This year saw the official release of the new ICAEW Computer Based Exam (CBE) software and the team at Training-by-Eos have been busy putting it through its paces so we can ensure you are comfortable with the new environment.

What’s new in CBE?

ICAEW say the new CBE was designed with input from ACA students to make it more intuitive in its functionality and representative of modern accountancy practices.

When it comes to writing your report, the built-in spreadsheet offers standard functionality for your calculations before copying them into the word processing area where you will write your answer.

The new environment also includes an electronic bookshelf and accessibility settings to allow you to change the zoom and colour settings to match your preferences.

Overall, the new CBE platform is easier to use than the previous version but it essential that you practice before the live exam.

Why practise?

Exams are stressful, particularly the Case Study exam where your performance in those 4 hours determines your next step on the career ladder.

Imagine starting the exam to then be presented with an unfamiliar environment. The word processor and spreadsheet areas do not have the full functionality you are used to with your Word and Excel packages. A small nuance with formatting could result in you wasting time in the exam and adding unnecessary pressure on yourself.

Regardless of whether this will be your first attempt at the Case Study exam, or you are a resit student it is vital that you are familiar with the new CBE platform.

Now is the time to download the ICAEW CBE software and become familiar using it BEFORE the Advance Information is released in June.

Instructions on downloading the ICAEW CBE Software

How to get a realistic experience using the ICAEW CBE software

It is important to note that you cannot upload an exam from your tuition partner into CBE and that the CBE software takes over your screen. We have a solution for this and as a Training-by-Eos student, you will be able to use the CBE environment similar to how it will perform in the live exam. Our Mastering Case Study course has been updated for 2021 to ensure you are working in the CBE environment while building your foundation of proven exam technique.

Learn more and download the CBE software from the ICAEW website