Exam scheduling and delivery policy

• All CPA Program exams are delivered during the advertised Exam Delivery Period at the conclusion of the study period of a semester.  
  
• The Candidate should schedule their exam during the advertised Exam Scheduling Period for the relevant semester, failure to do to will result in the candidate being auto-scheduled an exam appointment at the closest.
• Computer-based Exams delivered in a test centre are the primary mode of delivery for CPA Program Exams.
• Online Proctored Exams will only be offered to the Candidate where there is no Test Centre within a reasonable distance of the Candidates residential address or where there are Mitigating Factors recognised by CPA Australia which prevent the candidate attending a test centre.  
• Exam appointments can be rescheduled by the Candidate at any time during the Advertised Scheduling Period (subject to availability).
• CPA Australia can only reschedule the Candidate’s exam after the Advertised Scheduling Period closes on the basis of Extenuating Circumstances supported by documentation as requested by CPA Australia, and (subject to availability).
• Candidates must adhere to all relevant instructions and policies in relation to their exam delivery
  
   

This policy establishes guidelines and procedures for CPA Program exam scheduling, rescheduling and exam delivery.

2.1 Scope

This Exam Scheduling Policy applies to all enrolled Candidates of the CPA Program, including those who enrol into the CPA Program for continuing professional development (CPD) purposes. 

The application of this policy will be determined by CPA Australia at its sole discretion.

2.2 Related Policies and Documents

The following information should be read and considered in conjunction with this policy:

• CPA Program Rules and Regulations
• CPA Program Exams and Assessment information including relevant FAQs

Advertised Scheduling Period: The dates published on the Important Dates page of the CPA Australia website setting out the period in which a Candidate can schedule or reschedule a CPA Program exam independently via My CPA Program.

Auto-Scheduling: The process taken when a Candidate fails schedule their Exam during the Exam scheduling period where the Candidate will be scheduled to an exam appointment at the closest available test centre based on Candidate’s residential address (as per CPA Australia’s record)

Candidate: Any member or non-member who is enrolled in a CPA Program subject, or any individual who is enrolled in a CPA Program subject for CPD purposes.

Computer-based Exam: An exam which is delivered by computer in an authorised test centre, which requires the candidate to answer questions using a keyboard and mouse.

Exam Delivery Period:  The period published on the Important Dates page of the CPA Australia website setting that CPA Australia allocates for Candidates to sit their exams at the conclusion of a semester of study. Candidates must be available to sit their exam at any time within the respective exam period.  

Exam Modality:  Computer-based Exam (Test Centre), Paper-Based Exam (Test Centre) or Online Proctored Exam. Online Proctored Exams and Paper-Based Exams are unavailable for self-service and offered by exception only at CPA Australia’s sole discretion.

Exam Rescheduling: The process of changing the date, time or location of a scheduled exam appointment in the semester that a Candidate is enrolled.

Exam Scheduling: The process of booking an Exam Appointment, date, time, or location within the Advertised Scheduling Period.

Extenuating Circumstances: Exceptional, serious and unforeseen circumstances beyond the Candidate's control that adversely impact the Candidate’s ability to attend the scheduled exam appointment, as determined by CPA Australia in its sole discretion. 

Mitigating Factors: Mitigating factors and/or circumstances or factors that are beyond the Candidate’s control that prevent the Candidate from being able sit a Test Centre-based Exam, as determined by CPA Australia in its sole discretion.

My CPA Program: The web portal the Candidate will use to schedule/ manage their exam appointments. This is also where a Candidate will commence check-in for an Online Proctored Exam.

Online-Proctored Exam: Exams conducted online to allow you to undertake an exam from your home or office using your own device and while being monitored by a remote proctor. All communication with the proctor is to be completed in English.

Paper-based Exam: An Exam which is delivered via paper in an authorised test centre, which requires the candidate to answer questions in an exam booklet using either pencil or pen. 

