The CPA Exam Requirements You Should Not Forget

The Unified CPA Exam is one of toughest exams on the face of the Earth. Seriously. I have been there done that. 

Perhaps, I am being retrogressive in saying this because back in the late '90s to early 2000, the Prometric exam format was not yet implemented full-swing, so the exam-takers had to survive those four parts -- AUD (Auditing), REG (Regulation), FAR (Financial Accounting & Reporting), and BEC (Business Environment & Concepts) -- in one sitting using a pen and paper. 

It would be safer to say, I guess, that the routine is much more preferrable, tolerable, and easier nowadays because of this wonderful piece of technology. The quality, though, as well as the exam requirements barely changed.

What's with the exam requirements? These are some of the valuable things you should not take for granted. You will need an awful lot of preparation before you go to the testing center to increase your chances of passing it. Note that these are besides that standard requirements such as: 

A minimum of 150 credit hours of accredited education (bachelor and master's degree)

21 units of business subjects and 21 units of accounting subjects

Before we delve into the exam requirements, please allow me share with you some important details regarding these two CPA exam prerequisites, just for the benefit of those who are not yet aware.

Normally, an accounting course comprises only 120 credit hours so a student become 30 credit hour short. This is the reason why bachelor degree holder enroll in a postgraduate program to fill in those 30 credit hours. It works two ways -- it supplies you with enough credential and increases your market value. You will find this useful when you apply for higher positions in a company.

It is also worth noting that taking an accounting course that will truly prepare you specifically for the CPA Exam is the smartest thing to do. This way you have higher chances of passing it on your first attempt. Think Economics, Financing, and the like.

Now for the exam requirements, here are the things you will need if you are taking it using the Prometric system:

• Time. Time to relax, reopen your notes, recheck your documents and recall the proper use of the computer and the testing software. If you have taken a CPA review course, the latter will not be a problem but sometimes, anxiety can take your memory away. You can do this five days or one day before the exam date. Have everything ready. 
• IDs, of course. A primary (e.g., driver's license, social security) and secondary identification card (e.g. credit card, company ID, school ID) are very important. You need to help them verify you are who you claim you are.
• Money. Sure, you have paid for the exam, but just in case. 
• NTS (Notice to Schedule). You will need to present this at the testing center. If you do not have it, you're doomed. 

Every exam-taker is required to come at least 30-minutes early to the exam center as there are matters you may have to attend to like filling out forms, falling in line, and the like. If the testing center is located a few miles away from your home, it is advisable to check in a hotel near it to avoid tardiness, which is a mortal sin.

Like I said, time is of great value here. If you are one minute late, you are automatically disqualified and your payment shall be forfeited. You may have gained extra time to review but lost a significant amount of time and time. Add to it that you will need focus. Any distractions or stressor will have an impact on your mindset so have a presence of mind. Besides, you have greater chances of passing if you are not pressured.

What you have read here are just small pieces of information. You can find more tips and advices that will help you increase your chances of passing the CPA exam here: www.cparequirementshq.com. Good luck!