Want to know how the new computerized CPA exam will work? Curious what it will look like? Wonder what's included? Now you can find out, thanks to a new online tutorial available at www.cpa-exam.org.

The tutorial was created to help familiarize accounting students and CPA Examination candidates with the revised Uniform CPA Examination. The examination will be delivered in a computer-based format beginning April 5, 2004 throughout the United States. The final paper-based version of the CPA examination will be given on November 5 and 6, 2003.

The tutorial explains the design and operation of the computer-based test, and reviews the types of questions and responses used in the new exam. Each section offers a fully guided tour and opportunities for users to try out certain functions such as answering a question. The tutorial does not cover actual examination content and is not a replacement for practice materials.

It is anticipated that additions will be made to the tutorial prior to the launch of the computer-based CPA examination to incorporate more features and sample questions. More information about the revised exam and practice samples will be made available via the Web site throughout the summer and fall of 2003.

The revised exam introduces a new case-study format called ‘simulations.’ Simulations are case studies that require you to review business scenarios common to those required of entry-level CPAs. CPA candidates are encouraged to become familiar with this addition to the exam.

The computerized CPA Examination is a joint effort by the AICPA, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA); and Prometric, a part of The Thomson Corp. (NYSE: TOC, TSX: TOC). As of April 5, 2004, the computer-based CPA Examination will be offered up to six days a week, during two out of every three months throughout the year, affording CPA examination candidates more scheduling flexibility. Currently, the Uniform CPA Examination is offered only twice a year, in May and November, by the 54 U.S. boards of accountancy in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.