The TCF Canada Exam made Easier

When preparing your immigration application to become a permanent resident in Canada, remember that results from a language test is one component that must be included. As a bilingual nation, your language test can be in English, French, or in both languages to allow you to earn as many language proficiency points possible to contribute towards your overall immigration points score. While test results from one language can contribute up to a maximum of 16 points, adding the second language can add a maximum of an additional 6 points to your score.

If you want to do a language test in French, whether as your primary language test, or as an addition to English language test results, one option is the TCF Canada exam. If you are settling in a province or territory other than the province of Quebec (which has its own language requirements) the TCF Canada is a French language exam accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

It’s a good idea to complete your TCF Canada registration as soon as possible so that you know when your exam is and can prepare for it. TCF Canada registration can be done through France Education International at https://www.ciep.fr/tcf-canada/coordonnees-centres-passation where you select your current country of residence from the drop down box to find the region you want to write your exam in, then contact your preferred test provider to complete your TCF Canada registration. Most providers, like Ashton Testing Services, offer online registrations so test-takers can see available dates and complete their registration entirely online.

What the TCF Canada Exam Entails

Once you know what’s expected from the TCF test format you’ll be better able to establish how much time you’ll need to study and what areas to put more focus on. The test is made up of four parts: Listening Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Speaking and Writing. The listening section consists of 39 multiple choice questions as does the reading section. There are three speaking tasks which increase in difficulty as the test progresses and the three writing tasks also progress in difficulty in the same way.

When your test results are calculated, you can pick up your official certificate from the TCF test centre where you took the exam. Don’t expect a “pass” or “fail” when you receive your results. Instead, the certificate will include the score you achieved which you can look up in the Canadian Language Benchmark table to see what level your results align with. Depending upon the immigration stream or program you wish you apply through, you must achieve a certain level. To know if you’ve earned a high enough level for immigration find out about the level you need through your immigration consultant or the IRCC website.

If you did not achieve the required level or want to do better on the test to obtain a higher score, you may retake the test, but you must have at least 30 days between each attempt at the TCF exam and, you will need to rebook the new exam and pay the fee for taking it each time you book.

Great Ways to Prepare for Your TCF and Earn a Better Score on the Exam

The most obvious way to do better on your TCF Canada exam is to practice your French language skills. This is something everyone should do, even if they already feel confident with their French. The TCF test is based on everyday standard, conversational French so there won’t be any academic French or difficult concepts, but you must be able to think and respond in French during the timed test. Therefore, even if French comes easily to you in conversation, but not as much in reading, you’ll want to apply your study time more to reading of everyday French and relaying the information you read to others or making notes of the points you learned to somewhat mimic the process of the exam.

Ways to practice include finding friends, family members and colleagues you can practice your French with. Plan practice sessions for busy areas like coffee shops and restaurants so that you must focus on what your French-speaking partner says while you learn to tune out distractions. This is important because you will be taking the exam at the same time as others are doing their exam in the same room. During your practice sessions, when your partner finishes speaking in French, have them ask you questions about what they said, or tell them what you understood from what you heard. This will assist you with both listening and speaking.

You will also want to seek out French newspapers, magazines and blogs or websites. Spend time reading and listening to this information and make notes of what you understand. Re-read or re-listen to them to see if what you made notes about were the important elements. Additionally, if you enjoy reading, ensure the books or other resources you choose are in French. Reading French will enhance your abilities to understand the proper use of the language and you’ll be doing it when you read for pleasure making it both an enjoyable and educational time.

Finally, be sure that the French you are practicing is Canadian French. While the written forms of Canadian (or Quebec) French and Metropolitan (or standard European) French are fairly similar, the informal spoken forms are vastly different. In all cases, you must be familiar and comfortable with Canadian French as this is what the TCF test is based on.

There are also a range of resources available to help you at the France Education International site. You’ll find books, websites, recordings and sample exams throughout the resource sections that will help you study the right information and get to know the exam beforehand so that you know what to expect.

If you feel comfortable with your French language skills, you’ll want to take the TCF Canada exam for your Canadian immigration application. You may be taking it as your primary language exam or perhaps you’ll take it to increase your language score. Be sure to practice your skills beforehand to obtain your best result.

Learn about the United States Medical Licensing Examination or USMLE

The decision to become a licensed medical professional in the United States is a huge one. You’ll be devoting many years of your life to learning the profession before establishing your practice and serving patients. To become a licensed physician, you need to take the three-step USMLE or the United States Medical Licensing Examination.

