Steps to Taking the CPA Exam

1. Before applying to take the CPA exam, make sure you meet the education requirements for your state. Visit the NASBA site to see the education requirements for each state. Some state require a master's degree in order to sit for the exam. In most states, you can take the exam with a bachelor's degree as long as you meet the 150 hour requirement.

2. Familiarize yourself with the test.. There are four sections on the CPA exam : Auditing and Attestation; Financial Reporting; Business Environment and Concepts; and Regulation. Each year there are four testing windows, with a month off between each window. See the testing windows here. You can take as many sections as you would like during each window. If you're busy, you may want to spread the sections out among two or three windows.

3. Begin studying for the test. To see some sample tests, look at the tutorial and sample tests at CPA-exam.org. There are several study guides, such as Becker CPA Exam Review, which has very impressive pass rates. You can now take the Becker Review online if you don't have time to attend traditional review courses. CPA Review for Free has hundreds of test questions that you can access for free. Finally, several CPA study guides are available at Amazon.com.

4. Apply to take the exam. You'll need to visit your state's board of public accountancy website to find the application. NASBA has links to each state's website. You should send in your application at least 45 days before you want to take the exam.

5. Schedule your appointment. If your application is approved you should receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS). Once you've received your notice, visit http://www.prometric.com/CPA/default.htm to schedule your exam.