[nassaubleek]

During the CPA Examinations, I got up to use the bathroom while my testlet was still going on, I totally forgot that it was against the rules until I came back and the lady told me that I should know better. I dont even know what to do. Have you heard of a similar story from a candidate before and what was the outcome?

[mla1169]

You don't have to go 4 hours without water but you do have to sign out between testlets and use valuable exam time if it's a big deal to you. Technically according to the rules if you walk in wearing a sweater you're not allowed to remove it during your exam ( not enforced in my experience).

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[How many letters do you need]

On the sweater part, I actually asked them when I took BEC. For FAR the room was warm so I left my sweatshirt in the locker and didn't need it. For BEC, they said it's a little cool so I took it in (of course it wasn't cool). But to be sure I asked and yup sure enough, clothing can only be removed between testlets on a break.

As a side note, I've always been anti-break but after getting done 45 mins early on FAR and looking good for time on BEC I decided to drain after my BEC MCQs. It took a total of 7 mins. My Prometric people were really good about stopping whatever they were doing to sign me in and out (the girl had somebody there both times just starting their exam and put me in front). If the bathroom weren't across the building I would have probably taken 4-5 mins total. To me, if you are really distracted and end up rushing as a result, I say you might be much better off using that 7 minutes; assuming you have a good Prometric center and are looking good on time. If you think it's going to be a 15 minute hassle, then maybe not. I'm glad I did, and still ended about a half hour early for BEC; now I just have to see if I passed 🙂

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[Kimboroni]

I have to take a break, since my blood sugar gets low, and then my thinking gets all fuzzy. So I told them I had to grab a snack out of my locker in case they had to check what I was doing, but they seemed fine. I thought about checking my phone in case I had any emergency calls from my daughter or something, but decided against it. I didn't want there to be any question.

The thing is, you should be allowed to check your phone and even look at notes when you're on your break, since you can't go back into a testlet once you've left it for your allowed break. It's not like you can go and change anything even if you did ask someone for help or look something up.

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[How many letters do you need]

Kim – I agree on the notes part. I think it's just the AICPA being particularly nitty about it. Logically notes won't help you and the clock keeps running so it's not like you can make much of a difference anyway without costing yourself a ton of time. Since they search you again on way in its not like you can put them in your pocket. The only thing I can think of is somebody timing an exam. So if a certain part is supposed to have 20-25% and you haven't seen any of those questions you could gain an edge by going to review notes from that section. It's a long shot but it is a possibility…

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[katerina2665]

i actually think, the note part to be prohibited just because for example my Prometrics holds over 300(!) various tests (that what i was told), and im sure people working there dont know much difference between CPA, Bar, Board or any other test, how many notes are there, etc. Some tests allow you to go out w/o scheduled break, or, i know Board I is an 8 hour exam. The staff in Prometrics is just instructed to watch people not to look in their books or notes, im sure none of them have an idea of how those testlets work except that you can do a break between them.

[Kimboroni]

That's a good point, too.

I think this is interesting stuff to think about. Anybody know how that wand works? Is it some kind of magic paper sensing wand? Or will it only work if you've crammed metal notes down your pants? (disclaimer that I have never ever used, and would never use, any kind of crib notes on a test ever– paper, metal, skin, or otherwise)

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[katerina2665]

maybe if you hiding a phone or any other electronic device. I do think there always be people who will try to cheat the scheme. Besides, i highly doubt those recorded tapes are ever being rewatched except if there is some kind of incident. You know, its like when you call your bank and they say your phone call “might” be recorded?

first time when i came to Prometrics, the way i saw how they searched you, i was waiting for words: turn around, bend and spread 🙂

[Anonymous]

Your Prometric holds 300 people? Wow!! Mine might hold 40…

[katerina2665]

No, not 300 people, over 300 different tests are held there. Meaning that you might be the only person having a CPA exam on that day. And i was silly thinking the prometrics was for CPAs only

[Anonymous]

I made it to the bathroom to puke. It was a small testing center. I think they had 6 or 8 computers. The staff could see me at all times and I don't remember if I shut the bathroom door when I went in to puke or not. I probably left it open. I remember one very nice lady giving me a bottle of water and some saltine crackers when I went back to the check in desk. Apparently, puking during exams is something they plan for.

[Sarasota Sooner]

I took FAR yesterday for first time and just realized that I did this. I am so ashamed of myself. What is going to happen? I don't think I passed but I'd still like to receive my grade for progress sake. Any idea what I can expect? : (

[DZagt]

I never left any exam. Every minute is precious

[Sarasota Sooner]

It is precious but I simply used it to get a drink of water. I checked back in a fast as I could. In hindsight, I should have done it after the testlet. Will my score be voided?

[Sarasota Sooner]

Either way, lesson learned.

[Namstut]

Sarasota, did you receive the Confirmation of Attendance? If you did not, your exam did not get submitted. If this is the case, you might have to apply for another NTS. You can also check your NASBA account, it will say whether or not there is an Attendance record for the exam.

My Prometrics center does not go over the rules but have you read and sign the rules every time you test. They do specifically tell you to leave water and snacks on the designated table. You are not allowed to get inside your locker during breaks.

I, personally, chose not to take breaks, I always finish my exams with not a single second to spare. I think a water fountain with plastic cups would be very useful in the testing rooms but then there is a liability of spilling the drink and damaging the computer equipment (which is pretty shitty anyway).

AUD 7/6/16 Passed
BEC 9/3/16
FAR TBD
REG TBD

[Author]

Replies