In the United States, the individual medical licensing authorities or state medical boards of the various jurisdictions grant a license to physicians to practice medicine. The USMLE is owned by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) which are both non-profits that work to ensure health professionals are licensed, assessed, tracked and accountable to the public. USMLE is governed by a committee comprising of the members from FSMB, NBME, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and the public.

With input from experts in all regions of the United States, the USMLE delivers a single national exam through approved USMLE test centres, which is accepted in every state and region in the United States. This ensures that all licensed MDs in the country have met the same assessment standards. Before USMLE, there were multiple examinations - the NBME Parts examination and the Federation Licensing Examination, but now, USMLE provides one path to medical licensure for allopathic physicians in the United States.

How to Apply For USMLE

The application process depends on the appropriate registration body. You can find more information about that here. Fees to take the test at a USMLE exam centre depends on which exam you are taking (Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 2 CS etc.,), where you graduated medical school from (US/Canada or outside) and other details. So it’s important to read and understand the test process before registering with a USMLE test centre and arranging to take the exam. The site offers a contact form for any questions you may have about the application process.

What’s the Eligibility for the USMLE?

The USMLE is designed for students of allopathic medicine, who are on the path to becoming an MD. Anyone applying for a license must pass the exam at a certified USMLE test centre. To be eligible to take the test, candidates must belong to one of the following categories at the time of application and on the day of the examination.

A medical student enrolled in, or a graduate of

• A US or Canadian medical school program leading to the MD degree accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, OR
• A US medical school leading to the DO degree accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), OR
• A medical school that is outside the US and Canada, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements, and meets other eligibility criteria.

How Does the USMLE Work?

As noted, the USMLE is a three-step, knowledge-based exam that assesses how well you can apply your skills, values, and attitudes to real life, patient-centered scenarios.

You can retake the steps in the exams – which is a relief to many. Exams are stressful, and there are times when you aren’t at your best, so knowing you can schedule a retake can take a lot of pressure off. You may take the same exam up to three times within one year, but, you are only able to schedule a retake if you didn’t pass that step’s exam. There is a maximum of six retake attempts and remember that no-shows or incomplete exams count in the six attempts.

The exams are conducted under strict guidelines. Those scheduled to take a USMLE exam should check the website to understand the rules around attendance. This includes things like using only the materials provided to you at the exam centre and not bringing any non-permitted items to the exam room such as notebooks, electronics or personal belongings. You must also be prepared to present a valid ID that includes your photo, name and signature on the day of the exam as you will go through a security procedure on exam day. Failure to comply with the rules outlined by the USMLE site, the USMLE exam centre or exam centre staff may result in your being asked to leave the exam without completing it.

Step 1

Step 1 is a one-day examination, which assesses understanding and application of concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine. It is divided into seven 60-minute blocks and is administered in one 8-hour testing session. The number of questions per block may vary, but will not exceed 40.

Step 2 CK (clinical knowledge)

This step tests the ability to apply medical knowledge, skills and understanding of principles of clinical sciences and basic patient-centred skills. This is also a one-day exam, but includes eight one-hour blocks with a maximum of 40 questions per block.

Step 2 CS (clinical skills)

This step assesses whether a candidate possesses not only clinical competence but also the ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. The test includes twelve patient encounters. These include a small number of nonscored patient encounters, which are added for pilot testing new cases and other research purposes.

Step 3

This two-day exam assesses the knowledge and application of biomedical and clinical science needed for an unsupervised practice of medicine. It is the final exam in the sequence leading to a license to practise medicine.

The first day is divided into six blocks of one-hour each for a total of 232 multiple-choice questions. The second day is divided into six blocks of 45 minutes each for a total of 180 multiple choice questions followed by 13 case simulations of 10 to 20 minutes each.

Becoming a licensed doctor is a big commitment, one that requires a lot of effort and dedication. Take the time to review the USMLE site and understand the exams to ensure you know the testing requirements and are as prepared as possible.

