Exam Day Playbook

Everything you need to know before, during, and at the Prometric test center. Sources: Prometric.com, NASBA.org, AICPA.

1. Prometric Registration

After receiving your Notice to Schedule (NTS) from NASBA, you schedule your exam appointment directly through Prometric.

Go to prometric.com/cpa and select “Schedule an Exam.”
Enter your NTS confirmation number and Exam Section ID.
Choose your preferred test center location and available date/time. Centers fill up — schedule as early as possible after receiving your NTS.
Confirm your appointment. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.

NTS Validity

Your NTS is valid for a specific testing window (typically 6 months, but varies by jurisdiction). If it expires before you sit, you must reapply and pay the exam fee again. Check your specific NTS for the expiration date.

2. 48-Hour Countdown Checklist

48 hours before

☐Confirm your appointment date, time, and location in your Prometric confirmation email.
☐Verify your two forms of ID are valid and not expired (see Section 3 below).
☐Plan your route to the test center. Account for traffic and parking.
☐Light review only — focus on your weakest 2-3 topics for refresher, not new material.

24 hours before

☐Stop studying by early evening. Diminishing returns at this point.
☐Prepare what you are bringing (ID, confirmation number, car keys). Set it by the door.
☐Set two alarms. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
☐Eat a normal dinner. Sleep at your normal time.

Morning of

☐Eat breakfast. Bring a snack and water for the optional break.
☐Arrive 30 minutes early. Late arrivals may forfeit their appointment.
☐Leave your phone in the car or locker. Electronics are not allowed in the testing room.

3. What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)

Required

Primary ID: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). Name must match your NTS exactly.
Secondary ID: Credit card, debit card, or another government-issued ID with your signature.
NTS confirmation number (printed or memorized).

Not Allowed in Testing Room

Cell phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers
Notes, books, study materials of any kind
Food and drinks (allowed during breaks only)
Jackets, hats, scarves (may be inspected)
Calculators (an on-screen calculator is provided in the exam software)

Prometric provides a locker for personal items. You will receive scratch paper/noteboards and a writing instrument at check-in.

4. At the Test Center

Check in: Present both forms of ID. Your photo will be taken and you will provide a digital signature. A palm vein scan or fingerprint may be required depending on the center.
Security screening: Empty your pockets. You may be asked to turn out pockets and pull up sleeves/pant legs. This is standard.
Receive materials: Scratch paper/noteboards and a writing instrument. These must be returned at the end.
Seat assignment: You will be assigned a workstation. The proctor will launch your exam.
Exam begins: FAR is 4 hours. You receive 5 testlets: 2 MCQ testlets (33 questions each), then 3 TBS testlets. An optional 15-minute break is available after the third testlet.
Break protocol: Raise your hand, sign out at the front desk, re-authenticate on return. Break time counts against your total unless it is the scheduled 15-minute break.
Finish: Submit your exam, complete the exit survey, collect your belongings, and sign out. You will not receive your score at the center.

5. FAR Exam Structure Quick Reference

Testlet	Type	Questions
1	MCQ	33
2	MCQ	33
Optional 15-minute break
3	TBS	2-3
4	TBS	2-3
5	TBS	2-3

Total time: 4 hours. MCQs are worth approximately 50% of the score, TBS approximately 50%. Source: AICPA.

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