Signifies Growth of CPA Profession, Say AICPA, NASBA and Prometric NEW YORK, NASHVILLE, Tenn., and BALTIMORE (July 8, 2009) – The computerized Uniform CPA Examination has achieved one million administrations, according to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and Prometric, the three parties in charge of the exam. “The significance of the one millionth exam section transcends the milestone itself,” said Barry Melancon, AICPA president and CEO. “More people are sitting for the CPA exam because the CPA profession has enjoyed unprecedented growth as an attractive career choice. Our research shows that colleges and universities are awarding more bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting than at any other time in history.” Successful completion of the exam is required for licensure in all jurisdictions. “Reaching the one millionth section of the CPA exam is not only impressive, it is extraordinary,” said NASBA President and CEO David Costello. “NASBA and its state board members are proud of the high quality of this professional examination, which attracts better educated and prepared candidates and compels attention not only to technical accounting and auditing issues, but also to vital public interests. The successful completion of the CPA exam affirms educational achievement and points one to a career of service to the public and a rewarding life-long experience.” The AICPA, NASBA and Prometric introduced the computerized CPA exam in April 2004. Candidates may sit for the exam in any of hundreds of Prometric test centers in the 50 states; Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; the U.S. Virgin Islands; and the NASBA test center on Guam. Individuals have 18 months to achieve successful completion of the exam, which consists of four parts:
COMPUTERIZED CPA EXAM REACHES ONE MILLION MARK Prior to the computer-based format, the exam was paper – and pencil-based and administered twice a year, in May and November, in large auditoriums. Candidates had to complete all four parts in two days. “Delivering this exam one million times since it moved to computer in 2004 is a true testament to the success we’ve had with the delivery model,” said Michael Brannick, president and CEO of Prometric. “Exam candidates have truly embraced the user-friendly interface, as well as the flexibility it provides with regard to exam administration times and locations.” About Prometric Prometric, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ETS, is the recognized global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services. Its comprehensive suite of services, including test development, test delivery and data management capabilities, allows clients to develop and launch global testing programs as well as accurately measure program results and data. Prometric reliably delivers and administers more than seven million tests a year on behalf of 450 clients in the academic, professional, healthcare, government, corporate and information technology markets. It delivers tests flexibly via the Web or by utilizing a robust network of more than 10,000 test centers in 163 countries. For more information, please visit www.prometric.com. About NASBA Celebrating 101 years of service, NASBA serves as a forum for the nation’s state boards of accountancy, which administer the Uniform CPA Examination, license certified public accountants and regulate the practice of public accountancy in the United States. NASBA’s mission is to enhance the effectiveness of state boards of accountancy in meeting their regulatory responsibilities. The Association promotes the exchange of information among the accountancy boards, serving the needs of the 55 U.S. jurisdictions. NASBA is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. To learn more about NASBA, visit www.nasba.org. About the AICPA The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org) is the national, professional association of CPAs, with more than 350,000 CPA members in business and industry, public practice, government, education, student affiliates, and international associates. It sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for audits of private companies, non-profit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination. The AICPA maintains offices in New York, N.Y., Washington, D.C., Durham, N.C., Ewing, N.J., and Lewisville, TX. Media representatives are invited to visit the AICPA Online Media Center at www.aicpa.org/mediacenter. |
