Securexam for the CPA, CGA program

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Securexam

for the CPA, CGA program

Agenda

1. Introduction

2. Guides

3. Purchase, registration, software installation and Qualification

Exam

4. Demonstration on how to use the software

5. Recurring problems

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Introduction

 Computers may only be used for the Advanced external auditing

(AU2), Issues in professional practice (PA1) and Strategic financial

management (PA2) exams.Please note that the use of a computer to

write one of the three exams listed above is not mandatory. If you prefer, you can write your exam by hand.

 Securexam (CGA) is a special lockdown software program that

disables most of your computer’s functionality and file access. It will ensure that, during the exam, you will be able to use your computer for the following purposes only:

 Keyed response: you will be able to use a word processor and an electronic spreadsheet to input your responses, and submit them electronically for marking purposes.

Guides

Where can the guides be found?

www.cga-quebec.org

> Becoming a CPA, CGA

> Program leading to the CPA, CGA designation

> Exams > Computer

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Guides

 Guide #1: Using my laptop computer at the CPA,CGA exam

• Provides purchase, registration, software installation and “Qualification Exam” instructions with screen shots

 Guide #2: User Guide

• This is the most comprehensive guide.

 Guide #3: Tips Guide

• Describes software functionality (Word processor, spreadsheet )

 Guide #4: Instructions to candidates from BDO Canada, Ernst & Young and Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton

• Specific instructions on updates and USB keys

Purchase, registration, software installation

and “Qualification Exam”

Step 1: Purchase ($85 + taxes)

 Purchase the software online through the following web site:

http://www.cgaquebec.org/pls/htmldb/f?p=9105:101:472374420399021::NO

 Follow the instructions in Guide #1: Using my laptop computer at the CPA,CGA exam

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Purchase, registration, software installation

and “Qualification Exam”

Step 2: Registering

 Registration on the site is mandatory for ALL in order to obtain updates, exams and licences: http://cpaquebec.softwaresecure.com/

Purchase, registration, software installation

and “Qualification Exam”

Step 3: Installing the Securexam (CGA) software

Minimum hardware and software requirements for Securexam (CA)

 Securexam (CA) runs on PC-based computers only. No Apple/Macintosh/PowerPC

computer will be supported, even if it runs Windows.

 To install Securexam (CGA), your laptop must meet these minimum hardware and software requirements:

Hardware

 Pentium IV processor or higher (or industry equivalent);

 512 MBof Ram;

 100 MB of free hard drive space (required to run application);

 A free USB port;

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Purchase, registration, software installation

and “Qualification Exam”

Step 3: Securexam (CGA) Software installation  Once registered, you can download the software from

http://cpaquebec.softwaresecure.com/

It is your responsibility to install the

software!

Purchase, registration, software

installation and “Qualification Exam”

Step 4: Performing the mandatory “Qualification Exam” test of the Securexam (CA) software

 You must test the software by performing a “Qualification Exam,” and upload the resulting files to Software Secure for confirmation.

 Follow the instructions in the “Taking a ‘Qualification Exam’” section of Guide #2: User Guide.

• To launch AND exit the “Qualification Exam,” enter the password “page”

• After three days, ensure that your account status level is changed to “Confirmed” (which means the software is running properly).

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Demonstration on how to use the

software: Quick start

 Refer to Guide #2: User Guide

 Getting started

Obtain exams and licences (Internet connection required)

USB key

Types of exams:

• Qualification Exam

• Practice exam − unencrypted files

• Regional UFE exams – encrypted files

Practice mode

 Securexam (CGA) software contains a practice version that

can help you practice before the exam. Using a word

processor and a spreadsheet with Securexam (CGA) is

different – some functionality is disabled and some keys won’t work the way you expect. Using the practice version allows you to familiarize yourself with the changed

functionality of the word processor and the spreadsheet in the Securexam (CGA) environment.

 To launch AND exit the practice exam, enter the password “page”

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Demonstration on how to use the

software: Functionality

 Refer to Guide #3: Tips Guide

 Functionality

 Answer tab

• Enter the question number in each tab to avoid getting the pop-up “Empty Document – Nothing Typed Warning!”

 Spreadsheet

• Formulas:

- Drop-down Formula menu (copy/paste) with English formula syntax - Appendix A of the Tips Guide

• Printable Area

Recurring problems

 Refer to Guide #4: Securexam (CA) Tips Guide

• Option 1: Click Alt (left) + Shift OR Ctrl + Shift

• Option 2: Go to the Control Panel (Regional and Language options) and select English

Change

keyboard

language

Text appears in

grey

(double-click header)

The answer tab

• It is impossible to change the font colour back to black. However, when printing, the text will be in black and white.

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Recurring problems

 Continued…

• Close the Formula drop-down menu by pressing Escape Spreadsheet

freezes when a formula is typed

• Zoom in or out in the spreadsheet by pressing Ctrl and scrolling the mouse at the same time

Numbers in the Excel spreadsheet are in scientific format (3.43E+17) The spreadsheet has zoomed in (or out)

• Go to “Format” on the menu bar and select “Number format”

Recurring problems

 Continued…

• Press F11

Candidates must double-click in each cell

to input information

Error message appears in the spreadsheet indicating a circular reference but there is no

error

• Remove the circular reference and then copy and paste the column where the error message occurred

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Tips

 Refer to Guide #3: Tips Guide

 Tips:

 Shortcut keys (refer to page 4 of the Tips Guide)

 Do not change the font size and style because the files print using a default

font of Times New Roman 12.

Technical support

•Contact your employer’s help desk first to ensure minimum hardware and software requirements have been met.

Step 1: If your computer is supplied by your

employer

•Contact the CPA Order:

•Marjolaine Beaudry 514-288-3256 ext. 2702

Step 2:

Step 3:

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