All CPA Program exams are delivered during the Exam Delivery Period, with Computer-based Exams delivered in a test centre are the primary mode of delivery for CPA Program exams.

Other modalities such as Paper-based Exams or Online-Proctored Exams may be available where a specific Test Centre is not set up for Computer-based Exams or where there is no Test Centre within a reasonable distance of a Candidate’s residential address. CPA Australia has the sole discretion to determine the Exam Modalities offered the candidate for their exam based on the individual circumstances.

CPA Australia aims to provide all Candidates with access to a test centre within a reasonable distance of their residential address (as per CPA Australia’s records). In some circumstances, the Candidate may be required to travel to a suitable test centre location. Reasonable distance will be determined at CPA Australia’s sole discretion.

Once enrolled in a CPA Program subject, the candidate should schedule their Exam via My CPA Program within the Advertised Scheduling Period.

If the Candidate is unable to locate an exam test centre within a reasonable distance of their residential address, they must contact CPA Australia within the Advertised Scheduling Period to understand if an alternative venue can be made available closer to the Candidate’s residential address. 

The availability of exam appointments including test centres, appointment time/dates and delivery modalities are subject to CPA Australia’s discretion across the delivery window. CPA Australia cannot guarantee that the preferred test centre, appointment time/date or exam delivery modality will be available.

The candidate must be available to sit their exam at any time within the Exam Delivery Period for the respective semester, with the exception of Singapore Taxation (this exam will be held on a specified date and time).

It is the responsibility of the Candidate to schedule their own exam during the Exam Scheduling Period to secure an appointment that best matches their preferences. 
CPA Australia cannot deliver Exams in the following territories: Quebec and OFAC-sanctioned countries (together, Excluded Territory).

Candidates enrolled in a subject for CPD purposes, who do not plan to sit their exam, they will not need to schedule an exam.

If the Candidate fails to schedule their own exam by booking an available appointment within the Advertised Scheduling Period, CPA Australia will schedule an exam appointment on their behalf through the Auto-Scheduling process. 

The auto-scheduling process takes place once the Advertised Scheduling Period has closed. Through the Auto-scheduling process the Candidate will be scheduled to an exam appointment at the closest available test centre based on Candidate’s residential address. The exam appointment may be on any time/date during the Exam Delivery Period. 

If an exam appointment is Auto Scheduled then it may not be possible for it to be moved to a different time, date, exam venue or Exam Modality. Candidates should call CPA Australia to discuss their options. However, any changes will be at the sole discretion of CPA Australia, and subject to availability.

During the Advertised Scheduling Period, candidates can reschedule their exam appointment via My CPA Program provided an alternate appointment is available. This excludes the Singapore Taxation exam cannot be rescheduled as it’s delivered on a fixed date and location.

If the candidate cancels an exam appointment, they will be forfeiting that appointment time and they are not guaranteed the same appointment.

In the event CPA Australia is unable to deliver an exam due to an unforeseen circumstance or event, CPA Australia may be required to change and/or reschedule the Candidate’s scheduled exam appointment or make alterations to the exam period.

An unforeseen circumstance and/or event may include (but is not limited to):

• natural disasters,
• extreme weather events,
• power outages, test centre closures or technical issues at a test centre, 
• global pandemics
• health and safety requirements or local Government restrictions; and
• any other circumstances beyond the control of CPA Australia. 

If CPA Australia cannot deliver the Candidate’s exam during the scheduled exam window, this may also result in the Candidate’s exam bring deferred to another semester. CPA Australia will use their best efforts to accommodate any changes to an exam appointment at its discretion. Candidates will be notified by CPA Australia or by CPA Australia’s Exam Delivery Partner, Pearson VUE via phone or email regarding any changes to their appointment. Candidates can call CPA Australia to discuss their options. 

CPA Australia reserves the right at its sole discretion to reschedule the Candidate’s exam and/or apply any conditions it deems reasonably necessary in respect of the exam sitting. 

If the Candidate wishes to reschedule their exam appointment after the Advertised Scheduling Period has closed and prior to the commencement of the Exam Delivery Period, they must contact CPA Australia.

