How to Access the Portal and Create an Account

Accessing the Portal & Creating an Account

Q. How do I access the user portal?
A. You can access the portal in several ways:

• Visit the Board’s homepage and select Access User Portal from the I Want To menu
• Use the direct link: https://ncboav7prod.glsuite.us/ui/licenseelogin/Login
• Open the main menu (three-line “hamburger” icon) from the homepage, and select Access User Portal at the bottom of the page

Q. Do I need to create a login?
A. Yes. All users must create new login credentials for the updated portal. Usernames and passwords created before April 12, 2026, do not work.

Q. How do I create a login?
A. When accessing the portal for the first time, do not enter anything in the sign-in fields. Instead, choose one of the following options:

• Sign in using Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn (fastest, easiest option)
• Select Sign Up Now (below the sign-in fields) to create a username and password. Creating a username and password requires completing several verification steps, including CAPTCHA, email, and text (or authenticator app) verifications.

A short video tutorial on creating a login is available to walk you through the process. The April, May, and June newsletters also have information about the portal.

Q. Is it safe to sign in with Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn?
A. Yes. These providers use secure technologies such as encryption and multi-factor authentication. The Board does not see or store your password; authentication is handled securely by the provider.

Account Setup

Q. What happens after I create a login?
A. You will be prompted to either:

• Link to an existing Board record (Option 1), or
• Create a new record (Option 2)

Q. Which option should I choose: Option 1 or Option 2?
A. Choose the option that best matches your history with the Board

• Option 1 (Established record): Choose this if you have ever applied for the CPA Exam, applied for licensure, or held a North Carolina CPA license
• Option 2 (No record): Choose this if you have never applied for the CPA Exam as a North Carolina candidate, applied for NC CPA licensure, or held a North Carolina CPA license

Q. I previously applied for the CPA Exam but never used the portal. Which option should I select?
A. Select Option 1. You already have a record with the Board.

Linking to an Existing Record

Q. How do I link to my existing record using Option 1?
A. Enter the following:

• First and last name (do not enter a suffix or prefix) that exactly matches the information on file with the Board. If your name with the Board is J. John Smith, you must enter J. in the first name field
• Last four digits of your Social Security number
• Email address on file with the Board . If you don’t know the email address you provided to the Board as your preferred address, check your inbox for an email from the Board–that’s the email address to enter in Option 1.

After completing those fields, click Verify User. You will then be directed to your dashboard.

Q. What if my record is not found?
A. Try these steps

• Double-check your information for accuracy
• Ensure you are using the correct email address on file with the Board
• Re-enter your information and try again

If the issue persists, contact the Board at (919) 733-4222,  licensing@nccpaboard.gov, or examinations@nccpaboard.gov.

Creating a New Record

Q. How do I create a new record (Option 2)?
A. Select Option 2 and enter:

• Full name
• Full Social Security number
• Email address

After completing the fields, click New User. You will then be directed to your dashboard to complete your profile. You must complete the Personal Information  (click the link in the overview box) for the Exam & license applications to display in the Overview box.

Security & Verification

Q. Why does the portal require CAPTCHA and verification codes?
A. These features help protect your information:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra verification step (text or phone call)
• CAPTCHA: Prevents automated or unauthorized access

Q. The CAPTCHA is hard to read. What should I do?
A. Click the refresh icon to generate a new code. You can also select the audio option.

Q. Why didn’t I receive my email verification code?
A. It may take a few minutes for the email to be delivered. You can also check your spam or junk folder for an email from Microsoft with the subject: “Microsoft on Behalf of North Carolina Board of CPA Examiners.”

Q. Is the email verification the only way to verify my account?
A. No, you may choose to use an authenticator app by selecting the Authenticator app on the Multi-Factor Authentication page.

Q. If I use my cell phone for verification, will the Board have my cell phone number?
A.  Your cell phone number is only used for identity verification unless you choose to add it to your profile.

To help users navigate the new portal, step-by-step video guides and application checklists are available for most portal processes. These resources highlight key steps and help ensure applications are completed accurately.

