Diagnostic Exams
What are Diagnostic Exams?
Simply put, Diagnostic exams are tests that randomly pull 25% of questions from lessons from a specific area, shuffles them up and delivers them in the Exam Mode.
CPAexcel recommends using these preset exams in one of two ways:
The Diagnostic Strategy: A traditional study strategy is one that moves through the Table of Contents, top to bottom, in a methodical manner that covers all the material. While this is a tried and true method, one strategy does not fit all, especially if time is limited.
To implement a Diagnostic Strategy, begin your studies by taking all the Diagnostic Exams in a particular exam part. Then, based upon the scores of those exams, determine where your proficiencies and deficiencies lie. Instead of studying the material top to bottom, you can zero in on your weak areas, areas that may require more of your time and attention. With this important prioritization, you can jump around in the table of contents as necessary.
You might think of it in the following terms: Allow your diagnostic scores to 'pull you through' the material, instead of pushing your way through the table of contents.
Getting Started:
1.Click the 'Study Strategy Options' 
button at the top of the table of contents and select Diagnostic Exams from the menu that pops up.
Locate Exams will highlight all the Diagnostic exams available in the table of contents.
Reset My Diagnostic Scores will also clear any and all accumulated scores in the diagnostic table of contents. You cannot selectively clear diagnostic scores. Scores in the other outlines will not be affected.
Clicking a 
in the TOC will load the exam overview into the content panel:
A brief description of the exam, list of which lessons are covered and how many questions you can expect to see from each.
Launch the exam in a separate window.
A graphic representation of the most recent exam.
The history of scores, in this case showing a slow improvement over three days.
The Retake and Details button work in the same way as they do in the regular study outline
Note: This Diagnostic overview can be printed. If you are just beginning your studies, consider printing the results of your first Diagnostic Exams. This way you can clear your scores and still have a point of comparison for later.
Important: The Diagnostic Strategy is meant to help shape the order in which you approach the material, not to entirely replace a systematic reading and testing of all the material in CPAexcel. Our authors strive to include only what is necessary to pass the CPA exam, nothing more. Therefore, deciding to skip an area based upon a diagnostic score could leave you insufficiently prepared for the exam.
After finishing your exam you will also see results reported in a scorecard (located further down the Overview page)
While none of the scores shown above reach the 90% level required for proficiency, one can quickly and easily determine which subjects require more attention. If you have a limited amount of study hours, this information can be invaluable.
Support
We are committed to fully supporting you and ensuring that you use the course to its full potential. Should you require additional assistance, post your questions to the Message Center or contact us between 8 am - 5 pm Mountain Standard Time:
info@efficientlearning.com
888-884-5669 (North America)
928-204-1066 (International)
