What to Expect on CPA Exam Day

As any new CPA can tell you, preparing for the CPA Exam involves more than learning the most heavily tested topics. To be fully prepared, you need to know what to expect in every way. Unfortunately, even if you've studied and memorized all of the CPA Exam review material available, you probably only have a vague idea of what it's actually like to take the CPA Exam itself.
CPAs and candidates are forbidden from discussing the CPA Exam content, according to the Code of Professional Conduct, rule 501-6. However, any reputable CPA Exam review course should offer specific questions released by the AICPA to prepare you for the CPA Exam content. Additionally, www.cpa-exam.org offers tutorial programs intended to familiarize students with the CPA Exam software used at the Prometric testing center.
In this lens, we'll discuss some powerful tips and tricks to help you mentally and physically prepare for exam day. You'll learn what obstacles you face and discover unique and effective ways to conquer them. In the end, you'll be better prepared to sit for, and pass, the CPA Exam.
Here's your first tip: Bookmark this page, and check it over before you sit for the exam.

There is no specific universal time that everyone takes the CPA Exam. Prometric conducts exams in a few time slots over the course of any given day. To ensure you get the time and date you desire, we strongly suggest scheduling your exam early. In the interest of time, we'll assume you've managed to get an early appointment to sit for the CPA Exam.
Let's assume your exam is scheduled for 9:00am. At 9:00 am on the day prior to your exam, you should call Prometric or visit their website to confirm your appointment. Don't simply assume that everything is ok. If there is a scheduling problem, it's better to find out the day before than to show up to the testing center and be denied entry.
At this point, you should also look up the following information:

1. Where is it? Get driving directions.
2. Parking? At the Prometric site? Or in a public garage?

Now that you've confirmed your appointment, location and you can get on with your day.

By this time in the day, most people are at work or school. Try not to be distracted from your daily tasks. Immerse yourself in your day-to-day routine. Focus on the tasks at hand, and avoid imagining the big test ahead.
By concentrating on your immediate school and/or work requirements, you're not giving yourself time to indulge in worrying, overanalyzing, and doubt. At this stage in the game, you either know the material, or you don't. Worrying about it won't change anything.
If you absolutely can't stop thinking about the CPA Exam, take a break from your work or studies, and run through some of the mnemonics you've learned from your cpa exam review course. Reinforce the areas you already know. This isn't about absorbing new information; rather, it's about building your self confidence so you can relax.

The main part of the day is over. You've gotten some work done, and, hopefully, you've either given your brain a rest from CPA Exam content, or you've at least boosted your confidence by reinforcing what you're already good at.
On your way home, if you're driving your own car, make sure to stop and fill up your tank. You don't want to waste time thinking about this tomorrow morning.
Your tasks tonight are simple. Organize yourself so you don't have to think about it tomorrow, and get plenty of rest. The more you prepare tonight, the more relaxed you'll be in the morning.
First, make sure you have all of the documents and information you need to be granted admission into the Prometric testing center. Due to concerns about the integrity of the exam, security measures have become increasingly strict. Without the proper identification and paperwork, you will not be allowed entry.
Set aside two forms of identification and your Notice to Schedule (NTS) in a readily accessible location. One of the two forms of ID MUST have bear a recent photograph. Both must be current, valid and have a clearly visible signature. Your name MUST appear exactly the same on both forms of ID, which, in turn, must also match your NTS. Any variation, no matter how slight, will prevent your entry.

The following are acceptable forms of identification:

A valid (not expired) state- or territory-issued driver's license with photograph and signature

A valid (not expired) state- or territory-issued identification card with a recent photograph and signature (Candidates who do not drive may have an identification card issued by the agency which also issues drivers licenses.)

A valid (not expired) government-issued passport with a recent photograph and signature. A United States military identification card with a recent photograph and signature Your secondary form of identification may be one of the following (or another item from the list above)

An identification card issued by your Board of Accountancy which includes the same name that appears on the NTS (if applicable to your jurisdiction)

A valid (not expired) credit card

A bank ATM card

A debit card

The following are unacceptable forms of identification:

A draft classification card

A Social Security card

A student identification card

A United States permanent residency card (green card)

In summary, you should set aside your two forms of ID and your NTS. Try your hardest to leave everything else at home, or in your car. You'll be assigned a locker for any personal belongings, but, the lockers are quite small, and aren't intended to hold large items. Furthermore, nearly everything you can think of is considered a prohibited item in the testing centers.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

Books

Briefcase

Calculator/Portable Computer

Calculator Watch

Camera, Photographic or Scanning Device (still or video)

