The revised exam retains the existing four-section structure (AUD, BEC, FAR and REG), but is meant to better test and assess what the AICPA calls “higher order cognitive skills,” such as critical thinking, problem solving, analytical ability and professional skepticism. To this end, the new exam places additional emphasis on task-based simulations, including those in the BEC section, which previously had none at all. AICPA vice president of examinations Michael Decker said that these changes have resulted in higher completion rates. 

While the AICPA and NASBA said the exam was well-received, they are not going to rest on their laurels: NASBA executive vice president and chief operating officer Colleen Conrad said that the exam will be moving away from a model where it's updated every five to seven years, and into one that better keeps up with the profession's rapid pace of change. While there was no mention of what these changes would be, NASBA and AICPA are already meeting with firms on what they need.