Sample Questions in CBT Format for CAS Exams 5–9 Now Available!

The CAS has released a set of nine sample questions and example solutions for Exams 5 – 9 through the Pearson VUE/CAS website. The question set allows candidates to:

• practice and become familiar with Pearson VUE’s computer-based testing functionality and
• understand how to work in the spreadsheet format, respond to questions, and navigate between questions.
• understand how full-credit solutions could be presented, as sample solutions are included for each question.

The question set includes problems that generally represent a cross-section of question styles from CAS Exams 5 – 9 and are not exam specific.

While the CBT environment can allow for more sophisticated test questions and the use of larger datasets in the future, those changes will not be implemented for the Fall 2020 exam. The CAS is focused solely on the transition from paper and pencil to a computer-based delivery format at this time. The questions on Exams 5 – 9 will be the same as those that would have been asked if the exam had remained a paper and pencil exam; in other words, the questions will be similar in format and style to previous offerings of the same exam. Therefore, the sample questions have been pulled from prior CAS exams.

There will be no changes to the way exam questions are graded, except that graders will now be able to consider formulas entered in the Pearson VUE spreadsheets. Candidates should compose responses in the same way as before and show all work and reasoning to maximize credit. Partial credit will be given for candidates who are able to demonstrate some understanding of the question. Candidates should note that the sample solutions that have been provided with the question set are one possible way to answer the questions but are not the only solution that would be awarded credit.

As candidates access the sample exam questions and work the problems, please note the following:

• Graphing/Drawing: Candidates will not be expected to do any graphing or drawing in their responses on the exams.
• Formatting: Formatting capabilities do exist in the Pearson spreadsheet environment. As long as candidates show their work and graders are able to follow their logic, candidates are not required to format their work to be visually appealing (e.g., borders around tables).
• Functions: Pearson’s spreadsheet includes several functions (to see the list, click here ). Candidates are free to use any of these functions in their responses to the questions on the exam.
• Zooming In and Out: Candidates are able to zoom in and out in Pearson’s spreadsheet by either selecting Ctrl +/- on the keyboard or by changing the viewing % on the toolbar. The spreadsheet defaults to 100% but a candidate may choose to decrease to 75% to make sure they can see most of the entire question on the screen.
• Reference Items and/or Tables: Any reference items and/or tables required for the examination will be loaded directly into the Pearson environment and will be available to the candidates on the screen by the click of a button. More information on this is available in the tutorial that precedes the exam.
• Pressing F11 while doing the sample exam will more closely mimic the exam center experience.
• Navigator Button: Clicking on the Navigator button in the Pearson environment will provide a list of all questions, including a topic description and point value.
• A symbol selector has been included to allow you to insert symbols or mathematical operators that are not available on a keyboard. The symbols included in the sample questions are just a sample of possible symbols and additional symbols may be available for the fall exams. We do not anticipate that you will need to use these symbols very often.
• Showing Your Work: Although the prompt says “show all work below,” you are allowed to work the solution anywhere on the spreadsheet. The entire spreadsheet, including all formulas used, will be sent to the graders.
• Undo Options: If you accidentally erase part of the question, there is an option to “undo” the last keystroke by using the appropriate undo button in the toolbar or by pressing Ctrl-Z. There is also an option to reset the entire question, however, this will erase any part of the solution you have already typed.
• The Pearson spreadsheet does not allow candidates to sort any of the data.
• Time Limits: While we have set the sample questions with a time limit of two hours, candidates will have four hours to work the exam questions during the actual CAS exams administered this Fall.