CPA Australia can only reschedule a Candidate’s exam after the Advertised Scheduling Period on the basis of Extenuating Circumstances (supported by documentation as requested by CPA Australia), and subject to exam appointment availability (Extenuating Circumstances Claim). 

To submit an Extenuating Circumstances Claim, the Candidate will be required to contact CPA Australia to provide as much information as possible about the circumstances and the impact on the

Candidate and be accompanied by independent, supporting documentation.

All claims in relation to Extenuating Circumstances are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are assessed at the sole discretion of CPA Australia and subject to availability.

4.4.1 Extenuating Circumstances

Extenuating Circumstances may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• severe or sudden illness or injury (e.g. hospital admission, serious injury or illness)
• severe or sudden illness of a family member (e.g. hospital admission, serious injury or illness) - this excludes minor illness
• the recent loss or bereavement of a close family member or friend
• hardship/trauma (e.g. victim of crime, domestic or family violence, involvement in traffic accident)
• military service
• visa issues, cancellations, and grants
• relocation to another city or country for a period of at least one month
• civil unrest, protests, war or terrorism, including any official warnings issued by government or relevant authorities
• natural disasters or severe weather, including any official warnings issued by government or relevant authorities.

Extenuating Circumstances generally do not include:

• transport issues including heavy traffic, public transport delays or cancellations, roadworks, parking, 
• accommodation issues (except in extreme circumstances)
• misreading the exam date and time, location or modality
• work commitments, including short business trips, meetings, workload, promotions, new employment
• citation of “personal reasons” with no explanation or supporting documentation
• citation of “medical circumstances” without supporting medical documentation or evidence, or which do not relate to the assessment period in question
• sporting commitments or personal achievements including awards or club meetings
• exam venue scheduled in the wrong location or country if you failed to notify CPA Australia or update contact information before the advised deadlines
• auto scheduled or self-scheduled to an exam venue that is more than 250km from your home, but within the same country and region or state
• auto-scheduled exams that are not on a convenient date or time, location or modality
• carer duties or childcare difficulties
• other travel or holidays arrangements
• family or personal functions or festivities, including, weddings, engagements, christenings, or festivals
• more than one exam scheduled on the same day, or exams scheduled on consecutive days

Supporting documentation from any relevant independent person (or authority) must be included with the Extenuating Circumstances Claim. As an example, this may include:

• a medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner verifying the illness that affected you and the duration of your illness
• a police or crime report (a crime number on its own is not acceptable)
• a death certificate
• a letter from a doctor confirming the bereavement or the impact of the bereavement has had on you
• an official letter from an immigration office
• signed letter from an employer confirming the work relocation and its duration, which must be for more than one than month
• official correspondence from a court or tribunal confirming attendance, or a solicitor’s letter detailing the nature and dates of the legal proceedings and the requirement for you to attend court
• a statutory declaration. 

All supporting documents must be in English or a certified translation must be provided. 

All documents submitted to evidence an Extenuating Circumstance Claim will be treated in accordance with CPA Australia’s Privacy Policy.

CPA Australia reserves the right to request additional information or supporting evidence, and to make changes to this policy without prior notice. Further, CPA Australia will not obtain documents on a Candidate’s behalf from a third party, but may verify the supporting documentation provided with your Extenuating Circumstances Claim with the issuing authority/individual.

Please note that knowingly making false or misleading Extenuating Circumstances Claim, or altering or falsifying any supporting documentation may be considered an act of misconduct and referred to the CPA Australia Professional Conduct team.

Once the Exam Delivery Period has commenced, applications for a rescheduled exam appointment under Extenuating Circumstances will reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are assessed at the sole discretion of CPA Australia and subject to availability.

Refer to section 4.4.1 for further information about Extenuating Circumstances and supporting documentation requirements.

If the Candidate is approved for a Rescheduled Exam, the exam will be scheduled by CPA Australia at a time and date specified by CPA Australia.