TCF Canada Test for Immigration

In 2018, the government of Canada started accepting the results of a new test, TCF Canada, as proof of French language skills for candidates applying for permanent economic immigration or for Canadian citizenship through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

The Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada) is administered by Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP), run by the French government, to test proficiency in the French language. The test is available at approved test centres in Canada and more than 150 countries. For instance, in Vancouver, you can take your TCF Canada test at Ashton Testing Services (ATS)

ATS has been consistently rated as one of the best test centres in Canada by Prometric, Yardstick and Pearson. With several years of experience working with numerous partners, they administer over 200 examinations, tests, and assessments, including TCF Canada.

ATS holds TCF Canada sessions throughout the year. Contact ATS - an accredited TCF Centre - today to get more information on the following:

·         Test session dates

·         Registration procedure

·         The location of the test session

·         Fees

TCF Canada test is accepted as part of the application for Canadian permanent residency in the Federal Skilled Worker Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Class and the Canadian Experience Class.

It can be taken by anyone who claims French language ability, including French native speakers. English-speaking candidates for permanent residence are not required to provide the TCF test results unless they are also claiming French language ability and would like to score more points.  

TCF Canada corresponds with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s French language standards, the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). The level of expected proficiency in the language will depend on the immigration stream or program a candidate is applying under. For example, for candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Class who are taking TCF test, the required language skills are equivalent to NCLC level 7. The language criteria for each of the immigration programs can be found on the Government of Canada website.

TCF Canada test consists of four mandatory parts, which include reading, listening, speaking and writing. There are 39 multiple choice questions in the listening and reading sections, 3 speaking and 3 writing tasks. There is a wide variety of resources available online to get ready for the test. For example, the official CIEP website features many sample papers.  

The test scores are valid for two years. After this time has passed, a candidate will have to retake the test to prove their proficiency. The results of the test are sent to the testing centre within 15 working days starting from the day the CIEP receives the test session material and can be collected at the centre where the TCF Canada test was taken. If the individual doesn’t get the scores they had hoped for, they can retake the TCF Canada test. Candidates can take the test as many times as they would like. However, one must wait 30 days between each attempt.

To register for the Test deConnaissance du Français (TCF) Canada test session with Ashton testing Services, . The next test date is on October 12, 2019. Candidates are requested to register on or before October 09, 2019. The registration fee is $385. For TCF-related questions, please click here.

Take the CELPIP Test for Canadian Immigration

Knowing the official language of the country you’re moving to is vital, and it’s only rational of the Canadian government to request that people immigrating to the country demonstrate their proficiency in the English or French language or both. If you’re planning to call Canada your new home and want to live in an English-speaking province or territory, you might consider taking a CELPIP exam to prove your knowledge of the language. 

 
CELPIP, which stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, is an English language assessment that measures your ability to communicate in the language in common, everyday situations. The test was designed by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia, and is administered by Paragon in their own testing facilities and at accredited CELPIP test centre, such as Ashton Testing Services among others.

The test consists of four modules to assess speaking, writing, reading and listening skills in the language. CELPIP scores are tied with Canadian Language Benchmarks, the national standard for describing, measuring and recognizing the English language proficiency of adult immigrants hoping to live and work in Canada.

The equivalency chart below demonstrates how CELPIP scores correspond to the CLB levels.

Test Level Descriptor	CELPIP Level	CLB Level
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts	12	12
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts	11	11
Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts	10	10
Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts	9	9
Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts	8	8
Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts	7	7
Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts	6	6
Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts	5	5
Adequate proficiency for daily life activities	4	4
Some proficiency in limited contexts	3	3
Minimal proficiency or insufficient information to assess	M	0, 1, 2
Not Administered: test taker did not receive this test component	NA	/

CELPIP test is approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as part of immigration application through various programs and streams. Before you book a CELPIP exam, make sure you’re familiar with the list of the immigration programs that accept CELPIP test results:

· Permanent Resident Status

· Canadian Citizenship

· Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

· Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

· Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

· Start-up Visa Program

· Various Provincial Nominee Programs

The language requirements may differ depending on the candidate’s age, occupation and the immigration program you’re applying to. For example, if you’re coming to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, your minimum score in all four abilities should be Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7. However, if you are applying for Permanent Residency through the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you only need a score of CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

There are two types of CELPIP tests. The CELPIP General Level is approved by the IRCC for Permanent Residency applications. The CELPIP General LS (listening and speaking modules only) is accepted for Canadian citizenship applications. Make sure you choose the right type before you book the CELPIP exam.

The main benefits of CELPIP over other English language exams are that it is fully computerized and can be completed in one sitting. Test-takers can benefit from features such as a personal timer, word counter, and spell-check.

