Applying for the CPA Board Exam

With some research and a little creativity, I found some interesting facts on how you may seek if you are qualified to take the CPA Board exam, some requirements to secure and steps to be taken... Special thanks to the Official Website of Professional Regulation Commission which makes it more accessible.

Article 11, Sections 14 and 15 of the Accountancy Act of 2004, discusses the following qualifications as well as the scope of examination of the Licensure Exam for Public Accountants.

Qualifications of Applicant for Examinations. - Any person applying for examination shall establish the following requisites to the satisfaction of the Board that he/she:

• is a Filipino citizen;
• is of good moral character;
• is a holder of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy conferred by the school, college, academy or institute duly recognized and/or accredited by the CHED or other authorized government offices; and
• has not been convicted of any criminal offence involving moral turpitude.

Scope of Examination. - The licensure examination for certified public accountants shall cover, but are not limited to, the following subjects:

• Theory of Accounts
• Business Law and Taxation
• Management Services
• Auditing Theory
• Auditing Problems
• Practical Accounting Problem I
• Practical Accounting Problem II

The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, may revise or exclude any of the subjects and their syllabi, and add new ones as the need arises.

Steps in Applying for the CPA Board 

STEP 1. Secure Application Form from the PRC Online Application for Licensure Examination at http://www.prc.gov.ph/online/application/

STEP 2. Secure yourself the following documents before heading to the PRC Office:

• Original and photocopy of NSO-issued birth certificate in security paper
• Original and photocopy of NSO-issued Marriage Certificate in security paper (for married female applicants
• If the NSO-issued copy is not very clear, bring a copy from local civil registrar
• Original and photo copies of Transcript of Records with Special Order and Date of Graduation with SCANNED PICTURES AND WITH REMARKS “FOR BOARD EXAMINATION PURPOSES ONLY” (Graduates of government schools and institutions/programs accredited by recognized accredited agencies under the FAAP are exempted from SO [B]). Graduates of New Schools/Degree Programs must submit School Recognition and/or Permit to Operate.
• Original and Photocopy of Diploma
• Two (2) passport size colored pictures in white background with complete name tag
• Original and Photocopy of your Current Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)
• Original NBI Clearance
• In securing the NBI Clearance, all you need is any valid ID or your original NSO birth certificate
• Window mailing envelope with metered documentary stamps (Available at the PRC Office)
• 1 Documentary Stamp

STEP 3. Present the documents to the processor upon approval of your application

• Permanent Examination and Registration Record card (PERRC)
   (Follow the necessary steps as indicated at the PRC Office)

STEP 4. Pay the examination fee at any of the cashier windows and get your official receipt.

• Baccalaureate Degree - P900.00
• Removal - P450.00

STEP 5. Accomplish the PERRC and the Application Form (It will be printed in the PRC office).

STEP 6. Proceed to any of the Issuance Windows for final verification and/or review of qualifications and documents and issuance of the Notice of Admission

STEP 7. Keep the Notice of Admission and Official Receipt. Kindly bring these with you on the first day of the examination. For further information, read the General Instructions at the back page of the NOA.

STEP 8. Bring your Notice of Admission and Official Receipt when you verify with the PRC your school/building assignment which will be posted at the PRC premises two (2) or three (3) working days before examination date or at the PRC Website.