Cellular Phone

Cigarette/Tobacco Product

Container of any kind

Dictionary

Earphone

Earplug (not provided by Test Center)

Eraser

Eyeglass Case

Food or Beverage

Handbag/Backpack/Hip Pack

Hat or Visor (except head coverings worn for religious reasons)

Headset or Audio Earmuffs (provided by Testing Center)

Jewelry - Pendant Necklace or Large Earrings

Newspaper or Magazine

Non-Prescription Sunglasses

Notebook

Notes in any written form

Organizer / Day Planner

Outline

Pager / Beeper

Paper (provided by Test Center)

Pen / Pencil (provided by Test Center)

Pencil Sharpener

Personal Digital Assistant or Other Electronic Device

Plastic Bag

Purse/Wallet

Radio/Transmitter/Receiver

Ruler/Slide Ruler

Study Material

Tape/Disk Recorder or Player

Umbrella

Watch

Weapon of any kind

As if that weren't enough, even jackets and sweaters are prohibited! If you absolutely need a sweater or a jacket due to room temperature, it must be worn at all times.
Once you've set aside your NTS and two forms of ID, you may as well decide what you're going to wear. Concentrate on comfort. Avoid wearing items with lots of pockets, as you'll be asked to demonstrate that each of those pockets are empty. Your CPA Exam fashion tip: Keep it simple and comfortable.
You should now be ready for the morning.
Checklist:
-2 forms of ID (one with a photo, both with signatures)
-Your NTS
-Comfortable, simple clothes.
-Directions to the Prometric Testing center, and nearby parking or public transportation.

It's time for a healthy meal, and some relaxation. You've been busy all day, and you're probably a bit tired. Read a book, watch some TV, or go for a walk. Just take it easy for a little while.

Ok! Break time is over. Time to sit down in front of the computer for one more study session. However, this session won't include studying with your CPA Review materials. Instead, you'll be visiting the AICPA sponsored website, www.cpa-exam.org, where they offer sample tests and a CPA Exam tutorial that will demonstrate how the CPA Exam software works.
The AICPA strongly recommends candidates spend ample time with this feature. The Sample Tests use the same software that the CPA Exam uses. By becoming familiar with the software, including the search, advanced search, spreadsheet, word processor and calculator functions, candidates waste less time learning the tools during the actual exam. You'll be able to experience a small set of multiple choice questions, as well as a simulation. Run through this 'test-drive' a few times, and you'll be comfortable with the presentation, format and function of the CPA Exam.
By now, however, you should have already gained some experience with this website, and its accompanying tutorials. The best CPA Exam review programs recommend becoming familiar with these offerings well before your exam date.
Once you're done reviewing the CPA Exam Tutorial and Sample tests, it's time to get some sleep.

Take this advice to heart. Even if you normally stay up late, you should try your hardest to get a good night's sleep before the CPA Exam. 6-8 hours is recommended. Without that sleep, you'll end up like a zombie during the exam. And, everyone knows, zombies do not tend to pass tests well.
If you get to sleep now, you'll have 8 hours before your alarm goes off. What's that? You're having trouble falling asleep? Too worried or excited to calm down? Try some of these tips.
http://www.well.com/~mick/insomnia/

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!! The alarm clock announces that it's finally EXAM DAY!! I'll leave you to your morning routine. Just keep in mind that you've got 2 ½ hours before you need to arrive at the Prometric testing center, so, don't waste any time!
Here are some tips to consider as you get ready to go.
1. Eat a good breakfast (Fruit, Oatmeal, good carbs)
2. Avoid drinking too much coffee (You'll need to go to the bathroom)
3. Relax, be confident, be positive
4. Allow yourself enough time to arrive early at the testing center. Consider traffic conditions and weather. Don't be late!

