How long does the evaluation process take?

Do I need to send original documents or are copies acceptable?

Can I apply to the board of accountancy or CPA Examination Services before I receive my evaluation?

Will FACS confirm receipt of my evaluation request?

What should I do if I have courses in progress?

Can you advise me as to which board of accountancy I should apply for the CPA Examination?

I am not interested in sitting for the Uniform CPA Examination. Do you provide other types of evaluations?

How long does the evaluation process take?
If appropriate and complete documentation is provided when a request is submitted, the evaluation process usually requires three to six weeks from the time the request is received by FACS, depending on the evaluation volume at the time the request is received. Applicants abroad are advised to submit their evaluation requests four to six months in advance of their board's testing window in order to allow sufficient time to secure a visa, make travel and hotel arrangements, and to complete the application process including arranging for proctoring in another state.

Do I need to send original documents or are copies acceptable?
Official records should be sent to us directly by the schools you have attended. If the school does not send official copies to third parties, you should send the original copies of your records. Original records will be returned if so requested. Copies of original records will be accepted if they are officially notorized and certified as true copies by the issuing school, a U.S. educational foundation, A U.S. Consul, AMIDEAST or a similar agency. If you have further questions about the records you should submit, you can e-mail FACS at facs@aol.com.

Can I apply to the board of accountancy or CPA Examination Services before I receive my evaluation?
Yes. You are advised to apply for the Uniform CPA Examination as soon as you know to which testing window you will apply. If you prefer to receive your evaluation before you apply for the Uniform CPA Examination, you should submit your evaluation request to FACS as soon as possible.

Will FACS confirm receipt of my evaluation request?
As explained ont he evaluation request form, FACS will confirm receipt of your evaluation request if you enclose with your request a self-addressed postcard that will be returned to you upon receipt. FACS does not acknowledge receipt of evaluation requests by either e-mail or facsimile transmission (fax).

What should I do if I have courses in progress?
Your college or university should send FACS an official certificate reporting the courses in which you are currently enrolled. Applicants to states that provide Certificates of Enrollment who are curently enrolled in courses at a college or university outside the United States, should submit a Certificate of Enrollment reporting these courses to FACS.

Subsequently, if you wish an evaluation to include these courses as completed, you should request another evaluation from FACS, and have your school send us an official transcript of your academic record reporting your completion of these courses and submit an evaluation fee payment.

Can you advise me as to which board of accountancy I should apply for the CPA Examination?
FACS does not advise individuals about the board of accountancy to which they should apply. You should review the requirements of the various boards of accountancy in order to determine the board(s) to which you should apply. Note, the requirements differ among boards of accountancy in the United States. It is essential that you review and understand the requirements of the board to which you plan to apply.

I am not interested in sitting for the Uniform CPA Examination. Do you provide other types of evaluations?
FACS issues general document-by-document evaluations for other purposes.