Where do you take the CPA Exam? A complete guide to the Prometric testing center
If you're planning to take the CPA Exam to become a Certified Public Accountant, get to know Prometric testing centers and what you can expect when you sit for the exam.
Summary
Prometric is the mandatory, secure testing center for the CPA Exam, which requires candidates to register using a Notice to Schedule (NTS), adhere to strict security measures on exam day (including checks and locker storage), and prepare effectively by practicing the testing format.
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What is the Prometric testing center?
Prometric is a global company that provides a secure environment for professional testing across industries. The CPA Exam is one of the exams offered at Prometric testing centers, and you cannot take the exam anywhere else.
This means that, if you want to pass the CPA Exam and reach licensure, you need to get to know the Prometric testing center, understand the registration and exam day processes, and prepare for the testing environment.
How do you register with Prometric to take the CPA Exam?
When you’re eligible for the CPA Exam according to your state board of accountancy’s CPA requirements, apply through your state board to receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS). Then, use your NTS to schedule your exam date and location through the Prometric website.
If you are requesting CPA Exam accommodations, you should fill out the accommodations form and send it to your state board of accountancy along with your exam application.
What happens at Prometric on CPA Exam day?
When you arrive at the Prometric testing center on the day of your CPA Exam (you should arrive half hour before your exam begins), be ready to present your government ID and NTS. You’ll be required to sign in on a roster and leave your belongings outside the testing room, in a locker that will be assigned to you.
The testing center administrator will perform a visual check of your pockets, glasses, socks, ankles, and ears to make sure that you don’t carry anything with you into the testing room. You will also go through a metal detector and possibly an image capture machine.
You’ll be given scratch paper and a pencil to use during the exam. You’ll also have access to an on-screen calculator. Also know that you have four hours to complete the exam, with a 15-minute break after your third testlet. When you’re finished with the exam and leave the testing room, you’ll sign out with the testing administrator and gather your belongings. Now the wait for score release begins!
5 tips to prepare for the Prometric CPA Exam day experience
Go to the testing center before exam day
The last thing you want on the day of your CPA Exam is to be late, lost, and stressed out. If you drive to the testing center a few days before your exam date, you can time the trip and become familiar with the directions, taking one more stress factor off your plate on the day of your exam.
Pack your exam-day belongings ahead of time
Before your exam day, double check that you have a copy of your NTS and government-issued ID ready-to-go and someplace where you won’t forget them.
While you’re at it, set out a comfortable exam day outfit ahead of time. In case you’re running late, this will help you save time and ensure that you’re still able to arrive at the Prometric testing center 30 minutes early.
Know the prohibited items
Other than the paper and pencil that you’re given at the testing center, you can’t take anything with you into the exam room unless otherwise specified with an approved exam accommodation. You’re also prohibited from using your cell phone or any other communications device while on breaks.
It's therefore best to leave whatever you can at home. But the personal items you do bring, be prepared to leave them in the locker before the exam and be without them until you are ready to leave the testing center.
Get familiar with the testing format
It’s normal to be nervous on exam day, so it’s important that you remove as much friction from the experience as possible. One way to do this is to practice exam questions in the same format that you’ll see on exam day at the Prometric testing center.
Becker’s simulated exams give you a real exam experience, in the same length and format as the real exam section, so you’re familiar with the question layout and can focus solely on the content that you’ve worked hard to learn.
To learn what you can expect, hear it from Daniel Goldberg, a high-scoring Becker student:
“In terms of preparing for exam day, Becker’s simulated exams probably helped me the most. One of the best pieces of advice I received from one of my professors was to recreate the testing conditions as closely as possible when studying. Before my first exam, I didn’t really know what to expect and I hadn’t taken many exams that were as long as the CPA Exam. But with Becker’s exact number of questions, topic mix and software experience as the real thing, it was as if I was at the Prometric center sitting for the exam. This was especially helpful for my last test when I was able to take these simulated exams with a mask on to practice wearing one for such a long period of time.”
Treat all questions equally
Each testlet can include pretest questions, which are used to develop future exams. They are not used in computing exam scores. However, you won’t know which questions count toward your score and which don’t, making it vital to treat all questions as equally important to your ability to pass.
Plan your CPA Exam day success
The best way to succeed on your CPA Exam day is through effective preparation. Start your journey with Becker’s FREE CPA Exam Guide ebook, which gives you everything you need to know about what’s on the exam, tips for your study, and how to pass.
Get your FREE CPA Exam Guide
This comprehensive ebook contains everything you need to know about the CPA Exam, including the exam format, study tips, and practice questions!
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