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News

Why Are There Delays in Knowing CPA Exam Results?

By:
Karen Sibayan
Published Date:
Nov 6, 2024

istock-cpa-exam-240

Going Concern tackled the question as to why it takes three months to grade a computerized CPA exam. According to Going Concern, this question has been asked since the CPA exam became computerized back in 2004. 

The answer is not due to the fact that "there’s a conspiracy to artificially inflate/deflate passing numbers to keep the credential prestigious,” but that questions are weighted so it is not as simple as pass/fail for all questions. It is also not as simple as a passing score of 75 or above translating into “75% or more correct answers.”  

Additionally, there is the added complexity of moving to a new exam format in 2024 and it takes longer to score properly. “It is a necessary part of the high-stakes testing process,” stated the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). 

According to AICPAwhenever a new exam is launched, added analysis is necessary prior to releasing candidate scores. The schedule for score releases in 2024 is similar to 2011 and 2017 when new versions of the CPA Exam were also launched. With the new CPA Exam Blueprints, there is a considerable amount of new exam content, which necessitates added analysis after candidates are done with testing, Going Concern explained. 

Ensuring the accuracy and fairness of the redesigned CPA Exam requires careful attention to detail, precision and the utmost care. This is why the AICPA has implemented score hold. These are brief delays in when scores are available after an exam is completed. These score holds assist in ensuring consistency, fairness and statistical validation of the exam content. 

Standard protocol for licensure exams that has significant shifts involves placing score holds so that test scores can be thoroughly reviewed and analyzed for accuracy and fairness. This process ensures that the test results can be relied on and be trusted to make key pass or fail decisions, the AICPA said. 

The AICPA also called score holds "a standard and necessary practice after significant changes to the CPA Exam," adding that they  understand how longer score holds might impact some candidates. This is why the association has collaborated with NASBA and state boards to support and call for measures that will help lessen this impact, such as the CPA Examination Credit Extension Policy, NASBA Credit Relief Initiative and Status of Credit Period Decisions by Jurisdiction.