To excel in an accounting exam, whether a college test on Canvas or a professional certification like CPA or CMA, focus on essential tools, study resources, and setup for proctored or in-person formats. Below are the streamlined requirements, duration, and software needed, centered purely on the exam itself.

Requirements:

• Hardware: Use a desktop/laptop (Windows 10+ or macOS 10.13+; no Chromebooks or mobiles) for online proctored exams. Ensure a webcam, microphone, speakers, and stable internet (10 Mbps+, wired preferred). For in-person exams, bring approved items only.
• Materials: Bring a non-programmable calculator (if allowed) and scratch paper—verify with your instructor or exam board (e.g., AICPA). Have a government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license) for proctored exam verification. Set up a quiet, well-lit space with a clear desk, free of notes, phones, or extra monitors.
• Study Resources: Review textbooks (e.g., Financial Accounting by Libby), lecture notes, and practice problems (50–100 weekly). Use prep platforms like Becker CPA, UWorld, or AccountingCoach for sample questions on financial statements, auditing, or taxation.

Duration:

• Exam Length: College accounting exams last 60–120 minutes, based on course level. Online proctored exams add 10–30 minutes for setup: webcam test (5–10 minutes), ID scan, and room scan (5–15 minutes). Certification exams (e.g., CPA) take 4 hours per section (16 hours total); CMA exams are two 4-hour parts. Log in 15 minutes early; 60+ minutes late means rescheduling, often without refunds.
• Preparation Time: Study 2–3 months for college exams (3–5 hours weekly, 60–100 hours total). For certifications, allocate 100–150 hours per CPA section (400–600 hours total) or 150–200 hours per CMA part over 3–6 months. Practice daily with timed quizzes to mimic exam conditions.

Software:

• Browsers: For online exams on Canvas, use Chrome or Firefox (latest versions) with proctoring extensions (ProctorU, Proctorio, or Honorlock). Disable VPNs, firewalls, and pop-up blockers.
• Proctoring Tools: Install lockdown browsers like ProctorU’s Guardian Browser or Respondus LockDown Browser during launch to restrict navigation. Mac users (Catalina 10.15+) grant screen permissions in System Preferences.
• Accounting Tools: Some exams require QuickBooks or Excel for practical tasks (e.g., journal entries). Practice with these if specified. No pre-installed proctoring software is needed; tools download on-demand. Run a system check 24 hours prior via the proctoring portal.