CPA Basics
How to Schedule a US CPA Exam Through Prometric
By SimplyCPA · 11 October 2026
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- You need an NTS: You can't book until your Notice to Schedule is issued; for India, your NTS must also be registered and paid for international testing.
- Book early: At least 5 days in advance; NASBA recommends 45 days, especially for Discipline months.
- Rescheduling: Free at 61+ days; a Prometric fee at 5–60 days; the full seat fee at 2–5 days; no changes within 24 hours.
- Discipline sections: Only bookable in January, April, July and October; Core sections year-round.
- On the day: Bring your NTS and valid ID (a passport for international testing); names must match exactly.
Before you book
- Your NTS has arrived (check the NASBA portal or app).
- For testing outside the US, you've registered for international testing, paid the international fee and waited 24 hours.
- Your NTS expiry date allows enough time — the NTS is valid for one testing event or until it expires, whichever is first.
Booking steps
- Go to Prometric's CPA scheduling page and choose your country.
- Select "Schedule", enter the section identification number from your NTS and the first four letters of your last name.
- Confirm the section — for international testing, choose the version for your location.
- Pick a test centre, date and time.
- Complete the booking and save your confirmation number.
Rescheduling and cancellation
| Notice before appointment | What happens |
|---|---|
| 61 days or more | Free |
| 5 to 60 days | Fee payable to Prometric |
| 2 to 5 days | Full Prometric seat fee for the section |
| Less than 24 hours | No changes — contact your board to register again |
In an emergency more than 24 hours before the appointment, contact Prometric. For hardship or medical situations, NASBA considers NTS extensions case by case with documentation.
Timing tips
- Score release batches depend on when the AICPA receives your exam data. Testing one or two days before a cutoff date is safer than testing on it. See the score release calendar.
- For Discipline sections, book as soon as your NTS arrives — the testing month fills up.
- Remember the platform change: no exams from July 1 to July 11, 2027.
Exam day checklist
- NTS and valid identification — a passport for international testing.
- Name on ID exactly matching your NTS and booking.
- Personal items go in a locker; follow Prometric's list of permitted items.
- Report any testing problem to NASBA within five days.