Every CELPIP exam center offers multiple test dates to choose from. The evaluation process is fast and convenient as well. The test-takers can view their results online in 8 business days, or 3 business days with Express Rating for an extra fee.

There are lots of free resources, study materials and sample tests available on CELPIP’s official website. If you still don’t feel confident and need assistance from professional instructors, you can sign up for a CELPIP preparation program at Ashton College, which may help you achieve the scores you need for immigration purposes.

10 Facts About CAEL

If you’re seeking admission into a college or a university in Canada as an international student, you might need to prove your English language proficiency. One way to do this is by taking the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test, which is currently available in a computer-delivered format called CAEL CE (Computer Edition). Read this article to learn everything you need to know about CAEL CE test.  

1.  Canadian

CAEL CE was developed at Carleton University in Canada to measure applicants’ ability to use and understand English at an academic level. Later on, it was acquired by Paragon Testing Enterprises. The test is based on the requirements of post-secondary institutions in Canada.

The test employs Canadian spelling and uses Canadian accent in the listening component.

2. Widely Accepted

The test is accepted by 185 academic institutions across Canada, and this number is constantly growing.

3. Available

CAEL CE is available at test centres all over the country. If you live in Metro Vancouver or Lower Mainland area in BC, you can take this test at one of Ashton Testing Services centres located in Vancouver and Abbotsford.

4. Convenient

The test consists of four components – reading, listening, speaking and writing – all of them can be completed in one sitting. There is no need to book an exam for the following day to appear for the speaking part, which saves a lot of time and energy. It takes only about three hours to complete the full test.

5. Quick results

It’s annoying to wait for test results, especially if the college application deadline is coming up soon. CAEL CE results are available within eight days after the completion of the test. Since the results are delivered fast, the test-takers have an opportunity to retake it if not satisfied with the scores.

6. Computer-based

The test is fully computer-delivered, which has a lot of advantages.

In the reading section, the text and the questions are shown on the same screen, which reduces the time you may spend looking for the answers.

The speaking part doesn’t involve any human interaction. All the responses given by the test-taker are recorded by the computer.

While taking the listening component, the test-taker can adjust the volume with the headset as per their convenience.

In the writing part, there is a word counter which enables the test-taker to concentrate on the essay rather than keeping track of the number of words. Editing tools are also available, reducing the possibility of making spelling mistakes.

7. Integrated

The content in all parts of the test is interconnected. Test-takers use what they have read and listened to for completing speaking and writing assignments. It’s easier to work with the material, which is already familiar to the candidate from the previous test components.

8. Based on academic topics

CAEL CE content is based on the academic topics covered during the first-year courses in arts and science. The topics can include Architecture, Economics, Geography, English language, History, Engineering, and others.

9. Based on real-life experience

At the time of the test, future students can experience what it feels like to be in a real classroom of a Canadian college or university during their first year. Test-takers read articles, listen to a lecture, answer questions and write a short essay.

They can also participate in supporting academic activities, for example, listen to an instructor explaining an assignment, or speaking to an advisor about their academic goals.

10. Variety of study tools

There are a lot of study tools and materials available for CAEL CE test-takers through the official test provider. They can download free CAEL overview and sample test, purchase study materials and register for a pretest. They can also sign up for a free webinar to learn more about the test and get tips on how to succeed.

Like any other English language test, if you prepare and study enough, you will do well in CAEL. Ensure that you understand the format before you sign up for it. Contact Ashton Testing Services when you’re ready to book your CAEL CE.

Proctored Exams: How Do They Work

Exams are the stuff of nightmares. Many of us have woken up in sweat thinking we have a math or physics exam the following day, panicking over our lack of preparedness, only to realise – with relief – we were still in our beds, and that it was only a dream. But we know now that exams aren’t so bad after all, mostly because they are essential for our academic and professional growth and advancement. Whether it is applying to a college as a student, or for a license or certification as a professional, exams are a frequent occurrence in our lives and we better get used to them.  

Types of Exams

Most exams, like the ones administered by testing and assessment service providers, including Prometric, Yardstick, Castle, Paragon and several others, are either online or paper-based. These high-stakes, proctored certification and licensure examinations, namely, ACCA, MCCEE, USMLE and so on, open a world of opportunities for test takers. These credentialing examinations prove that the individual has demonstrated the required knowledge and skills to do a job competently.

