Distance learning and independent study

The bridging units are offered by distance learning mode. Distance education provides a flexible and accessible approach for those who wish to pursue continuing professional development.

Candidates involved in this mode of education must accept greater responsibility for the planning and assessment of their own learning compared with the more traditional methods of teaching. The need for greater self-discipline and self-reliance is in keeping with a professional accountant's responsibility for ongoing self-development. Candidates are required to study the course materials thoroughly and rigorously as independent distance learners.

Each bridging unit offered is the equivalent of a one-semester undergraduate unit of study. Total hours of study required depend on a candidate's capabilities and individual study technique. As a general guideline, a minimum of 10 to 15 hours per week over a 12-week period is required for each unit.

Assessment

Each segment contains self-assessment questions that assist candidates to understand and review the topics covered. In-text reflective questions and numbered exercises with answers provided are also included. Some segments include case studies to be worked through with answers provided for reference.

Formal assessment for each segment is by three-hour 'open-book' examination. Panels of professional specialists moderate the examination papers through approval of the questions selected for inclusion and monitoring the marking procedures and pass standard. All of the unit study material is examinable.

Formal assessment for each of the bridging unit examinations comprises multiple-choice test items. This objective assessment method is recognised as the best means to test technical skills and it ensures that results are made available in a timely manner.

Candidates should attempt all multiple-choice examination questions; marks are not deducted for incorrect answers.

Examination dates

Scheduled examination dates are advertised in advance in the May, June, November and December issues of CPA Australia's magazine INTHEBLACK.

Alternative examination dates are not available. This is due to the secure nature of the examination process and the large number of examinations that are conducted throughout the world each semester. If the advertised dates are unsuitable, candidates should delay their enrolment to a future semester.

Candidates whose personal circumstances alter following enrolment in a segment due to a medical ailment, business trip, heavy workload, 'clash' with another examination, or misreading the examination information supplied, may be eligible to defer their examination, cancel their enrolment in the segment, or sit the examination and apply for special consideration.

Examination format

Each examination is of three-hours duration plus 15 minutes reading time. All examinations are 'open-book' and are based on the whole segment, that is the study guide, supplementary materials, prescribed texts and readings. Candidates will be examined on all bridging unit materials unless otherwise stated.

Time allocations are usually suggested on examination papers based on the marks assigned to each section. Marks are not deducted for incorrect answers.

Details about the structure of specific examinations are enclosed with the examination notification statement issued to candidates prior to the examinations.

Notification of examination location and time

Each semester, personalised examination notification statements are mailed to candidates to confirm the location and time of the examinations. Enclosed with the statement is information on examination regulations, administrative provisions and the structure of the examination papers.

Examination notification should be received by 4 April 2008 (for semester 1, 2008 examinations) and Friday 26 September 2008 (for semester 2, 2008 examinations). If notification is not received by the appropriate date, contact the business services group, Deakin University.

Candidates who receive written confirmation of an examination deferral or cancellation of enrolment should disregard the relevant examination details included in the examination notification statement.