Session CBE’s – Computer Based Exams for subjects: F5-F9 were first introduced in September 2016.
The written exam will be phased out over time. For the moment, however, students are offered a choice between paper based and computer based exam. The time when the exam will become fully Computer Based vary from country to country. In Ireland, paper exams will no longer be available from March 2018 (although F6 and P6 Taxation should remain paper based for now). You can find out more details here.
Many people welcome this change as the exam better reflects the modern working style of both student and professional accountants.
How session CBE reflects modern working and learning style.
As the world becomes more and more digital, paper becomes a thing of the past. CBE exams are designed to help with the skills of the future. You will use spreadsheets and word processing tools to answer questions- this way of performing calculations best reflects the modern working environment and professional financial roles of today. Students using this style of exams will come better prepared for the working environment of a business as they will be equipped in soft skills that are now commonly expected from a part qualified accountant.
It takes less time to write your answer
Most people will agree that it’s faster to type your answer rather than write it by hand. Plus you do not need to worry about your handwriting being hard to read. Your calculations will be presented in a clear and legible manner. CBE exams also save you the wrist pain! Everyone who did a written exam before knows how painful your hand can become from writing for long periods of time.
You can easily amend your answers
You can flag questions as you go along and come back to them at the end. The layout of your questions is clearly displayed and you can easily click on the question you want to amend. Your progress along with the timer is also up on the screen helping you manage your time in the best way possible.
If you like gathering your thoughts on paper before giving your answer on the exam you can make notes on the side using scrap paper if you need it.
The above are the main points about Session CBE’s. For, more information on session CBE go to Learning Support for Session CBE on ACCA website.
