the advice! I'll call Prometric tomorrow and hope they're lenient on this. I hope NASBAcare also approve of my request.

[Recked]

NASBA usually got back to me within 24-48 hours.
You are guaranteed the dry erase board, but the markers usually suck.
I write very small and messy, so pencil just worked out better for me.

[G]

Hey guys! Just an update: nasbacare already approved my request. I requested Monday afternoon and I received it first thing this morning (Thursday). Thank God they still accepted my request even I'm past the 2-week prior rule. Also, the letter of approval is good for 1 year.

Thanks for all the input!

[Author]

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