USCPA Journey #11 – BAR Exam Scheduling (Including Reservation Process)

After completing the FAR exam, I’m now scheduling my BAR exam. Although I haven’t started studying yet, booking the exam date in advance adds some pressure to keep me on track.

The reason I’m scheduling so early is that, unlike the Core Sections (FAR/AUD/REG) which are offered almost weekly, Discipline Sections like BAR are only available for one month per quarter. So, to secure my preferred location and date, it’s better to book early.

The application fee is the same no matter how many sections you register for. The first-time application fee is $100, and subsequent applications are $50. Since I paid $100 for FAR (as it was my first time), this time, I plan to pay $50 to register for BAR, AUD, and REG together. I took FAR in mid-October, and I’m planning to take BAR in mid-January, AUD in mid-May, and REG in September. Note: You can change your exam date for free if done 30 days before the exam. However, changes made 5-29 days before the exam cost $35, and changes made 4 days to 24 hours before cost $88.

Here’s the step-by-step exam reservation process:

Application
Request ATT (Authorization to Test)
Receive NTS Payment Coupon (Payment must be made within 90 days)
Remit Payment
Take the Exam (must be completed within 9 months)

For the application process, refer to my previous post.

USCPA Journey #5 – California Application Submitted

Once the payment is confirmed, you can select your exam in the CBA Status. Since I’m applying for all three sections at once, I’ll get an NTS for all. Payments for NTS must be made within 90 days, and once paid, you have 9 months to complete the exam, or you’ll need to pay the application fee again. So, my plan is to finish all three sections within that 90-day + 9-month window.

After selecting the exam, it takes about a day for the confirmation to appear in the Status. Then, you can make your payment via the NASBA CPA Portal. I’ll pay for BAR now, and pay for the other sections within the 90-day limit.