Rescheduling requests due to the following reasons will not be accepted if the Candidate:

• is refused admission to the exam due to not meeting the identification requirements
• arrives more than 30 minutes late after the scheduled commencement time of the exam
• mixes up exam appointments, including time, date, location and modality.
• brings the wrong exam reference materials to their exam.

The following applies to the candidate if they are sitting a Computer-based or Paper-based Exam as part of the CPA Program at a Test Centre.

Once the exam is scheduled the Candidate will receive a confirmation email from CPA Australia’s exam delivery partner, Pearson VUE. 

The Candidate must check their exam confirmation email to confirm the details of their exam including:

• Test-centre details 
• Appointment date and time 
• Exam duration 
• Entry requirements including specific identification (ID) requirements
• Permissible items and exam conditions

Entry requirements into a test centre may vary. It is the responsibility of the Candidate to ensure they meet the entry requirements. In most circumstances, the Pearson VUE confirmation letter and reminder letter will identify any entry requirements for the test centre, noting this may change in the lead up to the exam date, at which point Candidates will be notified by CPA Australia or Pearson VUE via email or text message. 

The Candidate’s details on their identification must exactly match the details as held on record with CPA Australia and must be presented in English. Examples of suitable identification are outlined on the CPA Australia website. The Candidate must contact CPA Australia immediately if the name on their identification does not match the details recorded with CPA Australia. Candidates will not be admitted to the exam if their registered name does not match the name on their identification. It is the responsibility of the Candidate to ensure all details are up to date with CPA Australia.

Candidates must review the health and safety requirements on the Pearson VUE website to understand the personal responsibilities when attending a test centre. These will be based on local health guidelines. The health and safety requirements are subject to change at any time, and it is recommended that Candidates review these prior to their exam appointment. All best efforts will be made to communicate any changes prior to their exam appointment.

If you are unable to meet the test centre entry requirements, Candidates should contact CPA Australia during the Advertised Scheduling Period to discuss any options available. In the event the Candidates does not reschedule the exam and is unable to enter the test centre, the Candidate will receive a ‘Did not sit’ result.

Online Proctored Exams Delivery is only offered to Candidates where there are Mitigating Factors recognised by CPA Australia which prevent the candidate from attending a test centre.  

Mitigating Factors for Online Proctored Exam Delivery may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• No authorised test centre available within a 250km distance from the Candidate’s residential address (as per CPA Australia’s records)
• Inability to travel to a test centre due to:
  • Severe or sudden illness or injury (e.g. hospital admission, serious injury or illness)
  • Hardship/trauma (e.g. victim of crime, domestic or family violence)
  • Military service
  • Civil unrest, protests, war or terrorism, including any official warnings issued by government or relevant authorities
  • Natural disasters or severe weather, including any official warnings issued by government or relevant authorities

When seeking approval for an Online Proctored Exam, the Candidate must provide CPA Australia with supporting information substantiating their circumstances and the Mitigating Factors preventing the candidate from attending a test centre. All claims in relation to Mitigation factors are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are assessed at the sole discretion of CPA Australia.

All supporting documents must be in English or a certified translation must be provided. 

All documents submitted to evidence a Mitigating Factors Claim will be treated in accordance with CPA Australia’s Privacy Policy.

CPA Australia reserves the right to request additional information or supporting evidence, and to make changes to this policy without prior notice. Further, CPA Australia will not obtain documents on a Candidate’s behalf from a third party, but may verify the supporting documentation provided with your Mitigating Factors Claim with the issuing authority/individual.

Please note that knowingly making false or misleading Mitigating Factors Claim, or altering or falsifying any supporting documentation may be considered an act of misconduct and referred to the CPA Australia Professional Conduct team.

The following applies to the candidate if they have been approved by CPA Australia to Online Proctored Exam as part of the CPA Program due to Mitigating Factors that prevent the candidate from attending a Test Centre. 

