In another huge announcement, this morning the AICPA released their final changes to the amount of time given to each exam, as well as the scoring weights (the value given to each question type) given to the sections within the exams. These changes come on the heels of the announcement in September that the CPA Exam will be heavily changing on 01/01/2011 with the implementation of CBT-e. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with these changes, especially if you are planning to sit for any section of the exam past December 31st of 2010. Our advice? Start the CPA Exam Review process now and be finished with the exam before any of these changes are implemented. But if that isn't a feasible option for you, make sure that you familiarize yourself with these changes and use a review course who can teach you what types of adjustments to make to studying and preparing in order to conquer the new structure and new question types.We've compiled these bullet points as a quick overview to the most important changes. Take a look at the charts below for more detailed information on the exact changes to each part of the exam.
Time Changes:
- AUD will now be 4 hours instead of 4.5
- BEC will now be 3 hours instead of 2.5
Structure Changes:
- AUD and FAR will have 7 task-based simulations while REG will have 6 task-based simulations
- BEC will now include 3 written communication tasks
Changes to Scoring Weights:
- For AUD/FAR/REG, the MCQs will account for 60% and TBS will account for 40%
- For BEC, the MCQs will account for 85% and the new written communication tasks will account for 15%
Structure/Time Changes
AUDIT AND ATTESTATION
Current Structure | New CBTe Structure |
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TOTAL TIME: 4.5 hours | TOTAL TIME: 4 hours |
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND CONCEPTS
Current Structure | New CBTe Structure |
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TOTAL TIME: 2.5 hours | TOTAL TIME: 3 hours |
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING
Current Structure | New CBTe Structure |
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TOTAL TIME: 4 hours | TOTAL TIME: 4 hours |
REGULATION
Current Structure | New CBTe Structure |
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TOTAL TIME: 3 hours | TOTAL TIME: 3 hours |
Weight Changes
AUD/FAR/REG
Item | Current Weight | New CBTe Weight |
Multiple Choice (MCQ) | 70% | 60% |
Simulations | 20% | 40% |
Written Communication | 10% | n/a |
BEC
Item | Current Weight | New CBTe Weight |
Multiple Choice (MCQ) | 100% | 85% |
Simulations | n/a | n/a |
Written Communication | n/a | 15% |
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6 comments:
After reading this post, I really want to pass cpa exam during 2010.I cannot keep up with these changes anymore!
http://www.cpaexamscore74.com/
How will the new content outline effect passing the exam if it goes into effect before you pass all 4 parts?
For example, what happens if you only pass say 2 or 3 parts in 2010? Do you still just take the remaining part(s) in 2011?
You will still need to take the remaining parts in 2011 - however, if any new information has been added to those sections, you will be responsible for knowing it. And the sections taken after 01/01/2011 will be in the new format.
You won't lose credit, but it could be a challenge to switch formats in the middle of your exams, deal with shifts in length of the exams, etc. We are recommending everyone start studying now - with Roger of course! - so that they can pass all 4 parts and the changes will not even matter to them. @CPAExamScore74 - you've got the right idea!
Are the new changes considered harder than the current exam? For example, some have 2 long TBS and after 2011 will be 7 shorter TBS but no written communication. Also, to clarify what was commented on earlier. As I understand what was said, we would only have to take the parts we have not completed by 2010 with the new format, but those already taken we keep credit for and don't have to take any more tests associated with those parts. Thanks
@anonymous - the new changes are not currently being considered harder than the current exam. The changes are being instituted for scoring and standardization purposes - not to make the exam harder. Overall, the format and information on each exam is changing but not necessarily the difficulty of the exam as a whole.
Second, you are correct that you will keep credit for those tests taken and passed in 2010, but all tests given in 2011 will be in the new format. I guess some people might consider it harder to have to study for the exams in a new format after having taken previous sections in the old format - it could throw people off.
Will the exam be done world wide or you will still need to go to the USA to do the CPA exam in 2011 !!
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