[KelzMS]

Ok so last time I got my NTS they had a glitch in the system so I did not received mine until I finally called them wondering why I hadn’t received it yet. So with that in mind I have no idea how long it is supposed to take to become approved and receive your NTS. I need to know this because I am debating between two months on when to take my exam so I don’t want to apply to early and have my 6 months up if I decide the later date and I also don’t want to wait too late and not get a seat on the earlier month.

Also I would like anyone’s opinion please. I work in a tax office so after my exam Friday until April 15th I will be working Mon-Fri until about 8, 9, or 10 (hopefully not later) and on Saturdays until probably 4 (unless I am mistaken and I actually have to work later). So I won’t have a lot of study time. Depending on when I get off through the week about .5-2 hours during the week, ~5 on Sat and ~4 hours on Sunday. I had originally planned to take FAR in July or August so I could study April 16-July (and of course a little during tax season but not religiously like I have been). Now I am considering trying to take it in May which gives me about a month and half to study hardcore. I am burnt out (like many of you) and I just want this over so I can have a life again. (again like many of you) 🙂 I have studied for FAR and I was not prepared at all when I took the exam. It is the only exam that has given me trouble so far. For some reason I just cannot grasp the information well enough which is why I was wanting to put it off. So I would just like suggestions on whether I should take it May or July and also when I should apply so that I will have the ability to change my mind to July or August if I do decide to take it in May.

Sorry that this is such a long post.

B-Passed
A-Passed
R-Passed
F-Passed

[Anonymous]

I think it can very by state but in my experience, after the initial application, I've received additional NTS in as little as 5 days. I think giving yourself 2-3 weeks to receive it would be more than enough time. The availability at your test center under short notice could be another story.

If you're definitely not taking it until after April 15th, I would certainly wait a while. Also remember to consider the non-testing windows and try to make sure the end of your 6th month doesn't fall in one!

Sorry I can't be more specific but there are several factors to consider. Good luck!

[KelzMS]

Yea, that is what I am trying to do. I want to make sure that I sign up early enough that there are still seats available but late enough that it will include August in case I decide to take it then. And of course there is no guarantee about seats being available. Yea, I know there are several factors to consider which is why I can't decide. 🙂 Thanks for your input. Thanks so much for telling me how long it took you, that gives me at least a little idea even though it could vary.

B-Passed
A-Passed
R-Passed
F-Passed

[UCFCPA]

Wow this post could have been written by me! FAR is the only exam I have to retake, and I've been debating when to take it also. I just started full time in public accounting last week, so I'll be doing the whole 6 full days a week thing soon too. I'm planning to sit for FAR May 28th since May 27th is a holiday, that way I'll have the full 3 day weekend to study before taking the day off Tuesday to sit for the exam. It also allows a good 6 weeks for hardcore studying (after sporadic studying during busy season)- like you, I'm tired of all the studying and just want to get this over with!!!

REG (8/7/12) 77
FAR (10/4/12) 70 Retake 5/25/13 84!!!!!!!!!
AUD (11/2/12) 78
BEC (11/30/12) 82

[Anonymous]

I'm in a NASBA state (don't know if that matters for NTS) and have received my last 3 NTS 2-4 days after applying online for the exam. However I have also noticed that my NTS usually becomes available to “reprint” from the CPAES website the day before I actually get it in my email.

[KelzMS]

@ USCFCPA that is a great idea about the holiday weekend. I was thinking May 31st but I might just steal your plan. Except for Audit, we have taken our exams really close to the same time. Not in the same order but same day or 1 day difference. 🙂 Good luck! I hope we both pass FAR this time and in May!

@k917 I am in a NASBA state as well. I've decided to apply in March so that it gives me (hopefully) enough time to be able to sign up for May and the option to push it off until August if all else fails.

Thanks for y'alls input!

B-Passed
A-Passed
R-Passed
F-Passed

[Author]

Replies