How to apply for the CPA board exam

October is fast approaching and next thing I know I'm already seated on a chair wracking my brains out while answering the problems in the CPA board exam. This is it! So earlier after lunch we decided now to brave the heat and snaky lines at the PRC to apply and secure an exam permit.

It's better if you have someone you know who's already done with the filing so you won't get lost in the process. You just can't easily knock off the impression that employees in gov't offices aren't friendly enough, or in other words "masungit". So ask at your own risk. Hehe. The instructions are written in a small bond paper posted in the walls of the room where you do the 1st step. And that is on the 5th floor. I haven't even seen any posted directions on the 1st floor so you'll spend some time wandering first if you don't know where to start, definitely a waste of time. So here's another public service post to help you in applying for the CPA board exam! You're welcome! =]

So here's a summary of the steps we did.

How to apply for the CPA board exam:

STEP 1. Go up to the 5th floor and you'll see the auditorium transformed into a processing room. Look for the table where you will submit an ID picture with nametag. Just leave your ID pic in the labeled box there and proceed to step 2.

** in case you still haven't done the online application, you can line up on the computers there to fill up the online form. Get it done first before passing any of your requirements. So it is ADVISABLE to do the ONLINE APPLICATION BEFORE GOING TO PRC to save time.

STEP 2. If you're done with the online application. Line up on the pre-assessment table. Pass all the required documents (original and photocopy) to them and they will staple together the photocopied ones and return to you the original. You will be given a card to be filled up with your personal details. Here you will need another ID picture to be glued in it. So don't forget to BRING GLUE. Fill it out while waiting for step 3.

STEP 3. Wait for your name to be called just beside the pre-assessment table where there are computers and printers. They will give you a printed form of your application form with the details you gave online. It will be given to you stapled with the other photocopied documents you just passed earlier.

STEP 4. Go down to the cashier on the 4th or 3rd floor. Present the printed application form given earlier and pay P900 for the examination fee.

STEP 5. Go down again going to the customer service window at the 1st floor near the entrance gate to buy a P15 doc stamp worth P21. Hulaan mo na lang ang P6 na sobra kung saan napunta. Hah. Prepare exact money if you may. Present your application form upon paying and they will be the one to stick the doc stamp in it. ooh! P6 para sa pagdikit nila. Really.

**For documents that needs a stamp of your right thumbmark, you may use the stamp pads on the customer service area or on the sidetables on the application area.

STEP 6. Last step. Window 11. Application/Issuance. This is located at the ground floor, left side. Basta puno ng tao yun na yun. =] Make sure you're lined up in the right window. This is the longest but still manageable line we had during the whole process. You just present your application form, card and receipt in the window. Then you're receipt will be given back now stapled with a paper that holds your future. Chos! This is your Notice of Admission. Bring these with you on the first day of the examination. This will serve as your permit so hold on to it with your dear life. Haha!

Then it's time to step out and breathe in the polluted air of Morayta while shouting 'success!'. Hehe. Et voilà! Everything's done and now you're "conditionally approved" to take the CPA board exam. Yey!

We went there past 1pm and finished the whole process in approx. 1hr and 15 mins. Not bad, right? So I guess try your luck on a Friday afternoon.

God Bless us all! =]

Requirements:

•  4 pcs passport-sized picture, white background and with fullname tag
• NSO certified birth certificate (original and photocopy)
• NBI clearance
• Transcript of records WITH REMARKS “FOR BOARD EXAMINATION PURPOSES ONLY” (original and photocopy)
• Cedula

** you can also opt to pay your cedula at PRC. It's available on the window just alongside the courier service. You'll see it upon entering the gate because it got long lines most of the time. So still better to get one beforehand.