Sims 1.5Software Upgrade for the

Uniform CPA Examination

August 2006

Sims 1.5 Roll Out

January 2006 implementation Current simulation interface used until end of October-November

testing window

2006 testing will begin on Jan. 9 to allow for software upgrades in test centers Candidates with appointments on Jan. 2-8 will be rescheduled

Updated tutorial and practice tests placed on CPA Exam web site by October, 2005.

Authoritative literature updates will occur with upgrade.

Why Change?

The goal: to improve the usability and scorability of the simulations.

Not a dramatic departure from the current simulations, but will make navigation more seamless and intuitive

Simulation Usability

New version addresses key candidate complaints – in particular copy / paste.

Usability study conducted and confirmed that upgrade addressed these issues; changes were made as a result.

Simulation Scorability

Current simulations allow candidate to modify responses to research questions in written communication word processor.

These modifications made automatic scoring problematic (required additional hand scoring).

So What’s New in Authoritative Literature?

Authoritative literature embedded in a tab. Enhanced authoritative literature helm.

No more copy/paste confusion “Back button” is added

Simplified search results.

Authoritative Literature

Now embedded as a tab.

Authoritative Literature Helm

Back button added. Transfer to Answer button replaces Copy button.

Simplified Search Results

Rank removed. View Title/Short/Medium/Long.

What Else has Changed?

In the Simulations: Vertical screen split. More flexibility in split screen mode. Unified user interface for responding to all research

questions. No copy/paste from the literature to the written

communications word processor.

Vertical Screen Split

The new simulation helm:

New graphic for “Sheet” button.

New graphic for “Sheet” button.

3 buttons for split. (“Split Horz” will be “Split Horiz”)

3 buttons for split. (“Split Horz” will be “Split Horiz”)

Standard/Code button removed from helm.

Standard/Code button removed from helm.

More Flexibility in Split Screen

Any combination of tabs can be viewed in split screen mode - except the same tab.

Arrows allow candidate to scroll to any tab

Arrows allow candidate to scroll to any tab

Unified Research Question Interface

One click response. Candidate cannot edit response(s). Must be answered in split screen mode.

FASB Research

Single paragraph response. Example of one click interface follows.

Arrows allow candidate to scroll to any tab

Arrows allow candidate to scroll to any tab

Scroll bars appear as needed. Toolbar does

not move.

Scroll bars appear as needed. Toolbar does

not move.

Audit Letter, Audit Research

Multiple paragraphs allowed. Paragraphs can be reordered, deleted.

Delete, Up, Down buttons on new toolbar

Delete, Up, Down buttons on new toolbar

Tax Research

One response allowed.

Only tax citation reference appears.

Only tax citation reference appears.

Sims 1.5 Communication Plan Notice sent to boards, state CPA societies Candidate notices New tutorial and practice tests available at www.cpa-exam.org

URL emailed to review course providers (RCPs), educators, student/ educator groups

Notice posted on Prometric scheduling web site Article in next The CPA Exam Alert Presentations to educators, RCPs

August AAA annual meeting and RCP meeting PowerPoint slides made available to educators Distribution of updated tutorial CDs