Simulation Functionality: The 1.5 Solution

The Uniform CPA Examination simulation functionality changed in April 2006 - not drastically but enough to make navigation within simulations more seamless and intuitive. The enhanced functionality was introduced through new simulation software (Simulation Version 1.5) developed by the AICPA in response to candidate comments, and as part of an ongoing CPA Examination program of continuous improvement.

Simulation Version 1.5 is good news for candidates. It has replaced the copy and paste functions in authoritative literature with a new one-step text transfer process, provided a "back" button, and included several other changes designed to simplify and clarify navigation within simulations.

Simulation Version 1.5 - Major Features

"Copy and Paste" and "Transfer to Answer" Options - In the authoritative literature sections of simulations, copy and paste options have been replaced by a "Transfer to Answer" function. This function enables candidates to move highlighted text into the response area simply by clicking on the "Transfer to Answer" button. The "Transfer to Answer" option exists only within authoritative literature; copy and paste functions remain active in all other simulation tabs.

Because copy/paste is no longer available in authoritative literature, candidates are unable to move authoritative literature text into another simulation tab in order to revise it and then transfer it back.

Split Screen Options - Both horizontal and vertical split-screen options are available to candidates. Whether the screen is split horizontally or vertically, candidates have access to all tabs. However, candidates are unable to view the same tab in both windows at the same time.

In order to respond to authoritative literature tasks, candidates are required to work with a split screen, with the research tab displayed in one window and the standards or code tab in the other. The split window views make it easy for candidates to see the movement of text when they click on the "Transfer to Answer" button.

Some Other Changes - A "back" button is available in authoritative literature, as requested by candidates. New "Help" screens provide more detailed information about examination features and functions. In written communication, a line has been added to show candidates exactly where they should position the cursor and begin typing their responses.

Simulation Version 1.5 – Special Features

The Simulation Version 1.5 software includes unique features that may be accompanied by specific instructions to candidates. Candidates should become familiar with these unique features so that they are not surprised by them during the examination.

Some authoritative literature text cannot be selected as a response. The text that is NOT available to be selected contains in all cases an incorrect response. (Correct answers are always selectable.) When text is excluded from selection, the directions to candidates read:

If your cursor turns to a symbol, the text is not selectable as a response. Correct responses must be chosen from numbered paragraphs and never appear in text that cannot be selected.

Under some circumstances, when numbered paragraphs that contain subparagraphs are selected, highlighting does not extend to subparagraphs. However, the full text (numbered paragraph and any subparagraphs) is considered to be the response. In such cases, the directions to candidates read:

A paragraph may include one or more subparagraphs; all parts of a paragraph will be considered to be part of your answer, even if they are not highlighted and transferred to the answer space with the numbered paragraph.

Reference numbers (which are embedded in authoritative literature text) may sometimes appear when a response is transferred to the answer space. These reference numbers (which do not correspond to the authoritative literature text in all cases) have no bearing on scoring and should be ignored by candidates.

In the vertical split screen mode, when the break line between the two panes is moved, margins in the smaller pane may not adjust as space diminishes. As a result, the text is elongated and compressed. Scroll bars need to be used to see the full text.

Click here to access screen shot illustrations of some of the Simulation Version 1.5 features.
Click here to access screen shot illustrations of the “Transfer to Answer” function.

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