No longer will students need a pen and paper to sit AAT exams as the traditional route makes way for computer based assessments (CBAs). To celebrate this innovative approach, the AAT entered all colleges with over 20 online entrants into a draw to win three laptops - and Barnfield College in Luton proved triumphant.

By launching this new, flexible method of assessment, many AAT students and AAT approved training providers have already enjoyed a range of benefits. Instead of having a timetable set for them, they are now completely in charge of when exams are taken and candidates receive a provisional result on the same day instead of a 10 week wait! If re-sits are required, these can be arranged with only one week's notice. Eager to encourage the use of CBAs, colleges were automatically entered into the draw if they had registered students between May and October this year.

Chris McMellon, Exams Officer, Barnfield College says: "I was surprised and very pleased by the news that Barnfield won the three laptops. They will be put to good use throughout the college, enabling a lot more candidates to access and practice online assessments. We have found that CBAs are a good way for students to take their assessments, giving them speedy results and allowing them to progress at a quicker pace - or if necessary, take re-sits earlier than the paper based examinations. Because CBAs are now available on the AAT website, candidates can also familiarise themselves with the format before any exams are taken."

Since successfully testing the fresh format, students can now sit all exams for levels 2 and 3 of the Diploma and NWQ/SVQ pathways to the AAT's Accounting Qualification, including "Maintaining financial records and preparing accounts".

They are offered free practice sessions prior to the tests, which are completely secure and cannot be accessed by anyone except the AAT once they are finished. Teachers worried about dishonesty need not be, because the software used locks down the PC, preventing any access to other programmes. Unlike paper-based assessments, colleges will not be charged a fee for students who do not turn up and they can even enter candidates on the same day.

For colleges keen to keep up with modern developments, the CBA software is simple to install. The AAT offers support for any teething problems, as well as dedicated helpline for students.

Susan Harper, Manager, AAT Examinations, comments: "We're really pleased to be able to offer our students and training providers a more flexible and modern assessment system, which is both innovative and robust. The great news for our students is that the number of providers running CBAs is growing each week, which gives them more choice about where and when they take their assessments."

For further information on CBAs please visit aat.org.uk/cba or email cba@aat.org.uk

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