Difference Between Certifications and Licenses

Certifications are awarded by professional organizations or other non-governmental bodies, while licenses are offered by governmental organizations to regulate a profession or occupation. Both involve meeting standards and often include passing an exam. Licenses and certifications are usually valid for a limited term and need to be renewed periodically.

The biggest difference between the two credentials is that the purpose of licensing is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public – not the profession. Examples include nurses, engineers, teachers and so forth. Licenses are legally required to work in particular occupations, while certifications aren’t. With few exceptions, only licensed individuals are allowed to practice in a regulated job or profession. Some certifications require individuals to obtain a licence before applying to take the certification exam.

Once the candidate has successfully cleared the exam, they are allowed by that particular agency to use the title or a set of initials. For example, Certified Financial Professional (CFP) or the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.

What is a Proctored Exam?

A proctored exam is monitored or supervised by a proctor/invigilator and ensure order and fairness by following rigorous standards for test administration. A proctor is an approved, neutral person whose job is to ensure the identity of the test taker and the integrity of the test-taking environment. They are trained to detect anything that may compromise test security or interfere with candidates’ concentration.

Most of the professional and academic tests are proctored and based on the convenience of the candidate can be taken online or using a paper and pencil.

Testing Centres Offering Proctoring Services

Exam providers partner with proctoring testing centres, like Ashton Testing Services (ATS), that can offer a secure, professional testing environment. ATS has over ten years of experience in testing and administering numerous examinations, tests, and assessments, offering candidates a seamless testing experience.

In most cases, testing centres are chosen and booked by the testing body. In such scenarios, all the candidate has to do is show up at the centre, adhere to the rules and regulations, give the test and leave.

But there are also instances where the educational or regulatory body expects the test takers to make their own arrangements. They are expected to arrange for external proctoring services and book their exams online. It is an excellent option for distant learners because they are often unable to be at the school’s geographic location.

Rated as one of the best testing centres in Canada by Prometric, Yardstick and Pearson, ATS conducts over 200+ exams, and has had more than 33,000 test takers take an exam at one of their two locations (Vancouver and Abbotsford).

Secure, Professional Testing

While choosing a test centre, you want to ensure that it meets or exceeds all requirements outlined by the National College Testing Association including the regional body (for example in British Columbia, it’s the ‘British Columbia Higher Education Testing Association’). Such agencies ensure professionalism and quality of testing services and programs, including issues relating to test administration, test accessibility, test development, test scoring, and assessment.

Recently, ATS was awarded the Prometric Pace Setter Award, in recognition of the Centre’s efforts in consistently complying with the strict security protocols set by Prometric. 

Book your next exam at a centre that has experienced proctors, and offers you a high-quality testing environment along with exceptional service.

Good luck.

Being Prepared for Your Proctored Exam

Few things in life make people as nervous as exams. Preparing for a test and taking it involves great amounts of stress. It could get even more taxing if you have to organize the exam yourself and look for external proctoring services. Good news is that there are test centres that provide professional proctored testing services and can help you have a more positive exam experience.

What is a proctored exam?

You will need exam proctoring if you’re taking a high-stakes professional test or exam that allow you to become certified by certain regulatory bodies or associations. You might also use proctoring services if you are giving general exams that test your language, analytical, or writing skills required for college applications or other purposes.

Today, in this era of advanced technology, you can take a proctored exam at home by installing special invigilation software on your computer. However, this process requires time and dedication. You will need to figure out how to set it up, how to get the exam materials from your provider, and how to schedule the exam. Therefore, taking your exams in professional test centres is advisable.

The benefits of going to a test centre that provides proctored testing services are apparent. Professional proctors know everything about the procedures of the exams they oversee. They can guide you and answer all your questions. So, any concerns you have about what happens during or after the test can be alleviated. Proctors will also make sure that your experience on an exam day is as stress-free as possible.  

How to prepare for the test day?

Once you’ve booked your exam, you’ll need to hit the books or online study materials recommended by the exam provider. Get lots of sleep, eat well and take breaks during your studies. Make sure you check out the location of your test centre providing external proctoring services in advance and allow yourself plenty of time to get there.    

Bring a government-issued ID with your photo and signature on it. What you can bring with you to the proctored exam is determined by the test centre and the exam provider. Check the list of allowed items in advance. Prepare to arrive at least 30 minutes early for your exam, so you have enough time to go through the registration process and settle in to the exam room before the test starts.

