5 Ways To Start Your Next NCUA Exam Efficiently

5 Ways to Start Your Next NCUA Exam Efficiently

Practical tips from former examiners and credit union executives

With NCUA shifting more work offsite and navigating staffing changes, exam efficiency has never been more important. A smooth start saves your team time, reduces stress, and helps examiners focus on what matters most.

Recently, NCUA published “Tips on Starting an Exam Efficiently.” In our work with credit unions, we’ve seen firsthand how the right approach can make or break the exam process. Here are five proven practices to make your next exam run smoother:

1. Assign a Quarterback

One of the most common mistakes credit unions make is letting multiple staff respond directly to examiner requests. The result? Duplicates, crossed wires, and frustration.

✅ Solution: Appoint a single point of contact — often in Risk or Compliance — to funnel all requests, distribute tasks internally, and keep exam communications clean.

2. Confirm File Access

Uploading documents isn’t enough. We’ve seen cases where hundreds of files were provided through the secure portal, but examiners never downloaded them.

✅ Solution: Each time you upload, send a quick confirmation email to the Examiner-in-Charge: “We’ve uploaded X, Y, Z. Can you confirm access?” That small step prevents last-minute chaos.

3. Prepare for Specialists

Today’s exams can involve 15+ specialists — each with their own lists. That means overlap and duplicate requests.

✅ Solution: Anticipate what they’ll want (loan trial balances, IT/security policies, capital markets data) and pull it together early. The more you prepare, the fewer fire drills you’ll face mid-exam.

4. Be Proactive on Scheduling

Exams are supposed to come with four weeks’ notice, but flexibility is tighter than ever. Exams can and do land during holidays or key staff vacations.

✅ Solution: Speak up early. If your CFO or VP of Risk is unavailable, request an adjustment. Don’t just accept the date and scramble later.

5. Communicate More Than You Think You Need To

With NCUA in transition, exams feel more chaotic than they used to. You can’t control that — but you can control your readiness.

✅ Solution: Lean into communication, both internally and with examiners. Over-communicate if you must. Clarity on your end makes the entire process more efficient.

Final Thought

Exams will always bring pressure. But with the right preparation — a quarterback, proactive communication, and smart scheduling — you can reduce friction and put your credit union in the best position possible.

And remember: NCUA is evolving. Offsite work, longer document lists, and staffing changes are the new normal. The more intentional you are in managing your side of the table, the smoother your exam will be.

👉 Want more insights like these? Subscribe to our podcast, With Flying Colors, where our team of former NCUA leaders break down regulatory changes and real-world exam experiences every week.