AICPA and NASBA Finalize Contract with Prometric
Contact:
Donald W. Boucher,
donald.boucher@prometric.com
443-923-8031
AICPA and NASBA Finalize Contract with Prometric to Deliver Computer-Based Uniform CPA Exam
(BALTIMORE, MD - May 28, 2002) Prometric, the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services, today announced that it has finalized a contract with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of the State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) to deliver the Uniform CPA examination. Prometric will deliver the exam through its extensive test center network serving the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
"Prometric has the industry's most extensive experience in helping authorities, agencies and professional organizations to convert important licensing and certification examinations to computer-based testing models," said Barry Melancon, AICPA President and Chief Executive Officer. "Prometric is uniquely qualified to help our organizations to transition this important exam into a more robust computer-based format."
"The new computer-based testing format is designed to provide the CPA test candidate with an experience that more closely replicates a real-world situation," said Michael Brannick, Prometric President and Chief Executive Officer. "The result is an examination that confirms the integrity of the profession, the knowledge of the individual CPA and the professions' collective commitment to working in the public's best interest."
Over the course of the past year, Prometric worked with the AICPA and NASBA to develop comprehensive requirements, operational procedures, policies and practices to ensure a seamless transition to the computer-based exam.
"The collaborative working relationship ensured that the best interest of every stakeholder was carefully considered and factored into the planning process," said David Costello, President of NASBA. "A special emphasis remained on making sure that the test continues to meet the public's high expectations of the CPA examination process."
More than 100,000 candidates sit for the Uniform CPA Examination each year. The test presently is administered twice annually in 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With the computerized format, candidates will be able to take the test up to four times a year at more than 300 highly secure Prometric testing centers in the United States and its territories. During the four testing windows, the exam will be available up to six days a week at many of the testing centers.
The exam is scheduled for delivery in early 2004.
Mr. Melancon noted that when the AICPA researched potential partners to help develop the computerized exam, "Prometric clearly demonstrated that it was the best possible partner, given its unrivaled industry experience, the expansive reach of its test delivery network and its solutions oriented approach to doing business."
About Prometric
The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2001 revenues of $7.2 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. Thomson provides value-added information and technology to more than 20 million users in the fields of law, tax, accounting, financial services, higher education, reference information, corporate training and assessment, scientific research and healthcare. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:TOC).
As part of Thomson, Prometric (www.prometric.com) is the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services for information technology certification, academic admissions, and professional licensure and certifications. Prometric delivers standardized tests for more than 250 clients, in more than 25 languages, over the Web or through a network of more than 4,800 testing centers in more than 140 countries.
About the AICPA
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org) is the national, professional organization of CPAs, with more than 350,000 members in business and industry, public practice, government and education. It sets U.S. auditing and professional ethical standards and, with the Financial Accounting Standards Board, U.S. accounting standards. The AICPA is the first national, professional association to be ISO 9001-certified, in recognition of its quality management and assurance practices.
About NASBA
The National Association of States Boards of Accountancy (www.nasba.org) serves as a forum for its 54 member boards of accountancy in the U.S. and jurisdictions of Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands and Washington D.C. Over a half million CPAs are currently licensed or certified by the boards. NASBA sponsors a variety of programs and services designed to enhance the effectiveness of its member boards.
