Welcome to the Board’s User Portal

On April 13, 2026, the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners launched a new user portal designed to streamline several key processes. Through this portal, users can:

  • Submit initial and re-exam applications
  • Apply for original or reciprocal CPA licensure
  • Renew a CPA certificate
  • Complete a CPA license reinstatement application
  • Update personal information
  • Request a name change
  • Print payment receipts
  • Renew a firm registration (available in November)

Accessing the Portal

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

Q. Do I need to create a new login?
A. Yes. All users must create new login credentials for the updated portal. Usernames and passwords from the previous portal will 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 to create a custom username and password

A short video tutorial on creating a login is available to walk you through the process. The April newsletter also has 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 Users): Choose this if you have ever applied for the CPA Exam, applied for licensure, or held a North Carolina CPA license
  • Option 2 (New Users): 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?
A. Enter the following:

  • First and last name
  • Last four digits of your Social Security number
  • Email address on file with the Board (the email you enter must be the same email address you provided to the Board as your preferred address)

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.

Creating a New Record

Q. How do I create a new record?
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. 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

Updating Personal Information

CPA License Renewal

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

Applications for CPA Licensure (original and reciprocal)

Application for CPA License Reinstatement

Complete a Name Change Application

Portal Access

Make sure you are accessing the new portal, not the old one. There are several ways to access the portal

Username and Password Not Working

All users must create new login credentials for the updated 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 Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn (fastest, easiest option)
  • Select Sign Up Now to create a custom username and password

A short video tutorial on creating a login is available to walk you through the process. The April newsletter also has information about the portal.

  Verification Code Issues

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

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)

Still not working?

    • Refresh the page
    • Clear cache or try a different browser (CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE → “All Time”)
    • Disable browser extensions (like ad blockers)

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?

The 2026-2027 CPA license renewal period opened April 13, 2026. To renew a license, all users must create a login in the new portal. IMPORTANT: Login credentials created before April 13, 2026, do not work because they were tied to the old portal.

Users can sign in with Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn credentials (the quickest, easiest way) or create a custom username and password. An instructional video is available to help users create a custom username and password.

Although the renewal process has been updated, the required information remains the same. The Board provides a renewal walkthrough video that demonstrates each step of the process within the new portal.

During renewal, users will:

  • Update contact information, including mailing, home, and business addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses
  • Answer moral character questions and upload documentation if needed
  • Provide updates on employment and professional affiliations
  • Report CPE compliance, if required
  • Affirm compliance with the Employee Fair Classification Act (EFCA)
  • Attest to understanding North Carolina accountancy laws and rules

CPAs on active status must report their 2025 Continuing Professional Education (CPE), including the required 50-minute ethics course from a NASBA-approved sponsor. CPAs licensed after January 1, 2026, do not report CPE. Retired status CPAs are not required to meet the CPE requirements and therefore do not report CPE compliance. Non-resident CPAs must confirm compliance with North Carolina CPE requirements or with those of another jurisdiction. It is important to select one option (A, B, C, D, or E) because selecting more than one option will generate an error code, and your renewal cannot be submitted until you correct the error.  Information on how to answer the CPE reporting questions correctly is available in this guide.

After completing all sections, the user will be prompted to submit the $60 renewal fee. The Board accepts MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. Once payment is complete, a payment receipt and confirmation report can be printed. It is important not to click “authorize payment” more than once because this results in multiple charges to the card.

NOTE: If you do not see the option to pay the renewal fee, navigate back to the Requirements section and ensure that no requirements are incomplete. This includes checking each attestation or verification box and entering your initials if required.

Please contact the Board at licensing@nccpaboard.gov for assistance with the 2026-2027 CPA certificate renewal.

Initial Exam Application

Before applying for the CPA Exam as a North Carolina candidate, please review the eligibility and education requirements. If you meet the requirements, you may create a login and an account. You can sign in with your Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn credentials (the quickest, easiest way to access your record) or create a custom username and password. An instructional video is available to help users create a custom username and password.

After creating your login, enter your personal information in the Option 2 fields on the Options page, then click Create Account. Your account will be created. If you enter information in the Option 1 fields, you will receive an error message. On the main page of your dashboard, please select Personal Information from the Overview menu, complete all fields in each section, and click Save.

Exam Applications will then display in the Overview menu. Before you proceed with the Initial Exam application, please review the application checklist to ensure you have all the required information and documents available to upload. The application walkthrough video will guide you through each step of the process and help ensure your submission is complete and accurate.

When you’re ready to begin your initial Exam application, click here. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Examinations staff.

Re-Exam Application

As someone who has previously submitted an Exam application to the Board, you can use your Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn credentials (the quickest, easiest way to access your record) or create a custom username and password to access your portal dashboard. An instructional video is available to help users create a custom username and password.

When you reach the page with Options 1 and 2 displayed, select Option 1 and enter the requested information, and click Verify User. Important: The information entered must match exactly with the Board’s records, including the email address. If a matching record is found,  you will be directed to your dashboard. If a matching record is not found, please check whether you entered the correct information in each field, make any needed corrections, and then click “verify user.”  If a matching record is not found, please contact the Examinations staff.

The online re-Exam application closely mirrors the paper application. To help you complete your application efficiently and avoid delays, please review the application checklist to ensure you have all the required information ready and watch the application walkthrough video. This video will guide you through each step of the process and help ensure your submission is complete and accurate.

When you’re ready to begin your re-Exam application, click here. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Examinations staff.

Before applying for a North Carolina CPA license,  please review the requirements. If you meet the requirements, you may create a login and an account. You can sign in with your Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn credentials (the quickest, easiest way to access your record) or create a custom username and password. An instructional video is available to help users create a custom username and password.

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Consumers

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