[Anonymous]

We’ve all seen/heard/participated in the fights….err I mean debates….over whether the exam is curved or not. Especially whether or not my grade depends on the field of candidates I take the exam with. So I have this question.

Undoubtedly the SEE (Enrolled Agent exam) is solely based on my performance. I took the exams, pushed submit and was rewarded with three passes sitting right there at the computer.

However, the CPA exam takes a varying amount of time to grade. Why? Why can the grades not be submitted immedately to the test taker.

If my performance is based completely and totally on my answers, why the need to wait and release it as a group? They know which questions and SIMS are pre-test, therefore the they know which questions count towards my grade and which do not. There is absolutely no reason why my exam (excepting BEC because of the written portions) could not be graded on the spot, unless there is manipulation of some sort (up or down) to the exam after submission.

Am I looking at this wrong?

[Anonymous]

According to the AICPA official “How is the CPA Exam Scored document”, located here https://www.aicpa.org/BecomeACPA/CPAExam/PsychometricsandScoring/ScoringInformation/DownloadableDocuments/How_the_CPA_Exam_is_Scored.pdf, I would say the exam is definitely curved, but not by any standard curving system. These are the sections of the FAQ from the above document that makes me say this.

FAQ#4 Answer: “The total reported score is a scaled value that takes into account both the response to and the statistical characteristics of each question administered. If you have more questions about the statistical characteristics see FAQ #14.”

FAQ#14 Question “What do you mean when you say “statistical characteristics” of testquestions?”

Answer: “There are three statistics used to describe the questions:… Difficulty – whether the question is generally easier or more difficult for candidates, Discrimination – how well the question differentiates between more able and less able candidates…”

[WantToBeDone]

I'm just trying to picture a scenario where someone studies for the CPA for 3 months for one section, and then receives a failing score immediately, and throws a tantrum in the Prometric center.

Or a shockingly passing score, and then other test takers hear chants of “YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!” “OMG!!!” “Holy s*it, I cannot believe it!!!!”

It would be a major distraction to other test takers, right?

BEC - 80
AUD - 85
FAR - 76
REG - 75

[Anonymous]

I asked the Prometric people (while they were wanding me) if they had problems that required the wanding. They said they have had people break down crying, break pencils, rip up paper, etc. No suicides, murders or assaults. 😀

I will admit that it was hard not to react when getting that “CONGRATULATIONS” on the SEE.

If they are worred about that, pass the score to the person checking you in or out so you get it outside the testing room.

I'd submit that the questions already come with the grading stats attached….they know whether a question is hard, medium or easy and the points associated with a correct answer. So I don't buy their nonsense. I think the correct answer is that they manipulate the points of each question based on how many get it right or wrong. High points for correct answers with low success rates and low points for questions with high success rates.

[Minimorty]

“I think the correct answer is that they manipulate the points of each question based on how many get it right or wrong. High points for correct answers with low success rates and low points for questions with high success rates.”

This is exactly how they do it, just not within your test window. They take the data they have gathered from the prior 10, 20, 50 years of test taking (whatever time frame they use) and apply it to all exams going forward.

[Anonymous]

I had to call NASBA Wednesday afternoon because when I went to check out Tuesday, my fingerprint pulled up someone else's information. Neither of the employees had ever seen this happen and had to pull out the manual to figure out how to cancel the check out and restart. Of course, I freaked out! I found out Wednesday that NASBA does have the ability to tell if your test was submitted to the AICPA, but that's all. Apparently, the Prometric site's upload the exams at night, or at least mine does. The very nice Candidate Care lady told me that they had my test, with my information and that it was already in the grading process. I asked her what that meant and she told me that each exam is actually graded several times. This is an audit procedure to ensure that each question is scored correctly. I checked the AICPA's website and found out that she was right. They do score each test several times using a batch process, which we all know leaves a much better audit trail than online real-time processing. This is why the AICPA says that we will never get our scores immediately. And I can't imagine having to be the Prometric employee that had to tell a stressed out CPA candidate that they got a 74 on FAR. Not a pretty picture!

I also researched Prometric's Biometric Policy. I found out that they use a 2 point match on a fingerprint to verify your identity. In my law enforcement jurisdiction, officers are required to match 15 points to arrest you and 32 points to convict. I know this because I have been to fingerprint school. I would never be considered an expert, and would never put myself out as one, but I do know how it's done. I've fingerprinted over 6,000 suspects/inmates. I just don't see how they can say 2 points is an accurate match if the purpose of the biometric check-in is to make sure the right person is taking the test and protect the integrity of the testing process. In my opinion, Prometric needs to upgrade their fingerprint scanners to at least a 10 point match system.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you are an international spy who has amnesia because you were brainwashed into forgetting that you are at the heart of an international money laundering syndicate? Maybe that was your real identity.

Or better yet, maybe someone brainwashed you to take the CPA exam for them and will assume their real identity once you've done the heavy lifting.

That's freaky.

[Kim4]

Wow, great inside info, Kricket, thanks!

I'm one of the conspiracy theorists that say the stinkin thing is curved. I don't care what their official crap says, I don't believe it.

And, honestly, I think that helps people like us that do out-of-the-box things like use the research tab for the non-research SIMS. That helps the people who go in to the exam with tricks like that score points on what for everyone else is a difficult question.

FAR -- 90
AUD -- 95
BEC -- 82
REG -- 92

DONE!

[Author]

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