By Megan Killian, vice president – member relations

Exciting changes are coming to the CPA Exam in 2018. New software and tools will be added to the exam experience in April, one year after the launch of the most recent updates to the exam content and format.

The AICPA and a consulting firm used feedback from test takers over the course of the year to evaluate the platforms. The result is a more user-friendly, modern system that reflects the work environment of most CPAs. In addition to an updated testing interface, new features include a highlighting tool, cut and paste functionality, and the ability to work on two documents on the same screen. And, finally, an addition that candidates have been waiting for – the CPA Exam will now make Microsoft Excel available!

In a big step for inclusion, the exam will introduce technology to assist visually impaired candidates.

As with most changes in the past, the new features will delay the release of scores for the last three testing windows in 2018. This delay allows the psychometric experts time to ensure the testing has been fair and accurate.

New versions of sample tests and simulations are available on the AICPA’s website.

Read more about the CPA Exam updates in the Journal of Accountancy.