the new cpa exam and registration process

Slide No. 1

The New CPA Exam and Registration Process

The views expressed by the presenters do not necessarily represent

the views, positions, or opinions of the AICPA

or the presenter’s respective organization

Slide No. 2

Program Objectives

This program is designed to help you:• Take a look at the computerized Uniform CPA

Examination;• Answer some frequently asked questions

about the new exam;• Understand the new CPA Examination

application and registration processes; and• Learn about Prometric test centers and

scheduling your exam.

Slide No. 3

Today’s Speakers

Arleen Thomas, CPAAmerican Institute of CPAs

Vice President -Professional Standards & Services

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Ken L. BishopMissouri State Board of Accountancy

Executive Director&

Chair, NASBA CBT Administrative Task Force

David GinsburgThomson Prometric

Director - Client Services

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John F. Hudson, CPAHudson Consulting Group, LLC

President[Moderator]

Slide No. 4

The Candidate Experience

Arleen Thomas, CPAVice President

American Institute of CPAs

Slide No. 5

The Examination

• Four Sections– Auditing and Attestation (4.5 hours)– Financial Accounting & Reporting (4 hours)– Regulation (3 hours)– Business Environment & Concepts (2.5 hours)

• 14 hours total length

Slide No. 6

Helpful Hint #1

LPR ≠ BEC

Slide No. 7

The Examination

• Welcome• Directions• Testlet 1 (mcq)• Testlet 2 (mcq)• Testlet 3 (mcq)• Testlet 4 (simulation)• Testlet 5 (simulation)• Brief survey

(BEC has 3 testlets)

Slide No. 8

Welcome To The Uniform CPA Examination

Photo

Please confirm that the following information is correct.Name:_____________________________Exam Section :______________________

If this information is correct select the Continue button below.

If this information is incorrect select the Quit Exam button below and raise your hand so the Test Center Administrator can assist you.

Taking a Look

Slide No. 9

You are about to begin the _______________________ section of the Uniform CPA Exam. You will receive _______ testlets. Each of three testlets contains ______ multiple choice questions. You should answer every question. Each of ___ testlets contains one case study, also known as a simulation. In the simulation testlets, a pencil icon on a tab indicates that a response is required within that tab. You should complete all tabs showing the pencil icon.

Some of the questions or simulation tabs you will receive are pretest items. These items do not count toward your final grade. You will not know which items are scored and which are pretest items.

You have ___ hours to complete the entire exam. You may work through each testlet at your own pace. However, once you exit a testlet and indicate you are done with that testlet, you cannot return.

You will have the option to take a break at the completion of every testlet, except for the last testlet. Please note that if you decide to take a break, the clock will keep running. Use break time wisely.

To begin the exam, select “Continue” below. The clock will start to run.

Taking a Look

Slide No. 10

Slide No. 11

Helpful Hint #2

• Once you exit a testlet, you can’t go back. • Change your approach.• Before you begin, set a per-testlet time

allocation.

Slide No. 12

Slide No. 13

Are you sure you want to leave this testlet? You have not answered all questions in this testlet.

Taking a Look

Slide No. 14

You have just indicated you are done with this testlet. You may review this testlet, or continue the exam, or quit the exam completely.

If you choose to continue,

- you will have the option of taking a break unless you have completed the last testlet in the exam.

- you will not be able to return to this testlet. - you will receive no credit for any unanswered questions.

Select the Continue button to leave this testlet and continue the exam.

If you quit the exam, - you will not be able to return. - you will receive no credit for any unanswered questions or testlets not taken.

Select the Quit Exam button to quit the exam completely and leave the test center.

Select the Review button to return to the first question in this testlet.

Taking a Look

Slide No. 15

Are you sure you want to continue? If you continue, you will not be able to return to or review this testlet.

Taking a Look

Slide No. 16

You have just completed a testlet of the exam. You may take a break. You are not required to take a break. Your time continues to run if you choose to take a break.

If you wish to take a break, please select “Yes” below and see the Test Center Administrator to sign out. If you do not wish to take a break, please select “No” below and you will receive the next testlet.

Taking a Look

Break Option

Slide No. 17

Taking a Look

You are on a break.You must leave the Testing Room.

The Test Center Administrator will require you to sign out.You must present ID when you sign in.

Select Continue below to continue the exam.

Slide No. 18

Simulations

Slide No. 19

Helpful Hint #3

• Review the Tutorial before you take the exam.

• You won’t have time to learn the functionality during the test.

Slide No. 20

Simulations

Slide No. 21

Simulations

Slide No. 22

Simulations

Slide No. 23

Simulations

Slide No. 24

Simulations

Slide No. 25

Helpful Hint #4

• The simulations use both a word processor and a spreadsheet application. It is NOT Exceltm or Wordtm. Understand how to use them (take the tutorial).

Slide No. 26

Simulations

Slide No. 27

Simulations

Slide No. 28

Are you sure you want to leave this testlet? You have not responded in one or more of the tabs. Note: The tab displayed requires a response. There may also be other tabs that you have skipped.

