Welcome to the Board’s User Portal

To begin using the new portal, all users must first create a login. Please note that a username or password created for the previous version of the portal will not work in the new portal.

Step 1: Create a Login

The first time you access the new portal, do not enter a username or password in the sign-in fields. Doing so will return an error message. Users have two options to create a login:

• Sign in with Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn credentials (this is the easiest, quickest way)
• Create a custom username and password

An instructional video is available to help users create a custom username and password or connect to the portal using their Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn credentials.

Step 2: Link to Information or Create a Record

Once login credentials are established, users will be prompted to enter personal information to either link to an existing Board record or create a new one. It’s important to select the correct option to avoid creating duplicate accounts or encountering error messages.

Option 1: Established Users

An established user is an individual who has a record with the Board (i.e., those who have previously submitted an Exam or licensing application, or are licensed as a North Carolina CPA, regardless of certificate status).

• The user must enter at least their first and last name, the last four digits of their Social Security number, and the email address already on file with the Board, then click Verify User.
• If a matching record is found, the user will be directed to their dashboard, where they can select the appropriate action from the navigation menu.
  • If a matching record is not found, the user should check that they entered the correct information correctly, make changes if necessary, and select Verify User again. If all information is correct, remove the information, retype it, and select Verify User.  If a matching record is not found, the user should contact the Board for assistance.
• After the user’s record is linked to their login credentials, they will be directed to their dashboard, where they should update their personal information. After doing so, the application and renewal options will appear in the navigation menu.

Option 2: New Users

A new user is an individual who has never submitted an Exam or CPA license application to the Board.

• The user must enter their full name, their full Social Security number, and their email address to be associated with their record, then click New User.
• After this step, the user will be directed to their dashboard, where they must complete the remaining personal information fields. After doing so, the application options will appear in the navigation menu.

Tutorials and Checklists

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.

General Information

• Link to New Board Portal
• Create an Account/Login
• Update Personal Information
• Complete a Name Change Application

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

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. 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.

The Board now accepts applications for original and reciprocal NC CPA licensure through its portal. All users must create a login for the 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.

Original License

Reciprocal License

Accessing the Portal

• From the “I Want To” menu at the top of the homepage, select “Access User Portal”
• Links to the portal are also available on the CPA Exam Applicant page, the CPA License Applicant page, the NC CPAs page, as well as other pages within the site
• Make sure you are accessing the new portal directly, and are not using a bookmarked link (using a bookmarked link will return an error message)

Creating or Accessing Your Account

• All users, established or new, must create a login for the portal
  • Established Users: Individuals who already have a record with the Board, including those who have previously submitted an Exam or licensing application, or are licensed as a North Carolina CPA, regardless of certificate status.
  • New Users: Individuals with no history with the Board, meaning they have never submitted an Exam or a licensing application.
• Using your Google, Apple, Microsoft, or LinkedIn credentials is the easiest way to access or set up an account.
• If you prefer to create a username and password, you must click “sign up now” (under the “sign in” box) and complete the CAPTCHA and two-factor authentication requirements, and
  • Use the email address on file with the Board
  • Enter your information exactly as it appears in Board records
  • Ensure your password meets all requirements.

If you get an error:

• Close the browser completely and try again.

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)

  Verification Code Issues

• Check your spam/junk folder
• Click “Resend Code”
• Confirm your email address is correct
• Wait a few minutes between attempts

Still no code?

• • 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 or candidate, contact the Board at (919) 733-4222 or examinations@nccpaboard.gov

Password Help

• Click “Forgot your password?”
• The Board cannot provide temporary passwords or reset a password

If the reset doesn’t work:

• • 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 or candidate, contact the Board at (919) 733-4222 or examinations@nccpaboard.gov

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

Browser Tips

• Clear cache: CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE → “All Time”
• Try a different browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
• Ensure your browser is up to date