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Prometric, AICPA and NASBA Successfully Pilot Computer-Based Exam for CPAs
Baltimore, Md. – February 02, 2004 – The successful completion of the computer-based pilot Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination was jointly announced today by Thomson Prometric, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the National Association of the State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Beginning April 5, 2004, the computerized CPA Examination will be delivered on behalf of boards of accountancy through 300 Thomson Prometric testing labs in the United States and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Overall, the pilot participants agreed that converting the CPA Examination from a paper-and-pencil to a computer-based format is a positive change. "Given what CPAs are expected to do in business today, taking the CPA exam on the computer makes a lot of sense," one pilot participant commented. "It reflects the way we have to think and access information in the real world, and it's going to make for better CPAs."
More than 200 pilot test sections were taken at one of Thomson Prometric's testing centers – a large, state-of-the-art testing facility centrally located in New York City. The pilot project included volunteer CPA candidates who had taken the final paper-based CPA exam in November.
Computer-Based Testing Benefits
Largely, the pilot's participants concluded the computer-based version has benefits not found in a paper and pencil format, including:
· Increases the opportunity to take the exam during eight months out of the year, instead of only twice a year
· Flexible scheduling options (www.Prometric.com, phone, on-site)
· Integration of simulations with technology to test candidates on higher order skills required of entry-level CPAs.
· Temperature-controlled, well-lit, well-ventilated testing labs with private testing carrels.
"The seating was much better than the hard chairs and folding tables we used to have," said one candidate after completing the pilot. "The fact that you are in your own enclosed space makes it feel like you're in a library, which really helped my concentration."
More than 100,000 people take the CPA exam annually. Previously, the paper-and-pencil-based exam was only offered twice a year and generally administered in large auditoriums to accommodate hundreds or thousands of CPA candidates simultaneously. The computer-based exam will be offered on behalf of boards of accountancy through Thomson Prometric testing centers eight months out of the year, instead of once in May and once in November, making studying and scheduling for the exam more convenient. Candidates will have the option of taking the four exam sections individually.
"Taking one part at a time makes it much easier and less stressful than having to cram everything into your brain for a few months and take all the parts in one forty-eight-hour period," said another candidate. "With the pencil-and-paper exam, by the second day you were mentally exhausted."
Since 1917, the AICPA has been developing the CPA Examination for boards of accountancy. Thomson Prometric, NASBA and the AICPA have collaborated since 2001 to develop the exam's technical requirements, operational procedures and policies to guarantee the effective transition from paper-and-pencil to computer-based format. This transition includes improved security, including video monitoring and digital photo capture of exam candidates to verify test-taker identity and prevent cheating.
"Our technology driving the conversion to the computer-based format gives CPA candidates a real-world simulation and practical work environment," said Alison Indrisano, Thomson Prometric senior vice president of Client Services and Support. "Pioneering the conversion of paper-and-pencil-based tests to computer-based format is how Thomson Prometric has remained the industry leader all of these years. I'm confident that we will see a successful launch of the CPA exam in April and others will use the conversion as a benchmark to follow."
"Moving to a computer-based examination allows us to change the content of the examination so that we could add to our focus the testing of research, analytical, judgment and communication skills. These skills are very important for the CPA to fulfill his or her responsibility to protect the public" said Arleen Thomas Vice President of Professional Standards and Services at the AICPA.
"Boards of accountancy have eagerly participated in the development of this new CBT because they are convinced it will better protect the public by ensuring qualified candidates have state-of-the-art entry into the profession," said Lorraine Sachs, NASBA Executive Vice President. "We are working to streamline our process for getting talent into the profession."
About Thomson Prometric
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. A part of The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC), Thomson Prometric delivers standardized tests for 300 clients, in 26 languages, over the Web or through a global network of testing centers in 134 countries.
About the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org) is the national, professional organization of CPAs, with more than 330,000 members in business and industry, public practice, government and education. It sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. private auditing standards.
About the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (www.nasba.org) serves as a forum for its 54 member boards of accountancy in the U.S. and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. More than 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.
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