Taking a Look

Slide No. 29

You have completed the Uniform CPA Examination. Please take a few moments to complete the following brief survey about your testing experience. Your valued responses will guide us in the continuing development of the exam.

Taking a Look

Slide No. 30

Preparing for the Exam

• Tutorial• Practice Test• Training to work on the

computer

Slide No. 31

Practice Test

• Available February 1st • Contains sample multiple choice questions

and one simulation per section• Computer must meet minimum system

requirements and• A good internet connection (DSL, cable,

ISDN)• Start installation at www.cpa-exam.org

Slide No. 32

Grade Release Schedule-1st Year

• Grades released by Boards• Each Board of Accountancy has its own

schedule• Generally, Boards will release grades no later

than one week after end of each testing window (i.e., June 30, September 30, December 31)

Slide No. 33

AICPA Student Affiliate Membership

• Available to students and recent graduates• Subscription to the Journal of Accountancy and CPA

Letter• $40 subscription to reSOURCE online • Access to AICPA web site and special student page

located at www.aicpa.org/nolimits• Scholarship opportunity through AICPA/Accountemps• Discounted subscription to The Tax Adviser

Slide No. 34

AICPA Student Affiliate Membership

• CPA2BIZ Web Site• Significant discounts on publications, software,

professional development courses and conferences• AICPA Competency Assessment Tool• Access to AICPA Antifraud & Corporate

Responsibility Center• AICPA Member Elite Values Program• Access to AICPA’s Technical Information Hotline

(Recent Grads only)

Slide No. 35

The Application Process

Ken BishopExecutive Director

Missouri State Board of Accountancy

Slide No. 36

Application Process

Before applying to take the examination, check the CPA Exam or NASBA websites (www.cpa-exam.org - www.nasba.org) for exam information:

– download/print a copy of the candidate bulletin– contact your state board of accountancy with

additional questions

Slide No. 37

Application Process

When are you eligible to apply for the computer-based test (CBT)?

• There are several rule variances for determining eligibility to apply for the CBT.– States require that you have graduated from an acceptable

program with 150 hours minimum.– States require that you have graduated from an acceptable

program with 120 hours minimum.• Note: Approximately 50% require graduation before eligibility to sit,

the remaining 50% will allow a candidate to sit if they will graduate within 60 days.

• Most states will start application process before eligibility.• Contact your state board for state specific rules/policies.

Slide No. 38

Application Process

How is a conditioned paper and pencil (P&P) candidate affected?

• Most states have adopted the Conditioning and Transitioning standards model.– Same amount of time, or number of opportunities,

as candidate would have had with the paper and pencil examination.

• Example: If a P&P candidate has 2 years and 4 opportunities remaining, both will transition to the CBT.

• Note: Not 100% of states, contact your state board.

Slide No. 39

Application Process

How and where do you apply for the exam?• For most states, the CBT application process will be

very similar to the P&P process.– CBT process is year-round (instead of two biennial

application periods)– Majority of States use CPA Exam Services (CPAES) 800-

CPA-EXAM– Many states (including CPAES) offer online application

process or paper process.• Contact your state board for state specifics.

Slide No. 40

Application Process

How much will the CBT cost?• The actual examination cost will be

determined and set by each state board of accountancy.– The cost for all four sections of the CBT will be

approximately $600.00*

* if all four sections are taken in one NTS period.

Slide No. 41

Application Process

Is there a difference in price if a candidate sits for one or more parts at a time?

• Unlike P&P, CBT candidates do not have to take more than one exam section at a time. The application/cost process facilitates this new model.– If a candidate applies for 1, 2, 3, or 4 parts at a

time, the part(s) must be taken within a six month window*

*for all states but one, which may have a 90 day window

Slide No. 42

Application Process

• In most states (including all CPAES states), it is most economical to apply and sit for all four parts within one six-month* window.– It’s most expensive to sit for only one part in a six

month testing window*.

*Check with your state board to ascertain the exact cost for each

method.

Slide No. 43

Application Process

To whom & how does a candidate pay for the examination?

• There are two primary payment methods:– Some states require that state-specific

administration costs be paid directly to the state board, with the balance (NASBA, AICPA and Prometric fees) paid to NASBA.

– For CPAES states, all costs are combined and paid as one examination fee.

• Most states will accept checks, and credit cards (including online). Check with your state board.

Slide No. 44

Application Process

How long will the application process take?

• Most states are estimating 6 to 8 weeks to process initial applications at launch.

• For re-examination candidates, the application process will be much quicker. Many states are working towards a 24 hour turn-a-round for re-exam applications.– The goal is to continue to shorten this time as the

new year-round application process is implemented.

Slide No. 45

Helpful Hint #5

• Make sure applications are complete and contain accurate information.

• Completeness and accuracy by the candidate dramatically affects the amount of time needed to process the application.

Slide No. 46

Application Process

How will the candidate be notified of application approval or deficiencies?