When a Candidate is approved to sit an Online Proctored Exam, the exam will be scheduled by CPA Australia. All Online Proctored Exams are delivered across a fixed period within the Exam

Delivery Period and CPA Australia cannot guarantee that the Candidates preferred appointment date/s or time/s will be available. 

Once the exam is scheduled the Candidate will receive a confirmation email from CPA Australia’s exam delivery partner, Pearson VUE. 

The Candidate must check their exam confirmation email to confirm the details of their exam including:

• Appointment date and time 
• Exam duration
• Pre-exam requirements i.e. systems tests
• Entry requirements including specific identification (ID) requirements
• Permissible items and exam conditions

Excluded Territories

Candidates must sit the exam from a location that can deliver an Online Proctored Exam, noting exams cannot be delivered in the following territories: Mainland China, Slovenia, Japan, South Korea, Quebec and OFAC-sanctioned countries (together, Excluded Territory). The onus is on the Candidate to ensure their residential address and details are current and correct at the time of scheduling and sitting their Online Proctored Exam. Candidates attempting to sit their Online Proctored Exam from an Excluded Territory will be ineligible to sit their exam. CPA Australia will not be held liable or accountable if a Candidate attempts to sit their exam from an Excluded Territory

It is the responsibility of the Candidate when seeking an Online Proctored Exam to ensure that they can meet all of the specified requirements. 

4.8.1 Technical Requirements

The candidate must ensure they meet the technical requirements for an online proctored Exam as It is the responsibility of the Candidate, when booking an Online Proctored Exam.Failure to meet the OP Requirements will result in the inability to attempt and complete the Online Proctored Exam. It is a mandatory requirement that a Candidate successfully completes and passes the system test 30 days prior to their scheduled exam appointment time on the same device and from the same location they intend to sit their Online Proctored Exam (System Test). If a Candidate cannot meet the OP Requirements, they must contact CPA Australia to reschedule their exam to a test centre (where available) during the Advertised Scheduling Period to arrange a test centre-based exam appointment.

It is the responsibility of the Candidate to ensure they have suitable equipment to sit their Online Proctored Exam. A full device check should include the following:

• Review the OnVUE technical requirements and ensure the nominated device meets all listed requirements. As technical requirements change regularly, the Candidate is responsible for ensuring they continually review the Technical Requirements and ensure the nominated device continues to meet the requirements on the day of the exam.
• Update any settings that don’t align with the recommendations of the Checklist including lock screen or hibernation settings, speaker volume and webcam settings.
• Complete a system test on the device they intend to sit their exam 30 days prior to the scheduled exam appointment. The system test will check download speeds, and microphone and webcam functionality to ensure the device meets the minimum requirements.
• Switch off all applications (except OnVUE) running in the background, sign out of any cloud-based applications, and ensure no updates (e.g., Windows, antivirus, ISO updates) are scheduled to run during the exam.
• It is the responsibility of the Candidate to prepare their exam room in accordance with the Online Proctored Exam policies (refer to Testing procedures and policies) including:
  • ensuring the room is enclosed and private, and free from any disruptions.
  • any additional monitors, printers or other technological devices must all be unplugged.
  • sitting their exam in a well-lit room so the Candidate is clearly visible to the proctor.
  • ensuring clear workstation within arm’s reach, and removing all material from the workstation, with the exception of the permitted materials.
  • ensuring no other person can see their computer screen, can enter the room or speak to the Candidate throughout the duration of the entire exam.

For the avoidance of doubt, to satisfy the room requirements, this would include an enclosed bedroom or an enclosed office. A lavatory or washroom is not considered a suitable exam environment and would not satisfy the room requirement for an Online Proctored Exam. It is at the sole discretion of the exam greeter and/or proctor to determine if the Candidates exam environment is suitable. In the event the greeter does not deem an exam environment suitable, the exam may be terminated.

4.8.2 Testing procedures and policies

The following policies will also apply to an online exam:

• Pearson VUE Privacy Policies
• Pearson VUE Policies and Procedures
• Pearson VUE Online Proctored Exam Policies

Together, these are the Online Proctored Exam Policies.

