top stories
Computer Based Exams (CBE)
- How many computer based exams (CBE) are available within the ACCA and Certified Accounting Technician qualifications?
- What are the main differences between computer-based exams and paper-based exams?
- What are the benefits of computer-based exams versus paper-based exams?
- How is it best to prepare for the Knowledge module exams?
- Are section weightings for Computer Based Examination the same as the paper based?
- Question 6
- Question 7
- Question 8
- Question 9
- Question 10
1. How many computer based exams (CBE) are available within the ACCA and Certified Accounting Technician qualifications?
All Knowledge module papers within the ACCA qualification; Paper F1, Accountant in Business, Paper F2, Management Accounting and Paper F3, Financial Accounting - are available both as computer-based exams (CBEs) and as traditional paper-based exams. The first four papers of the Certified Accounting Technician are also available in CBE format.
2. What are the main differences between computer-based exams and paper-based exams?
The content of the computer-based and paper-based exams are similar, although the same questions will not appear in both formats. Questions in both formats of the exam are written to correspond with the syllabus and students should expect to see questions covering all aspects of the syllabus in both paper-based and computer-based exams.
Both the computer-based and paper-based exams comprise 50 questions, 40 of the questions are worth two-marks and 10 are worth one mark. The computer-based version is automatically generate so that each candidate gets a different set of questions, whereas the written exam is made up of a pre-selected set of questions.
Questions on paper-based exams are all presented in multiple choice format. Questions in computer-based exams use a greater variety of objective question styles, which include multiple choice, multiple response, multiple response matching and, for F2 and F3 only number entry. The sorts of questions that are asked in both formats are the same it is just the method of response that is slightly different.
3. What are the benefits of computer-based exams versus paper-based exams?
The main difference in deciding which format to complete is that computer-based exams have the advantage of being available at any time of the year and give instant results at the end of the exam. However, students who have not previously used a computer or who lack confidence in using computers may find that they are more confident in completing the exam on paper in either the December or June exam sessions. Students who have suitably prepared for their exam, including practising for the exam on computer (if relevant), should be equally likely to pass either format of the exam.
4. How is it best to prepare for the Knowledge module exams?
In these three exams there are 50 questions covering the breadth of the syllabus. The questions tend to be fairly short and you need to be able to deal with each question in a few minutes and then move onto the next question. It is imperative that you practice plenty of multiple choice questions, or the wider range of objective question types if taking a computer-based exam, as part of your revision so that you are used to the style of question and you become used to dealing with subject areas quickly. Before the exam you should aim to practice the pilot paper under exam conditions to see how you get on.
5. Are section weightings for Computer Based Examination the same as the paper based?
Yes, both computer-based and paper-based exams have the same weightings for different syllabus areas . Weightings for each area are intended to reflect the relative size and importance of the area.