Computerized CPA Exam Tutorial Available

The examination will be delivered in a computer-based format beginning April 5, 2004 throughout the United States. The final paper-based version of the CPA examination will be given on November 5 and 6, 2003.

The tutorial explains the design and operation of the computer-based test, and reviews the types of questions and responses used in the new exam. Each section offers a fully guided tour and opportunities for users to try out certain functions such as answering a question.

The tutorial does not cover actual examination content and is not a replacement for practice materials.
It is anticipated that additions will be made to the tutorial prior to the launch of the computer-based CPA examination to incorporate more features and sample questions.

More information about the revised exam and practice samples will be made available via the Web site throughout the summer and fall of 2003.

“As creator of the CPA Examination, the AICPA is committed to ensuring that the computer-based test is easy to use and functions as intuitively as possible,” said Arleen Thomas, AICPA Vice President - Professional Standards and Services. “However, since the revised exam also introduces a new case-study format called ‘simulations,’ we strongly encourage all CPA Exam candidates to review this tutorial prior to taking the computer-based exam.”

Added Gregory Johnson, AICPA’s Director-CPA Examination, “We would like to hear from candidates about the new tutorial. Comments and suggestions can be sent to the AICPA via the Contact Us button on the CPA exam Web site or directly to cpaexam@aicpa.org.”

The computerized CPA Examination is a joint effort by the AICPA, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA); and Prometric, a part of The Thomson Corp. (NYSE: TOC, TSX: TOC). As of April 5, 2004, the computer-based CPA Examination will be offered up to six days a week, during two out of every three months throughout the year, affording CPA examination candidates more scheduling flexibility.

Currently, the Uniform CPA Examination is offered only twice a year, in May and November, by the 54 U.S. boards of accountancy in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Log onto www.nasba.org for links to the boards and www.cpa-exam.org for general examination information.)