This page provides answers to common questions about requesting and using testing accommodations for the CPA Examination. NASBA is committed to ensuring equal access for all qualified candidates in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Getting Started
What are testing accommodations?
Testing accommodations are approved changes to the exam administration that allow candidates with documented disabilities to take the CPA Examination under equitable conditions.
Who qualifies for testing accommodations?
Candidates with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities may be eligible for accommodations, provided appropriate documentation is submitted and approved.
When should I request accommodations?
You should submit your request as early as possible, and at least four weeks before your intended exam date to allow time for review and scheduling arrangements.
Do I need to have a Notice to Schedule before I submit my request?
No, you may submit your request for accommodations at any time, including before you pay for your Notice to Schedule (NTS). Make sure to verify whether your request for accommodations is processed by NASBA or your State Board of Accountancy.
Submitting a Request
What do I need to submit?
To request accommodations, you must provide:
– Completed Testing Accommodations Request Form
– Supporting medical or professional documentation
– Relevant prior accommodation approvals (if applicable)
Where do I submit my request and documentation?
As a candidate in any of the following jurisdictions:
Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin
You may submit your request by email, fax, or mail as indicated on the request form which you can find under the form section of your state jurisdiction page. You may also initiate a file share using a service such as One Drive or Google Drive. Our email is [email protected]
If your jurisdiction is not listed, then you must submit your request for testing accommodations directly with your state board of accountancy.
What happens if I don’t submit documentation?
We will contact you and give you an opportunity to submit any required documentation that is not received, however, if we do not receive a response, your request for accommodations will be closed.
Review and Approval Process
How are accommodations requests reviewed?
Your accommodations request is reviewed by NASBA or your State Board of Accountancy. Accommodations determinations are made with an individualized approach. If you requested multiple accommodations, and one or more accommodation cannot be approved (for example, a paper-based exam), you will be advised why the specific request could not be granted. NASBA aims to provide appropriate and effective accommodations that ensure a fair opportunity for you to test.
How long does it take to process my request?
Processing times vary. Requests are handled in the order received. It is best to plan ahead and submit your request as early as possible.
Can my request be expedited?
No. Requests cannot be expedited.
Types of Accommodations
What types of accommodations are available?
Examples include extended time, additional breaks, separate rooms, readers/interpreters, and assistive technology.
Are some items already allowed without approval?
Yes. Certain permissible items do not require approval. You can find a link for “Permissible Items” under Exam Links on the CPA Exam homepage.
Scheduling Your Exam
Can I schedule my exam online?
Most accommodations now allow online scheduling through Prometric’s scheduling portal (www.prometric.com/exams/CPA). Complex accommodations may require contacting Prometric by phone (1-800-967-1139).
What is a Special Accommodations NTS?
It is an authorization required to schedule an exam with accommodations.
Scheduling Without Approved Accommodations
What if I already scheduled my exam without accommodations?
If you scheduled your exam before your accommodations were approved, or before your Notice to Schedule (NTS) was updated, your current appointment will not include accommodations.
Can accommodations be added to an existing appointment?
No. Accommodations cannot be added to an existing scheduled appointment.
To test with accommodations, you must:
- Receive an approved accommodations decision
- Obtain an updated NTS reflecting your accommodations
- Schedule your exam appointment with accommodations
What should I do if I scheduled too early?
You will need to:
- Cancel your current appointment
- Wait until your accommodations are approved and your NTS is updated
- Schedule a new appointment that includes your approved accommodations. You will see your accommodations listed in Prometric’s online scheduling tool.
Will I be charged to reschedule my exam?
Rescheduling policies and fees are determined by Prometric and may apply depending on how close your exam date is.
What if my accommodations are approved after I have already scheduled?
If your accommodations are approved after you have already scheduled, you must:
- Cancel your existing appointment
- Schedule a new appointment using your updated accommodations NTS. Your accommodations will be listed on Prometric’s scheduling tool.
Can I take the exam without accommodations instead?
Yes. You may choose to test without accommodations.
- Accommodations can be removed from your NTS before scheduling if requested
- If you proceed with a standard, non-accommodations appointment, accommodations will not be provided on the day of your exam.
What happens if I show up expecting accommodations, but they were not scheduled?
If your appointment was scheduled without accommodations, the test center will not be able to provide them.
You will need to:
- Decide whether to proceed without accommodations, or
- Choose to not take your exam, you must reach out to [email protected] regarding your decision to not take the scheduled CPA Exam.
How can I avoid this issue?
To ensure your accommodations are in place:
- Do not schedule your exam until your accommodations are approved
- Wait until you receive your updated NTS showing approved accommodations
- Verify that your accommodations are listed on Prometric’s website when scheduling your exam.
- Verify that your accommodations are listed on the confirmation email you receive from Prometric after scheduling.
- Follow the scheduling instructions provided.
After Approval
Where will my accommodations appear?
Your NTS will list approved accommodations, with additional details in the accommodations decision letter. If you did not receive a letter or notification regarding your accommodations, it may be because your State Board of Accountancy does not provide them. Contact your State Board for additional information. You may also reach out to NASBA with questions or for clarification regarding one or more of the accommodations that are listed on your NTS.
Can I change accommodations?
Yes, prior to scheduling your exam, by contacting NASBA or your State Board (depending on who sent you the accommodations decision).
Exam Day
What should I expect?
Approved accommodations will be available at the Prometric Test Center. They are arranged in advance and will be available as long as they are included in your appointment confirmation.
What if some of my approved accommodations are not provided?
Notify the test center staff and decide whether to continue with taking the exam. You may also refuse to test, in which case you will be given a Candidate Care card and advised to contact NASBA.
Contact NASBA Candidate Care by email no later than 5 days following the exam to report your concerns ([email protected]).
Contact Information
Phone: 800-CPA-EXAM
Email: [email protected]
