General Guidance for the CPA exam:
- Review eligibility to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam: Check the specific criteria from the state’s Board of Accountancy website for the current eligibility requirements for the CPA exam. In Ohio, please check the Accountancy Board of Ohio website.
- Apply to sit for the exam online: Every applicant must apply to sit for the exam. The application link is on the NASBA website or from the state’s board of accountancy. The application process can take between four to eight weeks.
- Schedule the exam: After receiving your Notice to Schedule (NTS), you can schedule your exam. You do not have to physically take the exam in the state you will apply for a license. There are four sections in the CPA exam. You may take one section at a time, but you may take multiple sections in each testing window.
- Most states require you to take the exam within six months from the date you receive your notice to schedule. Failure to take the sections of the exam you have applied for within this timeframe may cause you to forfeit fees.
- After you pass your first exam, you have 18 months to successfully pass the remaining sections. The score for any individual section will expire after this 18-month window.