Sometimes the small things are the big things. Especially when it comes to writing exams.
Recently, a Capstone 2 candidate asked about what they could bring to an examination centre. While my response was geared towards Capstone 2 (given the back-to-back-to-back nature of writing a 3-day exam), these tips apply to candidates writing any CPA Professional Education Program exam.
Candidate Question
I know we can bring in pencils and highlighters for the exam, but what about markers? Thinking felt-tip markers because I hate writing with a pencil on those blank booklets they give us (it's grey on grey on grey and nothing stands out to me).
My Response
You are correct - pencils (manual, not mechanical) and a single highlighter are permitted. However, pens, including felt-tip markers, are not permitted.
Please refer to the following examination regulation standard:
d) Pencils, highlighters and erasers (Note: no mechanical pencils, pencil sharpeners and no pens)
Please refer to the above link for all items a candidate may bring to an in-person exam.
Specific to your point, I agree that the lack of colour for multiple exams on multiple days can be visually tiring.
Small Tip #1
Sometimes candidates will choose to invest in a pricey highlighter, one that has both a fine tip and can be turned to be more like a regular fine highlighter. When you choose a colour other than yellow, it can even write somewhat like a marker.
Small Tip #2
Another tip is bringing coloured pencils - as long as they are not mechanical, they are permitted in the exam room. It appears by the plural nature of the instructions that multiple-coloured pencils would be permitted.
All the best with your exam!
Do you have feedback on this post or a question you’d like answered by an experienced CPAWSB educator? Please contact your facilitator or send a question to the General Topic in the Candidate Discussion forum.
Samantha Taylor, PME, CPA, CA
Samantha Taylor, PME, CPA, CA, is an educator and lead policy advisor for CPAWSB and a Senior Instructor of accounting at Dalhousie University. She is on a mission to understand and enable learner efficacy while eliminating doldrums occasionally associated with accounting education. Read more of Sam’s posts at the CPAWSB blog.