• The exam centre will require you to follow several steps:
• Upon arrival, you will be greeted and welcomed by a test centre administrator.
• Present a valid ID. You will need to sign in at the exam centre in a log book.
• Once you are signed in, the administrator will give you any materials you need for the exam. This may be a blank paper or a white board and a pen. The proctor will show you to your locker and provide you with a key. You can use the locker for storing all your personal belongings as you may not be allowed to take anything into the exam lab except for what is provided or approved. You will keep your ID and your locker key with you during the exam
• If your certification organisation or regulatory body requires biometric sign-in, the process will include fingertip scanning and photo ID scanning by a digital reader.
• Once in the room, the proctor will explain the rules and regulations that apply to external proctoring services and will also cover any rules and regulations specific to the test you are taking.
• Raise your hand during the exam to have the proctor come to assist you. 

Test centers take exam proctoring very seriously, so even your accessories, for example, jewelry or eyeglasses, may be inspected before entering the exam lab. You may also be asked to remove them and leave them in your locker. Watches, coats, electronic devices, purses, food, drink, hats, and so forth are not permitted into the exam room. The test centre administrator will explain to you the policies for taking breaks during your proctored exam and what you may be allowed to do on your breaks.

Exams are always stressful. Not knowing what to expect can escalate the stress levels. Contact your proctored testing services provider in advance to eliminate your concerns and let experienced proctors handle the whole process so that you can focus on the exam itself. Good luck.   

How to plan and book your ACCA Exams

Why get ACCA qualification?

ACCA is a global accountancy body setting highest professional and ethical standards for accountants worldwide. Their mission is to provide equal opportunities to professionals all over the world, allowing them to grow, develop their skill set and reach a new level of qualification. The body partners with local associations to make sure the qualifications they develop comply with regulations in the marketplaces. Accountants with ACCA membership are the most sought-after industry professionals with broad professional knowledge and expertise.  

If you are looking for opportunities to develop your career as a professional accountant, ACCA qualification can be a great addition to your profile as it proves you can set and maintain the high standards in the organizations you work with and lead them to business success. With ACCA membership you’ll get access to a variety of resources which can be helpful throughout your studies as well as your professional life. There are also numerous opportunities for developing your skills and qualifications, including BSc and MSc.

The Roadmap towards ACCA Qualification

If you’re ready to embark on an exciting journey towards receiving ACCA qualification, make sure you understand what your starting point is and what your next steps are going to be. In order to qualify for ACCA you’ll need to take a maximum of 13 professional exams, with exemptions depending on your prior experience and qualification. You will also need to complete an Ethics and Professional Skills module from ACCA. Lastly, you’ll need to prove at least three years of practical work experience in a relevant role. The whole process of earning the qualification will take you approximately three years.

ACCA Exams

For ACCA Canada high school diplomas or secondary school certificates with A levels in Math and English are sufficient for registration. However, if you’ve completed your studies in another country but want to enrol in ACCA Qualification in Canada, visit the website to determine your eligibility. If your current qualifications are not enough to apply, you can still study with ACCA through its Foundation Level program. If, on the contrary, your qualifications are already higher than required at the registration, you will be allowed to skip some of the ACCA exams based on your individual case.

Applied Knowledge Exams

If you meet the requirements for ACCA exam registration you will start with the first step, which is called Applied Knowledge Exams. They include an introduction to the field of finance and accounting with the general understanding of accounting in the modern world. The exams for these modules can be taken at a test center certified to deliver them as per the established standards. Applied Knowledge Exams consist of the following modules:

Accountant in Business

Management Accounting

Financial Accounting

These are on-demand computer-based exams that can be taken individually at an authorized ACCA Exam centre, such as Ashton Testing Services centre located in Vancouver, BC. For ACCA exams registration, you’ll need to proceed to the test centre website directly and book the individual exams at your convenience. You will need to pay separate fees for each exam you wish to take.

Applied Skills Exams

The next step to ACCA qualification is Applied Skills Exams. They build on existing knowledge and understanding to develop strong, broad and practical finance qualifications required by professional accountants.  