In addition to Exam Scheduling Policy and the Online Proctored Exam Policies, we also recommend that all Candidates review the FAQs associated with these policies, by referring to Exam Frequently Asked Questions page on the CPA website.  

By electing to sit an Online Proctored Exam, the Candidate has:

• Agreed to the Online Proctored Exam Policies
• Confirmed they are not sitting their exam from an Excluded Territory
• Confirmed they meet the Online Proctored Exam Identification Requirements.
• Confirmed they meet the OP Requirements to sit the exam.

A Candidate can commence their exam check-in from 30 minutes prior to 15 minutes post their scheduled appointment time, by clicking ‘Manage Exam’ in My CPA Program. If a Candidate cannot see the ‘check-in’ button they are either too early or too late for their exam appointment.

After completing the check-in process, Candidates will be placed in a queue with other Candidates, waiting for a proctor to admit them into the exam. During this time, Candidates are under exam conditions and must not leave the webcam view or use their phone (this includes contacting CPA Australia) as it is considered a breach of the CPA Online Proctored Exam Policies.

Candidates are required to comply with the greeter and/or proctor instructions. Any disruptive, threatening or fraudulent behaviour – or anything specifically against exam rules – may be grounds for the greeter and/or proctor to provide you with a warning and/or terminate your exam.

If a Candidate is waiting longer than 15 minutes, a banner will appear across the top of the screen, which includes a link to a secure webpage with a chat window to speak to Pearson VUE.

In the event a Candidate cannot launch their exam, experiences a technical issue or is unable to complete their exam on the day, it is the Candidate’s responsibility to contact CPA Australia during the exam delivery window to discuss their options. It is at the sole discretion of CPA Australia if a Candidate is eligible for a re-sit and/or a reschedule of their exam.

Candidates must ensure all study materials are placed in front of them or within close proximity. Candidates must always remain front-facing and in view of the webcam including when referring to their study guide or notes, otherwise, they may receive a warning from the proctor should they lean outside of the view of the webcam or obstruct the proctor’s view. Please note that this may result in the revocation of a Candidates exam at the sole discretion of the proctor.

During an Online Proctored Exam. Candidates are required to adhere to the exam rules:

• Candidates are not permitted to introduce new materials into their Online Proctored Exam area after the check-in process.
• Candidates are not permitted to leave the exam workstation/desk, walk around the room, or move from the view of their webcam.
• Candidates are not permitted to readjust their webcam or move their webcam and workstation to another room unless this is explicitly requested by the proctor and/or greeter.
• Candidates must adhere to the Online Proctored Exam Policies regarding mobile phone access:
  • Candidates may use their mobile phone while checking in for their exam and/or if they experience a technical issue. Any other mobile phone use, including but not limited to actively taking a call and having a conversation with a third party who is not a Pearson VUE proctor, texting, and/or accessing apps may result in their exam being revoked.
  • Once the exam has started, Candidates are required to store their mobile phone in the room where they are testing but not within their workstation – it must be kept out of arm’s reach once their exam has started.
  • If a proctor is contacting a Candidate, the number will display caller ID may identify as Pearson VUE. If this number or contact appears, the Candidate must answer the call as the proctor is trying to contact them. If the mobile phone rings during the exam, but it is not a call from Pearson VUE, it cannot be answered – any mobile phone use (other than engaging with a proctor) is strictly prohibited and will result in the exam being revoked.
  • Candidates are prohibited from making outbound calls during their exam for any reason. In the event of a technical issue, the Candidate is required to contact Pearson VUE Support via the chat feature.
  • Mobile phone usage is also prohibited whilst waiting for the exam to be launched (after check-in processes are complete) and during the survey at the completion of the exam.
• Candidates are not permitted to use pen, pencils paper or a physical whiteboard during their exam. For any notetaking, Candidates will have access to an Online Whiteboard and Scratch Pad as part of their exam.
• Candidates are not permitted to speak, mumble, read out loud or cover their mouth during their exam. If assistance is required from the greeter and/or proctor, the Candidate can use the chat function to communicate.
• Candidates are not permitted to wear headphones, AirPods or any type of earpiece or headset during their exam.
• Candidates are not allowed to consume food, drink (aside from a clear glass of water), chew gum or smoke. 
• Candidates are not permitted to speak to another person during their exam (excluding the greeter and/or proctor), sit their exam with another person in the room or have another person enter the room during their exam.
• Candidates cannot disclose, publish, discuss, or reproduce exam content during or after their exam, as per the Academic Misconduct Policy.
• Candidates are permitted a single five-minute unscheduled break during their exam. This is the only opportunity Candidates are permitted to leave their workstation and webcam during their exam. If a Candidates does not use their full five minutes during their break, they are not able to use any remaining time from their break later in the exam (as no further breaks are permitted). 
• It is the responsibility of the Candidate to ensure that the unscheduled break has commenced prior to leaving the workstation or webcam view.
• It is a Candidate’s sole responsibility to ensure they review and understand the Online Proctored Exam Policies and ensure they comply. CPA Australia strongly suggests that Candidates who have a medical condition and/or other concerns that prevents them from complying with a single five-minute break, schedule their exam at a Test centre. An Online Proctored exam will strictly only accommodate one five-minute break, and if a Candidate leaves the view of the webcam outside of this accommodation their exam will be revoked/terminated by the proctor.

