Intermediate Accounting Entrance Exam

As of fall semester of 2011, all students desiring to enroll in Intermediate Accounting (ACCT 3110 or ACCT 3310) will first be required to successfully complete an entrance exam. The accounting entrance exam is intended to explore the student's knowledge of basic elements of financial accounting.

Spring 2012 Exam Schedule

Tests will be administered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 4 and Saturday April 7, in BUS 214. Please register prior to the exam in the School of Accountancy office, BUS 515.

Sample Exam

The topical coverage of the exam will relate to the content specifications. To see how content might be tested and to review your understanding of accounting principles, see the sample exam and answers. The exam will contain 25 multiple choice questions. For further study see http://www.principlesofaccounting.com.

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of this requirement?

A student's performance in the Intermediate Accounting courses is often viewed as the single most important indicator of aptitude for success in the accounting profession. Prospective employers pay close attention to a student's performance in these courses. Unfortunately, many students fail to do well in this course, not because of their aptitude, but because of their lack of preparedness upon entering the course. It is essential that a student's prerequisite knowledge be sufficient to prepare them to succeed in Intermediate Accounting. The goal of the exam is make sure that all of our students are prepared to succeed, rather than allowing them to proceed to fail.

OK, I understand the goal. What should I do?

First, ask yourself: Have I truly learned what I need to know in my prerequisite principles of accounting classes? It is recommended that you review the exam content specification and sample exam. If the topics are not familiar to you, or you do poorly on the sample exam, it is best to significantly review before attempting the entrance exam.

I think I am ready for the exam. Now what?

The exam will be offered at least twice each semester. Please check the School of Accountancy calendar of events and listen for announcements regarding dates.

And, how much is this going to cost?

There is no charge for the exam.

How often will the exam be given?

The exam will be given several times per year. It is our eventual goal to provide an “on demand” computer-based exam. However, in the near term, it is anticipated that the exam will be administered in a traditional classroom environment at specifically scheduled times. Keep an eye on this website to monitor the exact schedule for upcoming exam dates.

Will the exam change each time?

The questions will change, but the subject matter will not (without prior notice). The subject matter will correspond to the content specification sheet. The exam will consist of 25 multiple-choice questions.

How long is the exam?

You are allowed 90 minutes to complete the exam, and should easily be able to complete the exam within that time.

What kind of scores can I expect?

You will be scored on a pass/fail basis; however a score of 75% is definitely passing.

So, once I pass, then what?

The School of Accountancy will maintain a list of persons passing the exam, and this list will be used to determine who is eligible to enroll in Accounting 3110 or Accounting 3310. Students not on the list will not be permitted to enroll in those courses.

What if I fail?

Learn from your results. If you did not pass, you were not ready for Intermediate Accounting. You should definitely study more, and perhaps retake the introductory course. Our goal is your success, and this process helps pave the way for that to occur.

How often can I take the exam?

You can retake the exam as many times as you wish. You are not required to retake any course if you do not pass the exam. Of course, without additional preparation, there is no reason to expect a different result. You are encouraged to study more, and try again.

What should I bring to the entrance exam?

Two valid picture IDs and a pencil. Don't bring crib notes, etc. Leave your books at home. No cell phones, cameras, computers or other devices will be permitted in the exam room. You may use a simple 4-function calculator.

What can I take from the exam?

You can take what you brought, but nothing more. The exam will remain the property of the School of Accountancy, and anyone attempting to remove the exam will be subject to strict disciplinary measures as provided by USU's policies and procedures. Students will be required to sign an agreement not to divulge or otherwise discuss the specific content of the exam.