[scrantonicity]

Hey guys – does anyone know if we are allowed to write on the eraseable sheets before the exam starts? When you first sit down and enter your NTS they give you 4 minutes between screens to read about the exam format before actually beginning your exam. During the 4 minutes before you start are you allowed to write down anything like formulas or time checks for yourself?

[Recked]

I feel like you get 5 minutes for one screen and 5 for the next.
Check on the AICPA sample test to see how much time you actually get.
Some candidates have reported issues with the staff having a problem with them “brain dumping” before the test began.
Usually the staff is only over your shoulder until you enter the NTS number and your face pops up on the screen.
I'd just let that time tick down, take some deep breaths, get yourself comfortable and situated, and just wait for the staff to leave you alone.
Then you have time to read the screen prompts, as well as write whatever you want on the laminated sheet.
_
Highly recommend the paper and pencil request. Far superior to the laminated sheets, but that's my personal opinion.

[scrantonicity]

Thanks @Recked! I definitely prefer paper and pencil instead of the laminated sheets and markers. I feel like I waste time erasing the sheets and half the time the Prometric staff/I forget to grab tissue.

[Jen200215]

They will only stay until you enter the NTS. I always write a few things before I start. It's never been a problem for me. Also, I requested pencil and paper this go around, and it was soooo much better. I highly recommend.

[Recked]

If you want paper and pencil you need to make the request in advance to NASBA candidate care.
Lots of threads on here about it. Just a tip.

[23]

Thanks for the tip @recked. I'm a week out from REG but I'll probably request paper and pencil. I also saw in a previous thread that you asked for a calculator. Was it useful? I ask because I was offered one for the first time on my last exam (AUD), but it was credit card sized.

WA candidate

[Recked]

I took it because I could, but much prefer the keyboard/10key.
When I used prometric to take the EA exams, the 10 key did not work on my keyboard for some reason, even after I checked the number lock, etc. Real pain in the ass not to be able to use the keyboard for numbers, especially if you are very proficient with keying numbers because you've been doing it for 20 years.
Much faster to use 10key vs a handheld, unless you want to write boobies on the calculator during the break.

[SGood]

For all the exams the Prometric offers they tell the same thing to everyone who is handed scratch paper, and that is to not start writing until you are in the exam. I am not sure about other exams but for the CPA Exam you have those intro screens to go through. There is a 5 minute timer on each screen, if your exam times out you are done and have to go home. They will not re-launch the exam and you would not be able to take the exam again until the next testing window because that section ID was used to take the exam (even though you didn't answer any questions) there is still a file sent for grading. You would also have to pay for a new NTS for that section. Risk -vs- Reward I guess.

[Author]

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