There are lots of questions out there … lots of questions out there. And to be perfectly honest, we don’t know all of the answers.
But we do know a few, thanks to some forward-thinking regulators who have your best interests at heart.
Case in point: The CPA exam.
There have been a ton of questions about testing periods and restrictions during this — well, let’s call it what it is — extraordinary environment we find ourselves in.
- First, CPA exam test centers were closed for at least 30 days. That happened on March 17.
- Then, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, the AICPA, and Prometric invoked an emergency testing period.
Now, NASBA, the AICPA, and Prometric have announced a new “continuous testing” model for CPA exam candidates, beginning on July 1, due to the COVID-19 situation.
“The continuous testing model will replace the existing testing window model for the CPA Exam, which permits candidates to only test during a designated time frame,” Accounting Today announced. “Under the new testing model, candidates will be allowed to take the exam year-round, with no restriction, only having to wait on receiving scores from prior attempts of the same section, or when a major change is made to the exam.”
Here’s what the NASBA examination team has to say:
“In response to numerous candidate requests, NASBA, AICPA and Prometric are pleased to announce Continuous Testing for CPA Exam candidates will begin July 1, 2020. Under the new Continuous Testing model, candidates will have the ability to take the Exam year-round, without restriction, other than waiting to receive scores from prior attempts of the same section or when there is a major change to the Exam. Continuous Testing will replace the existing CPA Exam Testing Window model, which only permits candidates to test during designated time frames each calendar quarter.
“The 55 U.S. Boards of Accountancy enthusiastically support the move to Continuous Testing, as it positions candidates to re-take sections while information is top of mind and may shorten the time needed to complete the four-section Exam. We will continue to serve as a resource to the boards as they work to make the necessary changes to legislation in order to make the transition. In the interim, candidates are asked to visit NASBA’s website to confirm that their Board of Accountancy has transitioned to the new model.”
It’s important to note: The MACPA advocated for the Maryland Board of Accountancy to make a regulatory change early to allow continuous testing in Maryland. This new regulation was approved in March, so Maryland will be ready to implement continuous testing once it goes live.