Congratulations! You've made it this far, which means you've been studying, practicing and preparing yourself for the main event. You've probably made many personal sacrifices to get to this point. Now, it's time to put all you've learned to the test.
The staff at each test center has been trained in the procedures specific to the Uniform CPA Examination. They will guide you through the steps that have been developed by the Boards of Accountancy, NASBA and the AICPA.
1. You must arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you arrive after your scheduled appointment time, you may forfeit your appointment and will not be eligible to have your examination fees refunded.
2. Your examination should begin within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time. If circumstances arise that delay your session more than 30 minutes, you will be given the choice of continuing to wait or rescheduling your appointment.
3. You must place personal belongings, such as a purse or cell phone, in the storage lockers provided by the test center. You will be given the key to your locker which must be returned to the test center staff when you leave. Test center personnel will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.
4. You are required to present your identification. You must keep your identification with you at all times. If you leave the testing room for any reason, you will be required to show your identification to be readmitted.
5. You will have a digital photograph taken of your face. (If the digital camera equipment is not working, a Polaroid picture will be taken.)
6. You will be required to sign the test center log book. Each time you exit and re-enter the testing room, you will be required to sign the log book and present your identification.
7. You will be escorted to a workstation by test center staff. You must remain in your seat during the examination, except when authorized to get up and leave the testing room.
8. Scratch paper and pencils will be provided to you. You will be directed to enter your examination password on your scratch paper. You are required to return the scratch paper to the test center staff when your examination is complete. If you need additional scratch paper, you may request it from the test center staff, but you must first turn in the original sheets of paper you received in order to get a new supply. You must not bring any other paper or pencils to the work station in the testing room.
9. Notify the test center staff if:
a. You experience a problem with your computer
b. An error message appears on the computer screen (do not clear the message)
c. You need additional scratch paper or pencils
d. You need the test center staff for any other reason
10. When you finish the examination, leave the testing room quietly, turn in your scratch paper and sign the test center log book. The test center staff will dismiss you after completing all necessary procedures.

Some final tips:

Keep your Confirmation of Attendance to follow up on any issues.

Make sure to read your computer screen after the facilitator sets you up.

Report equipment or computer issues to test center staff immediately.

Remember that the examination consists of several sections (groups of multiple choice questions called testlets or simulations). You will be able to review questions within any testlet/simulation but you will NOT be able to go back to a testlet/simulation once you have exited from it.

Time Management

Give yourself double the amount of time you think you need to get to the Prometric center.

Be sure to have your Examination Password on hand (it's provided on your Notice to Schedule) when you are seated at the workstation. You have a limited amount of time available to enter this information once you are seated.

The appointment time (on the schedule confirmation) is thirty minutes longer than your exam time to allow you to complete the sign-in process and survey. This time is independent of your exam. Completing these activities quickly will NOT give you extra time on the examination.

During the CPA Exam
For many candidates, the most difficult part of the CPA Exam is time management. Each of the 4 sections of the CPA Exam take different amounts of time to complete. Use the following as a guideline to make sure you're staying on target.

Audit:
With the longest time allotment in the CPA Exam, the Audit section is second to BEC in difficulty, according to recent candidate polls. The Audit section is 4.5 hours long. Use 2 minutes per multiple choice question as a benchmark (60 minutes per testlet) That will leave you with 45 minutes per simulation.

BEC:
The BEC section is only 2.5 hours long. It consists entirely of multiple choice questions. Don't underestimate the difficulty of this section, though! Just because it's a shorter section, doesn't mean it's easier! Give yourself 1.5 minutes per multiple choice question (45 minutes per testlet.)

FAR:
FAR is considered by many to be the most difficult section. For some, this is because of the sheer volume of knowledge being tested. For others, the inclusion of calculations adds to the difficulty. Still more candidates find the limited time allotment to be the biggest hurdle. The FAR section is 4 hours long. You should allow yourself 90 seconds per multiple choice question, and 45 minutes per simulation.

REG:
The Regulation section includes only 24 multiple choice questions per testlet. All other sections have 30 multiple choice questions per testlet. This means you'll have 18 fewer multiple choice questions to deal with, overall, but also that each question is weighted more heavily! The Regulation section is the second shortest portion of the CPA Exam, coming in at just 3 hours. To get through on time, give yourself 75 seconds per multiple choice question and 45 minutes per simulation.

Keep these tips in mind as you work:

When in doubt, GUESS. Blank answer = Wrong answer = 0 points.

Don't be distracted by any issue as long as you are able to continue testing. For example, if your responses do not generate the expected result, be sure to read the directions and continue testing. Report this matter to the facilitator at the end of the session so that a report can be filed.

Now that you've taken at least one part of the CPA Exam, you'll hopefully feel more confident when taking the remaining parts. You should eventually gain enough confidence that you'll no longer need to review this lens. But, keep it handy... there are some tips here that can also apply to a variety of life circumstances.
Here's where the hard part begins.
Once you've quietly left the Prometric testing center, you begin waiting for your score. Every day that passes can add to your anxiety. Did you pass? Did you fail? By how much?
For now, let those thoughts go. You've accomplished something great by just sitting for the CPA Exam. Enjoy a moment of triumph. You've earned it.
Just remember: I was cheering for you all along!