A Pearson VUE proctor, acting in their sole discretion may terminate a Candidates exam if they are of the opinion the Candidate has engaged in inappropriate behaviour, lack of adherence to exam rules despite a prior warning from the proctor, or suspected misconduct and/or breached any of the Online Proctored Exam Policies. For the avoidance of doubt, inappropriate behaviour may include, but is not limited to, urinating during your exam or engaging in inappropriate communication with the proctor (verbal, non-verbal or written).

In the event there is an exam incident (whether technical or an alleged breach of exam rules), the Candidate must cooperate and fully assist with CPA Australia when undertaking the investigation, including providing any requested information within a specified timeframe.

CPA Australia will not accommodate deferrals or cancellations if a Candidate is unable to comply with the Online Proctored Exam Policies, OP Requirements, Identification Requirements or is sitting the exam from a region considered an Excluded Territory. In the event a Candidate is unable to meet the OP Requirements, and/or comply with the Online Proctored Exam Policies, Identification Requirements or Excluded Territory regions, which may or may not result in the termination/revocation of an exam, it is at the sole discretion of CPA Australia to determine if the Candidate is eligible for a re-sit (subject to availability). In no event will CPA Australia provide a refund of the enrolment or membership fee.

4.8.3 Technical Incident

A technical incident may occur during the check-in, greet and/or during an Online Proctored Exam. A technical incident may include, but is not limited to, the following: 

• A Candidate’s technology does not meet the minimum Technical Requirements and they are unable to pass the diagnostic test during the check-in process.
• A Candidate’s technology and internet connectivity does not meet the minimum Technical Requirements and the greeter is unable to launch their exam.
• A Candidate is unable to sustain consistent connectivity to the exam resulting in a technical revocation of their exam. 
• A Candidate has third-party applications running on their device, resulting in repeated disruption of the exam, and or a technical revocation.

In the event of a technical issue, it is the responsibility of the Candidate to follow the instructions of the greeter and/or proctor to resolve the issue. In the event of a technical revocation of the exam, the Candidate will be unable to resume their exam at a later stage.

If a technical issue is unable to be resolved, and results in a technical revocation, it is at the sole discretion of CPA Australia to determine if a Candidate is eligible to re-sit their exam. If they are eligible to re-sit the exam, they must be rescheduled to another appointment time and complete the full exam. 

CPA Australia will not be held liable for technical issues during a Candidate’s exam and will not refund enrolment fees or offer financial compensation.