The New CPA Exam-Meeting Today's Challenges: The Revised Exam Simplifies the Process Not Only for Those Taking the Test but Also for Their Employers

During a recent JofA interview, David A. Costello, president and CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), said that computerizing the CPA exam required dramatic shifts not only in the test's content and format but also in the means of administration. And, he said, the exam related roles NASBA and the state boards of accountancy play have changed as well. While the AICPA creates and grades the NASBA now is responsible for the national candidate database, which will contain information about everyone who applies for the exam, Costello said. He added that state boards no longer will provide test sites. Instead, Prometric, which develops electronic testing products, will administer the exam at its more than 300 computer-testing centers throughout the United States. the 54 individual boards of accountancy continue to be responsible for the licensing of certified public accountants, he said. According to the estimates Costello has seen, the various parts of the computerized CPA exam will be administered a total of 250,000 times during the test's first full year. This implies that slightly fewer candidates will take the test than in previous years. I'm not sure I agree with that, he said. Naturally, our estimates are conservative. There'll he growing pains and we'll learn a lot in the first six months. But I've spoken with every state board and we're all excited about this opportunity to improve not only the but also the quality of CPAs joining the profession. Costello said the new exam makes improvements in three important areas: flexibility, security and candidate skills assessment. FLEXIBILITY FOR BOTH CANDIDATES AND EMPLOYERS When the paper-and-pencil exam was in use, candidates could take the test only once every six months, and in most states the entire test had to be taken at the same sitting. Now candidates can sit for the exam up to four times each year and can take each part separately. even can study for one part and keep taking it until they pass, then move on to the next part, Costello said. Also for the first time, candidates will be able to take the exam anywhere in the United States, regardless of where they live or work. new exam's flexibility also benefits employers. Because they're no longer limited by a semiannual testing schedule, businesses can give their employees time off to study and take the exam during slow periods in their business cycle, Costello said. They also can stagger employee testing so their recruits won't all be absent simultaneously. Costello believes this will make it easier for employers to support staff members studying for the exam and will foster a culture that promotes the goal of becoming a CPA. KEEPING EVERYTHING ABOVEBOARD Costello admits there's no such thing as perfect security. But, he said, the computer-based test incorporates measures to prevent and detect cheating and other dishonest activities. The exam will also be given continuously, during two of every three months, so each set of questions will be different, he said. …