Welcome to the Board’s User Portal

Accessing the Portal

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 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 (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 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.

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?
A. Enter the following:

• First and last name (the names you enter must be exactly the same as the name in your Board record)
• 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 or licensing@nccpaboard.gov

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

• 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, not the old one. 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

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

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 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.

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

Two Factor Authentication

• Currently does not work with international phone numbers
• 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

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)
  • Use the email address on file with the Board

• If you have no history with the Board (never applied or been licensed), 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 the user has 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, etc.)
• Entered more than the last four digits of the Social Security number
• Used a different email address than the one the Board has as the preferred email address

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) 733-4222 or licensing@nccpaboard.gov
• If you are an Exam applicant, contact the Board at (919) 733-4222 or examinations@nccpaboard.gov

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. The April and May newsletters also have information about completing the renewal.

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 only one option (A, B, C, D, or E), as selecting more than one will generate an error code and prevent your renewal from being submitted until you correct it. Information on how to answer the CPE reporting questions correctly is available in this guide and the May newsletter.

After completing all sections, you 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, as this can result 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, including the attestation or verification boxes, are incomplete.

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.

More Info Will Be Added Soon

Original License

Before applying for an original 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 create a login) or create a custom username and password. An instructional video is available to help users create a login.

• If you passed the Exam as a North Carolina candidate, you must complete the fields in Option 1 on the Options screen. If a matching record is found, your dashboard will display. If you receive an error message, please check whether you entered the correct information in each field, make any needed corrections, and then click “verify user.” If you receive another error message, contact the Board at licensing@nccpaboard.gov.
• If you did not pass the Exam as a North Carolina candidate, you must complete the fields in Option 2 on the Options screen to create a new record.

After linking to or creating your record, CPA Applications will display in the Overview menu on your dashboard. Before proceeding with the original license application, select Personal Information from the Overview menu and update or add your contact information.

Reciprocal License

Before applying for a reciprocal 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 create a login) or create a custom username and password. An instructional video is available to help users create a login.

After creating your record, your dashboard will display. You must select Personal Information from the Overview menu and add your contact information before CPA Applications will display in the Overview menu.