Yikes!!
I know they have our interest at heart, however, I think they should have done a gradual implementation of the laminated paper/dry marker.
How can one cheat on the CPA exam? First of all you are trying to protect the public's interest and must have high ethical values. We all agreed to this before, during and after the test.
With all those wands, cameras, and prometric personnel wandering around the room, literally standing over candidates, any attemp to cheat is squashed. Cheat once, you are bannished from CPA exams forever (all those cameras, etc.)
First pencil and paper exam was eliminated
Second computerized exams administered but scratch paper and pencil provided
Now for 2013 no more scratch paper.
I would say it is just regular changes not attributed to any factors (i.e. cheating) and I pray that I am right.
We have to take the good with the not so good. CFO took CPA exam in pencil and paper era, he said I had it easy. I told him same CPA exam, more materials and pencil and paper era was NOT adaptive.
Point is for those taking the exams starting in 2013, just do your thing. Believe in your abilities to conquer, regardless of the changes.