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New York, NY, November 1998 - Professional Examination Service (PES) is pleased to announce an agreement with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to assess the feasibility of converting the Uniform CPA Examination to a computerized format. Currently, a paper-and-pencil version of the examination is administered twice yearly to more than 100,000 candidates in 54 jurisdictions as part of the licensure process for CPAs. The study will evaluate the options available to the AICPA in moving to a computerized delivery and, in particular, will assess the time, cost, and technical feasibility of developing and administering a proposed examination on computer early in 2003. PES was awarded the project following a two-stage competitive bidding process. According to Sandra Greenberg, Ph.D., PES Director of Research Programs and the project coordinator, "We view the feasibility study as more than a process of data collection and number crunching; it requires a comprehensive review of the licensure mission of the sponsoring organization and the needs of key AICPA stakeholders, in order to make sound policy recommendations." The study will identify and assess the feasibility of various options in such key areas as: the overall testing model; item-banking and test development procedures; scoring protocols; and delivery systems. In addition, the study will seek input from a broad range of individuals, including nationally recognized experts in technical areas central to the study and key AICPA stakeholder groups, such as boards of accountancy and administrators. As the choice of computerized testing models, item formats, and test delivery providers increases, credentialing organizations are faced with a complex array of options related to computerized testing. With 15 clients currently under contract for computerized testing services, PES has extensive experience in assessing the feasibility of computerized delivery, as well as in managing the development and implementation of computerized testing programs. Moreover, by establishing non-exclusive relationships with a variety of delivery providers, PES has gained first-hand experience of their capabilities and is uniquely positioned to objectively review their services. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is the national professional organization of CPAs with more than 332,000 members in public practice, business and industry, government, and education. Its services include the establishment of rules and standards, technical services, the development and scoring of the Uniform CPA Examination, publications, and administrative services. Professional Examination Service is a not-for-profit testing organization whose mission is to promote the understanding and use of sound credentialing practices. PES achieves its mission by providing services and making contributions to credentialing stakeholders in the areas of assessment practice, educational activities, scientific research, and policy development. © Copyright 1997-2006 Professional Examination Service.
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