[fufu89]

Hello,

First time posting. But I need help. So i took audit exam yesterday. I seriously killed the first testlet. 2nd testlet became super difficult so i had a good feeling. I think i did alright on the 3rd. Decided to take my allowed break, went to the restroom ate a granola bar, then out of curiosity i decided to check to see if i had answered a question correct because it was bothering me and i saw no harm in doing so since you cant go back into previously submitted testlets and you dont get to see testlet 4 and 5. I know stupid stupid stupid. But i swear i did not know it was prohibited. this is my second exam, i took far and passed last month, still dont know how. But the lady as i did my finger scan to go to break never said anything about what was allowed and what wasnt. anyway lady saw me with my book took it from me and said she had to photocopy whatever page i was looking at. i told her i didnt know that i was allowed to do it. she said she had to write it up and include it in my file. anyways went back in completed testlet 4 and 5 while crying and left. I had a really good chance in passing i feel and now i dont know what will happen. stupid stupid stupid curious me. Does anyone know anyone that this happened to? Should i contact NASBA and explain I honestly didnt know and was not informed. Like why would i sit there in public with my book wide open for everyone to see if i knew it was prohibited?? This sucks! Im scheduled to take BEC next month and cant concentrate at all.
What do you guys think?

[Preksha]

@Fufu89. Your situation could be a bit dicey. When they assign you the computer they are bound to tell you about what is acceptable and what is not. After giving them you fill a feedback form. Did you tick mark “yes” when they asked if the Prometric had explained to you all the necessary instructions? You can ask emailing NASBA and see if they give you the benefit of the doubt.

[turo9992000]

I just looked at my NTS and on the second page it lists items that cannot be accessed or used during the CPA testing experience: The first thing on the list is books.

The only question is whether you are still in a test taking experience while on a break. If I were you, I would assume that your test is not valid and move forward. If the opposite happens and you pass then, it's all good.

[Recked]

I don't feel it is not Prometric's responsibility to inform each testing candidate that they cannot access study material during the course of their exam.
Each candidate is strongly encouraged to read the CPA Candidate Bulletin that contains all sorts of useful information.
I would encourage everyone to be familiar with its contents. https://nasba.org/app/uploads/2019/03/Candidate-Bulletin-2019_March-2019.pdf
–
Hopefully this will all be a non-issue because you were on a break, and there is no way for you to go back and change any previous answers, but you should definitely be more careful next time.
Hoping for the best possible outcome for you.

[Jimmy Dugan]

You never know what will happen but I wouldn't expect a great outcome in this case. If it were me, I'd contact NASBA candidate care and just let them know what happened and that it was an honest mistake. I don't know that they'll honor the test score but at least you can figure out what your next steps are as far as taking future exams.

[Pork Flavored Bacon]

For what it's worth, I recall someone on this forum, not too long ago, was written up for accessing their phone during a break. They received a passing grade on the exam and, if I recall, no contact from anyone. Hopefully, you will be fine as well.

FAR - 75 | REG - 87 | AUD - 82 | LAW - 81

[Asja]

Just accept the worst case scenareo, and then you'll be able to calm down…

[jombe]

I might sound like an ass, but like most ppl commented above, I wouldn't expect an outcome that'd be in your favor.
Generally, not knowing the rules/laws is not a legit defense against a misconduct.

FAR - 94 (10/4/15), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
AUD - 99 (1/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
REG - 96 (4/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
BEC - 91 (7/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ

581 days of listening to lectures, reading texts & 10,000+ MCQs...

[Tncincy]

You'll find out on score release. I didn't know won't get it, granola bar maybe, but open book? absolutely not. Sorry, you'll just have to read next time and beyond.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[ohiocpacma]

Move on. Your score should be invalidated. Even if you were only checking on previous answers, you were still in the middle of taking a test. How would they know that you were not reviewing material in general for the next test or that you would be tested on the same concept again in a Sim.

[CPA Hunter]

I did some research and did not find anything that prohibits you from reading a book during the break. All the notes about reading books say that you can not bring them to the testing room and do not prohibit you from reading them during the break. I strongly recommend to call NASBA and explain what happened. Hope all will be fine.

[jombe]

@CPA Hunter – where did you do your research?
.
https://nasba.org/app/uploads/2019/03/Candidate-Bulletin-2019_March-2019.pdf
.
Pg 50 of Bulletin states “Use of any prohibited item during a break” results in “Grounds for Confiscation of a Prohibited Item, Preparation of a Written Report of Incident & Warning the Candidate.”
.
Pg 47 states “Books” as one of “Prohibited Items.”
.
I guess it doesn't necessarily state that your score will be invalidated, but let's not mislead other candidates into thinking that they can refer to their books during their breaks.

FAR - 94 (10/4/15), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
AUD - 99 (1/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
REG - 96 (4/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
BEC - 91 (7/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ

581 days of listening to lectures, reading texts & 10,000+ MCQs...

[CPA Hunter]

@Jombe i think you are right. Based on what there is stated on page 50, you cannot use any prohibited items during the exam (including the break). Prohibited items are listed there too. I agree that you cannot use books during the break.

[Hank Scorpio]

Looks like you will fail that exam and you will get a warning. Just move on and know you can't access your materials from now on.

FAR - 10/3/16
BEC - 69 - 10/31/16
AUD - November 2016
REG - December 2016

[ak_cpawannabe]

I don’t think you will fail the exam. Maybe you will get a warning. But I think since you were between testlettes, there is no real cheating risk. I wouldn’t call anyone until you get your score. Stay positive. What happened—happened. If they fail you for some weird reason, you will rise above and succeed and after you are a cpa, you can laugh about this crazy experience. Please keep us updated. I really hope everything will be ok.

[Sebastian]

Contacting them won't help since you clearly and directly broke the rules. Look, I know the CPA test is an stresfull situation, and seeing you describe as having shred tears this must certainly been a harsh moment, but you can't let this stop you. You already got to this point, you endured the endless process of preparing for this test, and you can't let this stop you now. Yes, I am gonna be honest, I think it's likely the will null your exam and you will have to do it again, but screw it, you say you were doing well? You will do well again. You went through a lot to get to this point, you can't, don't you dare, to give up now. You already study, you are ready, it's just 4 tests and it's over. Continue on and pass that test again.

[Author]

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