At the Test Center

Now that the first testing window for the computerized CPA Examination is complete, some of the following information may be useful for CPA candidates.

To do your best on the Uniform CPA Examination, you must be prepared and familiar with the exam’s functionality and navigation, as well as with content.

Be sure you are comfortable with the use of a computer keyboard, mouse, and common word processing and spreadsheet functions. Note, however, that the word processor and spreadsheet applications in the examination are NOT identical to Word or Excel features.

Take the tutorial and sample test (several times, if necessary) before you take the exam.

Pay special attention to the software features that are unique to this examination, especially in the Authoritative literature section:

• History button – use this to find the last page visited. (A Back button is not available.) By clicking on History, you will be able to obtain a list of up to 20 last page visits, in reverse order.
• Copy/paste – in the Authoritative Literature you can copy/paste only ONE paragraph at a time; you can highlight only a block of text (NOT separate lines or words) at a time. In the tutorial, find specific copy and paste tips as follows:
  For AUDIT simulation instructions: refer to Review Letter Item Type;
  For FAR simulation instructions: refer to Accounting and Reporting Item Type;
  For REG simulation instructions: refer to Tax Citation Item Type.
• Search – you will have to scroll down to view all topics returned by a search; if you spell words incorrectly, you will not receive any search results.
• Calculator – you will be able to enter numbers on the online calculator using the keyboard or the keypad with the NumLock feature turned on. Be sure you understand how to move the calculator on the screen.

Remember that the examination consists of several sections (groups of multiple choice questions called testlets or simulations). You will be able to review questions within any testlet/simulation but you will NOT be able to go back to a testlet/simulation once you have exited from it.

At the Test Center

Bring your NTS (Notice to Schedule) to the testing center! You may not test without it.

Bring two valid forms of ID to the testing center. Information on your two forms of ID must match the candidate information on the NTS with exactness. Check the Candidate Bulletin for details on what is acceptable ID.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early and be sure to have your Exam Section ID on hand (it's provided on your Notice to Schedule) when you are seated at the workstation. You have a limited amount of time available to enter your examination password.

Be sure to follow research problem directions. (If you are having difficulty entering a response in the space provided, you may not be using the expected response format.)

Report any functionality problems to the Test Center Administrator (TCA). If possible, wait until the end of the session. If you encounter a problem in a simulation, be sure to identify the TAB in which it occurred. At the end of the examination, you should receive a print out with contact information for reporting any concerns to the AICPA or NASBA.

Don't be distracted by any issue as long as you are able to continue testing. For example, if your responses do not generate the expected color changes in pencil icons, continue testing. Report this matter to the TCA at the end of the session so that a report can be filed. The system will verify the capture of your responses.

Your appointment time is 30 minutes longer than your exam. In other words, you have been given 30 minutes “extra” for sign-in procedures and to take a survey. This time is independent of your exam. Completing these activities quickly will NOT give you extra time on the examination.

Top