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Tennessee board drops notarization and photo requirement for CPA exam applications
Summary
The Tennessee State Board of Accountancy voted to remove the state-specific notarization and photo form from the CPA exam application package, saying NASBA and testing centers do not use the form and calling it a relic of the paper-exam era.
The Tennessee State Board of Accountancy voted on Aug. 3 to remove the board-level requirement that CPA exam applicants submit a notarization-and-photo form as part of their application to NASBA.
Jen Binkley, the board’s executive director, told members that “NASBA has indicated that this form is not a NASBA-driven requirement and is rather something that, in the past, the Tennessee board has made a requirement to be included in the exam application.” Multiple board members described the form as redundant and burdensome for applicants.
Board member Andy Bonner called the requirement “a relic of the past,” noting advances in digital identity verification. Sam Bennett and John Griesbeck questioned what value the form adds given Prometric’s on-site ID checks; Bennett asked why Tennessee would keep a form that is not used in the actual test-center verification process.
Legal staff proposed a narrowly worded motion to remove only the Tennessee board’s requirement while preserving NASBA’s ability to use the form if NASBA deems it necessary. Andy Bonner moved that language and Sam Bennett seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote.
The change means applicants will no longer be required by the Tennessee board to upload the notarization/photo form with their NASBA application; Jen Binkley said the board will allow NASBA to use the form at its discretion in the future. Board members noted the change should reduce common application deficiencies and simplify the path to licensure for candidates.
