[aj_501]

So I failed BEC yesterday…probably in the dumbest way possible. As soon as I entered the launch code, I started writing out all of the formulas I could remember on the scratch sheet of paper. This was during the 5 min “Welcome/Launch Code” section. I always do this as they give you 10 mins (first section + the 5 min confidentiality section) to basically just read three paragraphs. I like to write out everything I can remember during this time because it is all fresh on my mind and doesn’t count against my test time.
So anyway..in the past I guess I’ve never let the timer run down to zero (because it alerts you to hurry & hit next around 30 second mark) but this time I took too much time and found out the hard way what happens when you let the timer run down to Zero…
“Hello! Thank you for testing with Prometric. Your test is now over. Please see attendant.” etc.
I was shocked to say the least… obviously the testing center couldn’t do anything about it so I tried not to freak out on them. But does anyone think I could do anything about this?
I’ve thought about emailing Prometric to see if they would refund my attempt & let me take it for free in October (vs. a retake this quarter because this was my only day off until Q3 ends). Any other suggestions? Appreciate any advice/comforting words haha

[shawn in VA]

I have had one NTS expire on me and 1 where they did not accept my ID. So $500 for AICPA to do NOTHING. Imagine if someone gave you $500 to do nothing. For the AICPA multiple that by the thousands of people that are no shows, expried NTS's etc. That is what I call easy money

[Anonymous]

@Shawn – they didn't accept your ID, huh? What reason did they give you for rejecting it? I would have fought for my money back on that one. I assume you have a valid driver's license at least? Actually, the photo of me on my license was from quite awhile ago, when I had a beard. So, I always bring my passport, which has a more recent photo. I can understand your recouping your costs by selling some of your review materials and such. Yup, and not to mention the fact that probably 20-30 percent of people who start the process never finish it. They take an exam or two and then say “forget it”. Meanwhile, they've got your money, all for doing absolutely nothing at all.

[shawn in VA]

Crazy.–

My Driver License was issued back in 2008 with a 10 year expiration so it was NOT expired. My license broke in half recently because it was in my back pocket and I sat down. Virginia offers licenses that are cheaply made in China most likely by some 12 year old factory worker. So I taped it b/c the DMV (dept of motor vehicles) here takes like 3 hours in line to get anything don and I don't want to wait in a line. So I just taped it and no one ever said anything even a cop who pulled me over for speeding did not say a word about . The taped part is what they called “altered ID” and I was sent on my way from Prometric . I had to get a new NTS pay another $250 on top of $32 for a new driver license. I took the exam 11 days later after the incident. It might have been a blessing in disguise. I was not quite ready that day and got in extra 11 days of studying and lucked out on my exam it was a “fair” version. Not much IT and calculations.

I had to basically pay twice to take BEC —$500. No point fighting it . AICPA is corrupt. Worse than those used car dealers that charge people like 28% interest on a car loan just b/c their credit is not perfect.

[shawn in VA]

crazy-

license broke in half. I taped it. Prometric employee said it was “altered ID” . I went to get a new Driver License after waiting in line at motor vehicles for 3 hours. took the exam 11 days later (same window). Virginia licenses are cheaply made probably in China

No sense in fighting it. AICPA is corrupt. Worse than those used car dealers that charge 28 percent interest to people with not perfect credit.

[Anonymous]

Agreed, they are corrupt conspirators. No fighting it!! For the last 3 times I've gone into Prometric, I've felt like I was playing some kind of warped mind game. How I will ever get to the end of this road, I have no idea!! Their “altered ID” bullsh*t is ridiculous. Every time when I go there, they sit me down and ask me some questions that *only* I would know the answers to, in their mini background check. They take my fingerprints. They take a photo of me. They frisk me harder than a fricking cop at Dulles Airport would. Is that not good enough for them? It's only the CPA exam, not a government security clearance! Anyway.

[Wannafree]

I don't know what you people write on Laminated sheets in 9.8 minutes ? Do you know what will be asked in exam ? Just curious because in FAR if they allow it may take 8 hours to write formulas for reference.

[Author]

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