Computerized CPA Exam Tutorial Available; Covers New Exam's Format and Functions.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2003

A tutorial for the computerized Uniform CPA Examination, the required examination for licensing of certified public accountants, is now available at www.cpa-exam.org, the CPA Exam Web site.

The tutorial was created to help familiarize accounting students and CPA Examination candidates with the revised Uniform CPA Examination. The examination will be delivered in a computer-based format beginning April 5, 2004 throughout the United States. The final paper-based version of the CPA examination will be given on November 5 and 6, 2003.

The tutorial explains the design and operation of the computer-based test, and reviews the types of questions and responses used in the new exam. Each section offers a fully guided tour and opportunities for users to try out certain functions such as answering a question. The tutorial does not cover actual examination content and is not a replacement for practice materials.

It is anticipated that additions will be made to the tutorial prior to the launch of the computer-based CPA examination to incorporate more features and sample questions. More information about the revised exam and practice samples will be made available via the Web site throughout the summer and fall of 2003.

"As creator of the CPA Examination, the AICPA is committed to ensuring that the computer-based test is easy to use and functions as intuitively as possible," said Arleen Thomas, AICPA Vice President - Professional Standards and Services. "However, since the revised exam also introduces a new case-study format called 'simulations,' we strongly encourage all CPA Exam candidates to review this tutorial prior to taking the computer-based exam."

Added Gregory Johnson, AICPA's Director-CPA Examination, "We would like to hear from candidates about the new tutorial. Comments and suggestions can be sent to the AICPA via the Contact Us button on the CPA exam Web site or directly to [e-mail]."

The computerized CPA Examination is a joint effort by the AICPA, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA); and Prometric, a part of The Thomson Corp. (NYSE: TOC, TSX: TOC). As of April 5, 2004, the computer-based CPA Examination will be offered up to six days a week, during two out of every three months throughout the year, affording CPA examination candidates more scheduling flexibility. Currently, the Uniform CPA Examination is offered only twice a year, in May and November, by the 54 U.S. boards of accountancy in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Log onto www.nasba.org for links to the boards and www.cpa-exam.org for general examination information.)

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is the national, professional organization of CPAs, with more than 330,000 members in business and industry, public practice, government and education. It sets U.S. auditing and professional ethics standards and, with the Financial Accounting Standards Board, U.S. accounting standards. The AICPA is the first national, professional association to be ISO 9001-certified, in recognition of its quality management and assurance practices.

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy serves as a forum for its 54 member boards of accountancy in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Over a half million CPAs are currently licensed or certified by the boards. NASBA sponsors a variety of programs and services designed to enhance the effectiveness of its member boards.

Prometric (www.prometric.com), a part of The Thomson Corporation, is the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services for information technology certification, academic admissions and professional licensure and certifications. Prometric delivers standardized tests for more than 300 clients, in more than 25 languages, over the Web or through a global network of testing centers in more than 121 countries. Based in Baltimore, Md., Prometric employs more than 3,000 employees worldwide.