You’ve spent months buried in textbooks, flashcards, and practice simulations. The big day is finally here — but wait, do you actually know what to bring to the CPA Exam? Walking into a Prometric testing center unprepared can cost you more than just stress. Show up without the right documents and you may be turned away entirely, forfeiting your exam fees.
This guide covers everything you need to bring, what the testing center provides, what you must leave behind, and exactly what to expect when you walk through those doors.
The Must-Bring Items
There are only two things that are absolutely required to enter a Prometric testing center for the CPA Exam. But getting either of them wrong means you don’t sit that day.
1. Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)
Your Notice to Schedule (NTS) is your official ticket into the exam room. You will not be allowed to sit for the exam without it. Here’s what you need to know about it:[accounting.uworld]
- Print a physical copy. While some centers may accept a digital copy on your phone, technical issues can happen. Always carry a printed version.[accounting.uworld]
- Verify the Section ID. Make absolutely sure the NTS matches the specific section you’re taking that day — whether it’s AUD, FAR, REG, or one of the three discipline sections: BAR, ISC, or TCP.[accounting.uworld]
- Check the expiration date. Your NTS is valid only for a specific testing window. An expired NTS means no entry.[becker]
2. Two Forms of Valid Identification
You must present two forms of ID — one primary and one secondary. Both must be current (not expired) and bear your signature.[accounting.uworld]
Acceptable Primary IDs (must include a recent photo):
- Valid driver’s license issued by a U.S. state
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- State-issued ID card
- U.S. military ID
Acceptable Secondary IDs (must include a signature):
- Debit or credit card
- Bank or ATM card
- A second form of primary ID
Important: Social Security cards, green cards (permanent resident cards), and student IDs are not accepted as primary identification.[accounting.uworld]
What the Testing Center Provides
You don’t need to worry about pens, paper, or a calculator. Prometric provides everything you need inside the exam room:[accounting.uworld]
- Scratch paper and pencils, OR two laminated note boards and a fine-point marker — you must return these before leaving[accounting.uworld]
- A built-in on-screen calculator within the exam software — you cannot bring your own[accounting.uworld]
- Noise-canceling headphones at every workstation[accounting.uworld]
- A small personal locker to store all items not allowed in the testing room[accounting.uworld]
- A Confirmation of Attendance form at the end, which includes contact information for any complaints or concerns[accounting.uworld]
What NOT to Bring to the CPA Exam
Prometric has a strict prohibited items policy. Knowing this list in advance saves you from scrambling at the security desk.[myaccountingcourse]
Electronics
- Cell phones
- Smartwatches and fitness trackers
- Personal calculators
- Recording devices or cameras
Personal Items
- Bags, purses, or backpacks
- Wallets and keys (leave them in the locker)
- Food and beverages (unless you have a pre-approved medical accommodation)
- Lip balm
Study Materials
- Notes, books, or flashcards — none of it is allowed inside the testing room[accounting.uworld]
Clothing and Accessories
- Heavy coats, jackets, and hats (unless for religious purposes)
- Watches of any kind
- Large jewelry items — only wedding and engagement rings are typically permitted[surgent]
- Ornate hair accessories, barrettes, headbands, tie clips, and cuff links are subject to inspection and may be prohibited[surgent]
Tip: Keep your accessories and clothing as simple as possible on exam day. The more items you wear or carry, the longer the security check takes.
What to Expect at the Testing Center
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time. If you arrive after your scheduled start time, you may be turned away and forfeit your exam fee entirely.[surgent]
Security Screening Process
Before entering the exam room, every candidate goes through a multi-step security check:myaccountingcourse+1
- Metal detector scan — you’ll be waved with a handheld scanner
- Visual pocket inspection — staff will ask you to turn out your pockets and confirm they’re empty
- Eyewear inspection — if you wear glasses, they’ll be removed and inspected for hidden devices[accounting.uworld]
- Forearm, socks, and ankle check — staff will visually inspect these areas[accounting.uworld]
- Biometric check-in — fingerprint or palm vein scan may be required depending on the center
All of your personal belongings — phone, wallet, keys, bag — go into the small locker provided. You are given a key to access it during breaks.[accounting.uworld]
Re-Entry After Breaks
The CPA Exam includes optional and standard breaks. Every time you leave the room, you must sign out, and every time you return, you must complete the full security check again — including ID verification and fingerprint scan. You are also not permitted to use your cell phone or any communications device during breaks.becker+1
CPA Exam Sections at a Glance
In 2024, the CPA Exam transitioned from four sections to a new structure: three Core sections plus one Discipline section of your choice.[accounting.uworld]
| Section | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AUD | Core | Auditing and Attestation |
| FAR | Core | Financial Accounting and Reporting |
| REG | Core | Taxation and Regulation |
| BAR | Discipline | Business Analysis and Reporting |
| ISC | Discipline | Information Systems and Controls |
| TCP | Discipline | Tax Compliance and Planning |
Each section consists of 5 testlets — Testlets 1 & 2 contain Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), and Testlets 3, 4 & 5 contain Task-Based Simulations (TBS).[accounting.uworld]
Day-Before Checklist
The night before your exam, run through this quick checklist to make sure everything is ready:
- Printed NTS with correct section ID and valid date
- Two valid forms of ID (primary + secondary), both signed and unexpired
- Plan your route to the Prometric center and account for traffic
- Lay out simple, comfortable clothing with minimal accessories
- Get to bed early — fatigue is your biggest enemy on exam day
- Eat a solid meal before you leave — no food is allowed inside the testing room
Quick Recap: Bring vs. Don’t Bring
| Bring | Do Not Bring |
|---|---|
| Printed NTS | Cell phone or smartwatch |
| Primary photo ID | Personal calculator |
| Secondary signed ID | Books, notes, or flashcards |
| Comfortable clothing | Large jewelry or hair accessories |
| Soft earplugs (optional) [surgent] | Food or beverages |
Final Thoughts
Walking into the CPA Exam with the right documents and the right mindset is half the battle. The actual list of what to bring to the CPA Exam is short — your NTS and two valid IDs — but the rules around prohibited items are strict and non-negotiable. Prepare the night before, arrive early, and trust the months of studying you’ve put in. The rest is just paperwork.myaccountingcourse+1
