The long-awaited arrival of computer-based exams (part1)
As this new development is being phased in over the next year or so, we thought it only right to update you on what to expect from computer-based exams. This […]
As this new development is being phased in over the next year or so, we thought it only right to update you on what to expect from computer-based exams. This week we look specifically at changes for ACA students.
What’s changing?
ICAEW have stated that their six certificate level modules will be available for e-assessment from 2017, with their first two modules (Tax Compliance and Audit and Assurance) ready in March. Further modules will be rolled out over a two year period, explained below:
2017
| March | Professional Level exam sitting with the first computer-based exams for Tax Compliance and Audit and Assurance. |
| September | Professional Level exam sitting with the first computer-based exams for Financial Accounting and Reporting and Financial Management |
2018
| March | Professional Level exam sitting with the first computer-based exams for Business Planning and Business Strategy. |
| November | First computer-based exam sitting for the Advanced Level. |
Exams will each be an hour and a half long, and the best bit? Results are available online the next day.
E-assessment means you can book an exam time that’s convenient to you, rather than waiting for the next round of traditional papers. If you’d prefer to sit your exams using a computer you can book yourself in at a Pearson Vue test centre (or other approved provider), or speak to your employer to see if they already have a relationship with another test centre.
Preparing for your computer-based exam
It’s important to state first off that the content of exams will not be any different to written papers – the only change really is that you enter answers into a computer rather than writing them on a piece of paper.
While many revision techniques will be the same in terms of making sure you know the content, ICAEW have produced a range of resources specifically geared towards e-assessments. These include dedicated learning materials and sample e-assessments, and even Webinar recordings to help students prepare for all Certificate Level modules.
During the exam
At the exam, students will be allocated a desk with a computer with the exam pre-loaded and ready to go. Questions will appear on screen and you will answer each question by entering narrative and/or calculations within the response area.
The exam questions will continue to contain both structured and unstructured detail in scenarios that you will need to read, assimilate and understand. ICAEW say that navigation within the exam will be easy to follow and you’ll still be able to complete questions in any order you choose. When you finish, responses will automatically be sent for marking.
Speak to a member of our team or visit the ICAEW website for more details.
