Adaptive Features of the CPA Exam
We receive frequent inquiries about the adaptive features of the computer based CPA exam.
Does adaptive testing make the exam more difficult?
Yes and No. Adaptive testing is designed to give examiners more information about a candidate by adapting the difficulty of the questions to the skill of the test taker. A highly skilled candidate will see more difficult questions than one whose mastery of the material is weaker
Since the degree of difficulty is relative to the candidate's skill level,
both candidates will, in fact, perceive the exam to be equally challenging.
A less knowledgeable examinee will in fact be taking an 'easier' exam than
one more skilled. While both are likely to answer the same percentage of
questions correctly, the examinee who received more difficult questions
will achieve a higher score.
Is there a study or test taking strategy that would better
prepare me for adaptive testing?
In some cases, CPAexcel has been specifically adapted to the computer based exam. For example, our Simulation Center and Exam Mode accurately recreate the software you will use on the day of the exam. Being familiar with the interface of the testlets and simulations before sitting for the exam allows our students to focus what to answer, not how to answer.
Adaptive testing is a feature best tackled with a thorough understanding of the material. As such, CPAexcel recommends that students use the diagnostic scorecard after their initial review of an exam to pinpoint weak areas, focus study time, and invest their final study hours where they will yield the highest return.
What does the AICPA have to say about this aspect of the exam? Here is a recent FAQ published by the AICPA that specifically addresses the adaptive features of the new exam.
The Uniform CPA Examination uses a multistage adaptive test delivery model for three sections (AUDIT, FAR, and REG). This model was chosen because it supports the examination's public protection mission, ensures the highest quality control over every test form, and meets operational goals related to efficiency, test delivery, data management, item exposure, and pretesting.
This form of computerized testing presents test-takers with sets of test questions, called testlets, for AUDIT, FAR, and REG each candidate takes three testlets and two simulations (BEC currently does not include simulations). Testlets are automatically assembled and reviewed in advance of test administration to make certain all content constraints and rules for re-use of questions are met. For each examination section, all candidates receive the same number of questions and are given the same amount of time to complete the test.
These exam sections feature some variation in difficulty from one testlet to the next during the multiple-choice portion of the examination, as follows:
- The first multiple-choice testlet administered to each examinee is at the same (moderate) difficulty level.
- Subsequent testlets - either at the same level or slightly more difficult than the initial testlet - are then automatically chosen from a panel based on the examinee's performance on the prior testlet(s), and presented to the examinee.
Simulations are not chosen based on prior performance. Review and revision of previously answered questions is possible within a multiple-choice or simulation testlet. However, once a testlet has been completed and the candidate has moved to the next testlet, further revisions are not permitted.
To ensure fairness, each test is constructed to meet the same content and skill specifications that are designated by the exam blueprint. Every test also includes the same types of questions, and the questions - range of difficulty overlaps across testlets. This helps ensure that all candidates have an opportunity to pass the test, regardless of the route they take. The statistical characteristics of questions answered, including their difficulty levels, are taken into account in the calculation of scores so scores will be comparable when candidates answer different testlets.
Currently the Business Environment and Concepts examination currently does not use any adaptivity and is composed of only multiple-choice question testlets with the same level of difficulty. BEC will include simulations and this adaptivity in the future.
From : http://www.cpa-exam.org/cpa/computer_faqs_1.html
CPAexcel Students Excel on the Exams!
Students who completed the CPAexcel course and took 4 parts passed 84% of the
exam parts they attempted - 41 points above the National Average pass rate of
43% reported by the AICPA. More...
Visit the CPAexcel News Archive for additional news articles.
