1.ok... after my evaluation agency FACS sends in my evaluation to NASBA, AND if i'm ok to take the exam....NASBA starts processsing my NTS, which comes to me in about 6 weeks, correct? should i hv prepared for one part atleast by the time i receive my NTS? would i have enough time from the time i get my NTS to study for, schedule & sit for my first exam?

2. on a side note, if i'm NOT ok to take the exam now, what happens to my evaluation sitting with NASBA....is it with them when i contact them later?

I will tell you how I did mine. First I narrowed down the states I wanted to sit the exam with, then picked the evaluating agency that the accounting board would accept, after which I applied for my evaluation and figured out how many credits I have and if I am ellgible to sit. Then I I asked my evaluating agency to send my report to the accounting board. After a month, the acctg board send me an email stating that, I was elligible and that I should apply for the NTS. In the meanwhile immediatly after getting my evaluation I had started studying because by then I had figured out that I should be elligible to sit for the exam. So after I got a nod from my acctg board, I applied for the NTS, which stated that my NTS was valid for 9 months, i.e. I should schedule my exam within 9 month after recieving the NTS.

Btw, I am appearing from Cal. board, each state has diff max period for which NTS is valid, i think most have 6 months validity

I hope that helps.

Good luck

I am sitting for the exam in Alabama and my NTS is valid for 6 months.  As soon as I sent my initial application I began studying.  The turn-around time was around 4-6 weeks for the initial. 

It will also help if you make an occasional call to the state board to see where your application stands.  It might help speed your application along.