On April 4 and 5, more than 100 people participated in testing groups during the two days at Ball State. The university is one of four dozen schools in 23 states for pre-testing in the nation.
Candidates preparing to sit for the exam and those who have passed it within the last 12 months were invited to participate. The sections of the new computerized exam are auditing, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, and business environment and concepts.
The notoriously difficult paper-based CPA exam is currently offered just twice annually. It will be replaced by the computerized version that can be taken throughout the year. The new format will launch in April 2004. The last paper-and-pencil exam will be offered nationwide on Nov. 5 and 6, 2003.