[Mole351]

I’m taking my first test tomorrow and haven’t tried a practice exam on the AICPA website (I have a Mac). I’ve watched a video of what the exam looks like, but wondering how the spreadsheet and calculator work, and if it’s easy to figure out?

2 questions:

1) does the keyboard have a number pad like a 10-key or are all of the numbers on the keyboard above the alpha-keys?

2) how similar is the spreadsheet to Excel? I’m fine with PV formula’s and other functions in Excel but what I saw in the sample video didn’t look anything like a spreadsheet.

I know – shame on me for not doing this earlier…I can go to the library tomorrow before the test if needed to try the AICPA site, but would rather spend that time doing some last minute reviewing…

any insight appreciated!!

FAR - 87 (5/15)
AUD - 93 (8/15)
REG - 86 (2/16)
BEC - 87 (5/16)

[Anonymous]

The test computers have a 10 key on the keyboard. The spreadsheet is useless. Stick with the calculator. It runs a tape so you can scroll up and look at previous calculations as long as you don't clear the tape.

[elprezidente07]

BUT –

If you use a 10 key in your daily life, you will hate the 10 key in the exam. It operates like the basic calculator on your computer like <5> <minus> <3> = Instead of your 10 key which would be <5> <plus> <3> <minus>.

This drives me nuts every exam. It is counter intuitive to a 10 key. The tape is the only thing that keeps me from putting down the wrong answers.

AUD // F x2 P 92- (Test server crashed! It really does happen!)
REG // F, F, F, P - 75 Aug 2014
BEC // P - 80
FAR // F, F...now its time for my greatest trick yet.
Ethics // Very.

75 to stay alive

[law0915]

I never actually figured out how to use the spreadsheet tool. It was just cells. Didn't see any type of excel buttons and not sure about formulas. Never used it. The calculator was enough for the basic calculations. Just make sure you're figures aren't itchy pressing different numbers than you want 🙂

REG 77 Feb14
BEC 13*, 79 Aug14
FAR 64**, 76 Nov14
AUD 89 Feb15

*Exited exam after first testlet
**Only studied F1-F6 out of 10 Becker chapters

Licensed Arizona CPA

[Mole351]

Great – thanks! I do use a 10 key daily but will still be better off using as a normal calculator than if I had a normal calculator or had to use the numbers above the letters.

FAR - 87 (5/15)
AUD - 93 (8/15)
REG - 86 (2/16)
BEC - 87 (5/16)

[Author]

Replies