Creating a Login/Account

• Create an Account/Login

Updating Personal Information

• Update Personal Information

CPA License Renewal

• Complete a CPA License Renewal

Applications for the CPA Exam (initial and re-exam)

• Initial Exam Application Checklist
• Complete an Initial Exam Application
• Re-Exam Application Checklist
• Complete a Re-Exam Application

Applications for CPA Licensure (original and reciprocal)

• Original CPA License Application Checklist
• Complete an Original CPA License Application
• Reciprocal CPA License Application Checklist
• Complete a Reciprocal CPA License Application

Application for CPA License Reinstatement

• CPA License Reinstatement Application Checklist
• Complete a CPA License Reinstatement Application

Complete a Name Change Application

• Complete a Name Change Application

Portal Access

Make sure you are accessing the new portal. There are several ways to access the portal

• Visit the Board’s homepage and select Access User Portal from the I Want To menu
• Use the direct link: https://ncboav7prod.glsuite.us/ui/licenseelogin/Login
• Open the main menu (three-line “hamburger” icon) from the homepage, and select Access User Portal at the bottom of the page

Can’t Sign In/Username and Password Not Working

All users must create new login credentials for the portal. Usernames and passwords from the previous portal will not work. When accessing the portal for the first time, do not enter anything in the sign-in fields. Instead, choose one of the following options:

• Sign in using a Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn account (fastest, easiest option)
• Select Sign Up Now (below the sign-in field section) to create a username and password. Creating a username and password requires completing several verification steps, including CAPTCHA, email, and text or authenticator app verifications.

A short video tutorial on creating a login is available to walk you through the process. The April and May newsletters also have information about the portal.

If you created a portal account login after April 12, 2026, and can’t remember your password, use the Forgot Your Password link to create a new password. Board staff does not have access to your password and cannot reset it for you.

Bad Request Error

• Check the URL for any typos or extra characters
• Avoid using a bookmarked or saved link (or a link to the old portal)
• Disable browser extensions (ad blockers, pop-up blockers, privacy tools) or try an incognito/private window to see if the error continues

403 Forbidden Error

• Refresh the page
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Disable VPN or proxy
• Check browser extensions and disable pop-up blockers, privacy plug-ins, etc.
• Restart your computer

CAPTCHA Issues

• Click the refresh icon (↻) to get a new CAPTCHA (can do this as many times as needed)
• Use the speaker icon 🔊 for an audio option
• Enter characters exactly as shown (no extra spaces)
• Refresh the page
• Clear cache or try a different browser (CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE → “All Time”)
• Disable browser extensions (like ad blockers)

 Email Verification Code Issues

• Check your spam/junk folder or quarantined messages (Hotmail users report not receiving the email)
• Click “Resend Code”
• Confirm your email address is correct
• Wait a few minutes between attempts

Multi-Factor Authentication

• Wait a few minutes before requesting another code
• Make sure it wasn’t treated as a spam text or blocked
• Request a phone call instead of a text
• Use an authenticator app (a user with an international phone number must use the authenticator app)

Option 1 or Option 2

• If you are a North Carolina CPA (regardless of certificate status) or if you have ever submitted an Exam or license application, you must use Option 1

• • Enter information exactly as it appears in Board records
    • Exact name (possible errors: name change not reported, used initials instead of full name, entered a suffix or prefix, misspelled in the Board record)
  • Use the email address on file with the Board (check your inbox for a recent email from the Board and use that email address)

• If you have no history with the Board (never applied for the Exam or licensure), use Option 2
• If you select the incorrect option, it will create a duplicate record OR return an error message (possible errors: don’t have a record or account not found)
  • If you completed Option 1 and received an error, do not use Option 2 to create an account

Account Not Found

• Selected Option 1 when you should have selected Option 2
• Name entered is not the same as on file with the Board (typo, name change not reported to Board, a nickname, an initial instead of a full name, etc.)
• Entered more than the last four digits of the Social Security number
• Used a different email address than the one the Board has on file

Email Already in Use

• Selected Option 2 instead of Option 1
• Shared email address (spouses)
• Shared “generic” email address (everyone at the firm uses the same email address, such as info@cpafirm.com)

Browser Tips

• Close the browser completely and try again
• Clear cache: CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE → “All Time”
• Try a different browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
• Ensure your browser is up to date
• Try using a desktop or laptop instead of your phone

Stuck in the Process?

• You may have a task blocking your progress
• If you are a licensee or applying for a CPA license, contact the Board at (919) 733-1422 or licensing@nccpaboard.gov
• If you are an Exam applicant, contact the Board at (919) 733-4224 or examinations@nccpaboard.gov

Red Error Message at Top of Screen

The error message will display if you did not complete a required field, skipped answering a question, did not complete an attestation or acknowledgment box, or did not upload a required supporting document. You must click the error message to dismiss it — it will continue to display even if you have made the correction. It may also display on another screen if you do not dismiss it.