[Dwill2nd]

Here me out.

I could be wrong here but reading their answers and rational behind the Q2 delay contradicts other statements they have made about the exam. Their different messages do not corroborate with each other.

Statement # 1 – https://www.aicpa.org/BecomeACPA/CPAExam/ForCandidates/FAQ/Pages/computer_faqs_3.aspx
Question: Is the CPA Examination scored on a curve?
Answer: The CPA Examination is NOT curved. Every candidate’s score is entirely
independent of other candidates’ Examination results.
The CPA Examination is a criterion-referenced examination which means that it rests upon pre-determined standards. Every candidate’s performance is measured against established standards to determine whether the candidate has demonstrated the level of knowledge and skills that is represented by the passing score. Every candidate is judged against the same standards, and every score is an independent result.

Also from FB Chat
https://www.nasba.org/media-resources/social-media/nasbafacebookchats/the-next-cpa-exam/
Question: NASBA stated that the reason for the extended period of score release for the first quarter is due to “provide sufficient time to statistically validate candidate performance in newly launched exam”
Does this translate to mean our scores are given related to how other candidates perform on the new exam? If not, why the long wait for the new Exam?
Answer: The Exam is not scored on a curve and your performance is not related to other candidates.

Statement # 2 –
Scores will be released once after the close of those windows (see table below). The score release holds provide sufficient time to statistically validate candidate performance on the next Exam and set the passing score.

To me I don’t understand how Statement #2 and both of Statement #1 can be true. If I take an exam in April and my score is an independent result and not based how other candidates scored then what is there to “Statistically validate”? If there is a question that 90% of candidates got incorrect and they change the point value or how that specific question will be scored then it is factually true that my score is not independent and does depend on the results of others.

At the end of the day if it is a 100% true statement that no one else’s performance will impact what my final score and the scoring is done by compute there is zero logical explanations to why I cannot have my score in a few days.

Honestly I would rather them tell us that they are not going to tell us how the exam is scored, or tell us they are not going to give an explanation as to why the scores are released. But do not play games with us as to why the score release will be delayed. As CPA’s and aspiring CPA’s we are held to a high professional standards and the organization we will be a part of should always portray those same values.

If I am seeing something wrong please correct me but being misleading is not what I expect of the AICPA.

Bec, 6/8/2016 - 84!
Far, 7/12/2016
Reg,
Aud,

[Anonymous]

…

[Missy]

I think it's a mistake to apply our own interpretation of their statements and decide it's unethical. I'm not saying it is or isn't but it's been well known that a 75 only represents the AICPA's evaluation that a candidate has sufficient knowledge to “protect the public” and for all any of us knows they could choose just one question that determines whether you pass or fail. It's probably the best kept secret in the 21st century how this is scored. That said, it's a constantly evolving process and if you want to play the game be prepared to hear and see things that don't seem fair or transparent but assuming that validating their predetermined matrix means anything else but validating their matrix is spinning your wheels.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Missy]

What if it turns out only the Q2 pass rate is outrageously higher or lower than historical data? It's possible and that would kind of squash the conspiracy theories but woe if it's like 20% right?

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Ryan – Just Another Dollar]

I'd hate to see how long it takes NASBA servers to come back online after the Q2 score release crush.. 2-weeks' worth of candidates is enough to fry the system, a whole quarter's might break the internet!

B - 88 (2/16)
A - 84 (4/16)
R - 73 (6/16), 82(7/16)
F - 67 (1/16), 84(4/16)

Ethics - 93

Roger course & Ninja MCQ - HiYa!

[Allison Strickland]

I'm going to be honest, nothing about the score release timeline has bothered me. I'm just glad I didn't have to take the old paper exam. I'd imagine scoring the exam is extremely complex since they create a scoring formula for each individual question based on a bunch of different factors. I always thought they based points on how many people got the specific question correct as well. Plus, we're the ones that decided to go through the process, it's not required. We chose this career and this certification.

On the paper exam, you had to pass 2 out of 4 sections or you had to retake the entire test, and it was only offered twice a year. Score releases took 6 months. I'll wait 2 or 3 months for a score. I'm more concerned with more sims lol

[LonelyRonPaul]

I think the crap is about to hit the fan.

FAR - 78, 5/7/16
AUD - 87, 7/16/16
BEC - 8/27/16
REG - 12/3/16

[Missy]

I agree what the AICPA is doing is a total bummer but they haven't yet prevented anybody 6 windows to pass the exam and there was never a guarantee of score release timelines.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[shawn in VA]

ZERO transparency.

[Anonymous]

I understand why the AICPA wants to keep the CPA exam ambiguous but the way they are going about it is extremely unethical. I read the other day that they are considering changing the 18 month rule to 22-24 months and possibly allowing individuals to take the test in the same window. Does anyone think that they will implement these during the summer and before Q3? I feel like everyone is already complaining enough about it that they have to do something…

[Missy]

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[norseman88]

@EZ_SIMS_4_ME_PLS You should email them! I would love to hear the response you get!

[gigabyte2001]

There's probably a candidate or several who will ultimately be actually financial harmed by the process. Let's say you take the exam April 30, score releases Aug 16 and you failed. If I understand correctly, you can't schedule a retake until scores are in from the last exam. You've now lost 6 weeks of a test window and have to try and apply to sit and get scheduled before 10 September. If you're near the end of your 18 mos, and you can't get scheduled before that window expires and/or get an extension, then you now have to pay for a retake of the exam you lost credit for which is actual financial harm. In that scenario (which I suspect will happen to someone) there might be a case. The trick will be: 1. actual financial harm, 2. proving the delay is “unreasonable” on the part of the AICPA which is a horrible subjective standard.

B - 11/11/16
A - 4/16/16 87!!
R - 2/17/17
F - 7/26/16 - Waiting for 8/23

[Anonymous]

@gigabyte2001
Well said! The cost of taking these exams are very high (review course, fees, etc) and the delay in scores does create a financial hardship for some candidates. I believe the AICPA is being very unethical and not transparent with their new scheduled score release. This process has already been a drag and candidates have sacrificed a lot of time, relationships, and physical/mental health to knock these exams out. Then, we are told if you take an exam in early April that you won't receive your score until mid August. Give me a break!! Seriously, that is not cool at all, especially If a candidate has a Family, etc.

I hate whining and complaining, but I hope the AICPA speeds up their scoring process or offers somebody form of remedy. Hopefully they read our blogs and realize what they are doing is actually Wrong. Until then, I will abide by their 4 1/2 month score release delay. Ridiculous!!

[Dman1]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think spending tons of time ranting on this forum helps anyone prepare for the exam. If anything, it takes away precious time. The changes and the score release date have been announced for many months (possibly 18). All of a sudden, just weeks before April 1st, everybody woke up from hibernation and decided to start complaining. That's the last rant you will ever get from me. I got more important things to be doing with my time.

[shawn in VA]

the AICPA would have announced an extension to 24 months by now.It looks like they are sticking with the 18 months. They are sticking it to us in many ways, including increasing the fees to take the stupid exam. I am paying like $250 right now, $300 would not surprise me.

[Author]

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