Pub. 2 2020 Issue 2

M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0 18 nebraska cpas During this unique time, it’s understandable that CPA exam candidates are concerned about their testing options. Although Prometric Test Centers in many parts of the world are currently closed due to the COVID-19 virus, we wanted to share some good news with you. In response to numerous candidate requests, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), and Prometric have announced that “continuous testing” for CPA exam candidates will begin July 1, 2020. Under the new continuous testing model, candidates will have the ability to take the CPA exam year-round, without restriction, other than waiting to receive scores from prior attempts of the same section or when there is a significant change S TAT E B O A R D R E P O R T CONTINUOUS CPA EXAM TESTING LAUNCHING JULY 1, 2020 BY DAN SWEETWOOD , NEBRASKA BOARD OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY to the exam. Continuous testing will replace the existing CPA exam testing window model, which only permits candidates to test during designated time frames each calendar quarter. The 55 U.S. Boards of Accountancy enthusiastically support the move to continuous testing, as it positions candidates to retake sections while information is top of mind and may shorten the time needed to complete the four-section exam. Nebraska is one of the 40 jurisdictions that has already completed the transition to enable continuous testing; 14 jurisdictions are in the process of completing the steps necessary to enable continuous testing by July 1, and just one is expected to be unable to offer continuous testing before 2021. This shift to a continuous testing model signifies the power of alignment among state boards, NASBA, AICPA, and Prometric as these organizations continue to support exam candidates on their journey to CPA. NASBA, AICPA, and testing services provider Prometric previously announced theyare temporarily closing testing centers in the United States and Canada to protect test takers and workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Although the reopen date is scheduled for April 16, 2020, circumstances are changing daily. Prometric will cancel scheduled appointments and clear the Notices to Schedule (NTS) for candidates to reschedule at their convenience. Leading up to the July 1 date, NASBA, AICPA, and Prometric have invoked an emergency testing period. As part of this procedure, the 2020 second-quarter testing window will be extended from June 10, 2020, to June 30, 2020. For important messages and continued updates, visit NASBA at https://nasba.org or follow NASBA via social media. t Dan Sweetwood is the executive director of the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy. You may contact him at (402) 471-3595 or dan.sweetwood@nebraska.gov .