Corporate and Business Law

Performance Management

Taxation

Financial reporting

Audit and assurance

Financial Management

This set of exams is offered in sessions. In 2019, sessions will be held in June and September in selected locations. In order to register and pay the ACCA exam fees, you will need to go to ACCA global website and create an account. You will be allowed to select the test centre located close to you. You will be also given an option to select the number of sessions to choose from. The general advice here is to plan well in advance, by finding the test locations and exam entry deadlines so that there no last minute issues. If you end up missing an exam, you may have to wait for several months for the next one.

Strategic Professional

The highest level of ACCA exams is Strategic Professional, which is comprised of Essentials and Options exams.

Essentials

Strategic Business Leader

Strategic Business Reporter

Options

Advanced Financial Management

Advanced Performance Management

Advanced Taxation

Advanced Audit and Assurance

Strategic professional exams also come in a package and can be taken only after completing the previous step and clearing the Applied Skills Exams.

If your goal is to take your professional accountant career to the next level, Ashton Testing Services will be glad to help you take the on-demand computerized exams at our convenient location in downtown Vancouver on a day and time that works best for you.

The Most Important Questions About GRE Exam

If you aspire to pursue a graduate degree or to attend a business school, you’ve most likely already heard about the GRE General Test. Chances are you’ve been studying and have even taken GRE practice exam to check your knowledge and determine test readiness. Studying and practicing for the test no doubt is important but it’s just one part of the process. The other part is taking the exam. It’s also imperative to understand the GRE exam procedures before giving the exam to make sure you know what to expect. That will ensure you have a higher chance to succeed.

How to find a GRE exam center?

GRE General Test is offered as a standardized measure to compare qualifications of candidates from all over the world. It’s available in more than 1,000 Prometric exam centers and additional test centers outside of Prometric network in over 160 countries. You can go to the Educational Testing Service website, which owns and administers the GRE exam, and visit the Test Centres and Dates page to check the locations and availability for all regions. Depending on your choice of a computer-based or paper-based exam you might have different GRE exam dates and test centres.

If you are looking for a GRE exam centre Vancouver, you will see the option of taking the GRE in a Prometric exam center, located in downtownVancouver and operated by Ashton Testing Services. The electronic system allows you to see seat availability in real time and choose the GRE exam dates that work best for you. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you book your test in advance and allow enough time for your scores to be reported to the chosen institutions in time for your application deadlines.

How to register for GRE exam?

To be able to take a test in one of Prometric exam centers, you will need to create an account on ETS website and register with them for the computer-based GRE General test. Make sure that the first and last names you use during your registration match the ID document you will bring to the GRE exam center. In your account enter the preferred location, choose one of the available GRE exam dates and select the score recipients. Double check all the information you provide.

Once your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email from ETS that will state your test choice, location, date and the score recipients. If you need to correct the personal data, contact GRE services immediately. It will be too late to report a mistake in your data on the day of your test. You might also be asked to provide your biometric voice sample and a photo. If you refuse to do that, you may not be permitted to sit the GRE exam. 

What to expect in a GRE Prometric exam center?

To get familiar with security procedures at Prometric exam centers visit the official Prometric or ETS website to check what you are allowed and not allowed to do at the test center. Make sure you don’t bring any food, drinks or tobacco with you. Don’t wear jewellery or watches. Don’t bring any devices or notes. If you come to the test center with the equipment that is not allowed in the test room, you’ll be asked to leave it in the locker with all of your belongings. If you need any special health-related equipment/s, contact ETS in advance to make sure you’re allowed to wear it during the exam.

You need to report to the GRE Prometric exam center at least 30 minutes before the start of your test. You will be required to present a valid ID. All your personal items must be stored in a locker, and you will not have access to them during the test except for food and beverages during your break. If you’re wearing eyeglasses, hair accessories, a tie, a jacket, a hat, they will be inspected before the exam. You will be provided with scrap paper and pencils but will not be permitted to bring your own paper to the test room with you.  

Take the test center regulations seriously. If you fail to follow the instructions of the test center staff, you will not be permitted to take the exam and your fee will not be refunded. Any violation of these procedures during the test or breaks may result in dismissal from the test and/or cancellation of scores. Make sure you know all the important information about the GRE exam center in Vancouver before you book your exam and clarify your doubts.

How to succeed in GRE exam?

There is no one magic formula for success. But if you follow these steps, you will give yourself the best chance to succeed:

·         Study hard and take GRE practice exams to get familiar with the format;
·         Make sure you read and understand all the applicable procedures and regulations;
·         Have a good rest before your exam;
·         Come prepared and don’t worry too much on your test day.

Good luck!