Dumpster Fire: My BEC Retake Experience

Rollie is a [A71 product=”combo”]NINJA CPA blogger[/A71].

NINJAs –

I lodged a formal complaint with NASBA after having a dumpster fire during my BEC retake.

“I would like to inform you of the events that occurred during my test on Monday, July 18, 2016. BEC was scheduled for 8:30 AM in the morning. I started my test and put my earplugs in to block out any typing noise from other users.

This test center is located at a community college, so there are many different rooms, including restrooms, utility closets and other classrooms, right next to the Prometric testing center.

As I began my exam, I could hear very loud drilling and construction work in the room next to me. Every 30 seconds, I would hear more banging, which would ruin my concentration and cause me to re-read the question/answer choices.

This surmounted in copious amounts of time loss. This type of situation would cause most people to have extreme trouble concentrating. For a person with ADHD, like myself, it is nearly impossible.

I would also like to note that the temperature was extremely warm, despite multiple box fans in use, and I was covered in sweat when I walked out of the testing room.

You will see that I did finish early as I wanted to make sure that I had plenty of time for the writing section of BEC. I could only try to read and re-read the multiple choice questions so many time before having to move on to the next question due to time. No break was taken because I was afraid I would run out of time due to all the distractions.

I am writing today to see what course of action we can take to remedy this situation. These were truly unfortunate testing conditions that no candidate should have to experience.”

Taking the CPA Exam is not for the faint of heart.

Driving home, I was livid and frustrated. I got home and used my frustration to not punch a cat but to put up two wire shelving units while drinking and watching Property Brothers.

I am hoping something can be done or that I get extremely lucky and knock it out of the park. I will let you know when I hear news…