• States will notify candidates by mail or electronically (email) of application approval.

• States will notify candidates by mail, electronically (email) or telephonically of deficiencies and/or remedy actions.

Slide No. 47

Authorization to Test/Notice to Schedule Process

What is an Authorization to Test?

• The Authorization to Test (ATT) is the notification from a state board of accountancy (or their agent, such as CPAES) to NASBA indicating that a candidate is eligible to sit for the CBT.

Slide No. 48


What is a Notice to Schedule?• The Notice to Schedule (NTS) is essentially

the candidate’s “ticket” to take to Prometric for scheduling and sitting for the CBT.– The NTS will indicate the examination section(s)

approved, the validity (start/stop) dates, and the candidate’s individual examination launch code.

– The NTS also serves as a unique identifier that must be taken to the Prometric site when testing.

Slide No. 49


How long is a Notice to Schedule (NTS) valid?

• For a majority of states (all but one state), the NTS is good for six (6) months

Slide No. 50


What should a candidate do after they receive the Notice to Schedule (NTS)?

• The candidate should thoroughly check the NTS for accuracy.– Is the candidate’s name spelled exactly right?– Are the approved sections correct?– Are the correct number of sections indicated?

• Contact Prometric for an appointment to test.

Slide No. 51


Who should the candidate contact with questions or problems?

• Contact your state board of accountancy• For specific contact information, go to:

www.cpa-exam.org and click on the link labeled “Boards of Accountancy”

Slide No. 52

Helpful hint #6

• Failure to show-up for a test appointment will cause a candidate to lose his/her money and possibly their testing opportunity.

• During the exam:– Disruption or Misconduct (including unauthorized

breaks) may cause candidate expulsion, resulting in the loss of candidate’s money and testing opportunity.

– Disallowed articles and property may be confiscated.

Slide No. 53

Scheduling & Taking The Exam

David GinsburgDirector, Client Services

Prometric

Slide No. 54

Scheduling & Taking The Examination

• Who is Prometric?• How do I schedule the date, time and location

of the examination?• Am I guaranteed the location & time I want?• Do I have to sit in the state in which I applied?• What can I bring to the examination site?• Was there a Pilot Program? What were the

results?

Slide No. 55

Who Is Prometric?

• Part of the Thomson Corporation• Exclusive provider of the CPA Exam

administration• Worldwide leader in technology-based testing• Will deliver the CPA Exam in over 300 “high

stakes” centers nationwide• Prometric administers exams to medical

school, security dealer and graduate school candidates . . . just to name a few.

Slide No. 56

Scheduling & Taking The Examination

• Scheduling begins March 1, 2004 – Schedule Early!• Capacity Planning – 45 days out• Must have applied to the State Board and received a

“Notice To Schedule”• Three methods of scheduling

– Web scheduling– Call an 800 number– Call local test center– Special accommodations

• Web walk-through

Slide No. 57

Web Schedulingwww.prometric.com/cpa

Slide No. 58

Step 1 - Select The Testing Location

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Step 2 - Complete the Legal Agreement

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Step 3 – Enter Your Exam ID From NTS

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Step 4 – Select The Test Center

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Step 5 – Select A Date & Time

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Step 6 – Verify Details & Enter eMail Address

Slide No. 64

Step 7 – The Confirmation

Slide No. 65

Question - How Do I Reschedule?

• Reschedule online through the local center or the contact center

• Reschedule fees:– 30+ days before scheduled exam = No Fee– 5 to 29 days before scheduled exam = $35– 1 to 4 days before scheduled exam = $42 to $76.50

Slide No. 66

Question – Do I Need To Test Within The Jurisdiction Where I Registered?

• Generally . . . No. There is flexibility in the center location you may use.

Slide No. 67

Question – What Must I Bring To The Examination Site?

• Candidates must bring:– Notice to Schedule [NTS]– Two [2] forms of acceptable ID– There are individual lockers – but they are small

• Remember:– Candidates should arrive at least 30 minutes early

Slide No. 68

Question – Was There A Pilot Program & What Were The Results?

• Yes – A pilot program was administered in a NYC Test Center in November/December 2003

• Actual candidates• Over 200 examinations were administered• Pilot included a technology / system check

Slide No. 69

Comments From Pilot Participants

• Test centers are a vast improvement over P&P [pencil & paper] warehouse environments. Quieter and less distractions.

• Liked the flexibility to schedule tests when most convenient – can take exam after work. Don’t have to lose two full days to test.

• Appreciated the 17” computer monitors used at centers.

Slide No. 70

A Final Helpful Hint From The Pilot Testers

• Dress in layers –some of the people in the pilot test were either too hot or too cold.

Slide No. 71

The New CPA Exam and Registration Process

Summary & Questions

Slide No. 72

Thank You For Participating!

Slide No. 73

Upcoming CPA Examination Webcasts

For a complete listing, check our website at http://www.cpa-exam.org/cpa/webcast_info.htm

the new cpa exam and registration process

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