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Originally Posted by barcotta
2. They failed to provide any explanation with regard to the reason for the change. Additionally, there is no available information with regard to any change in test content. This is important because the previous requirements clearly permitted a financial calculator and if they've changed nothing in the test and removed the tool that everyone describes as "key" to passing the exam--they have created an unbelievably unfair disparity between test takers prior to this change and future test takers.
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Barcotta,
I agree entirely.
When I took the Principles of Finance exam, I used the BAII+ to my absolute utmost advantage. I used it not because I couldn't, or wouldn't, memorize all the formulas (as someone has wrongly suggested) but rather, I used the BAII+ simply because I was ALLOWED to use it.
In fact, I would have been foolish NOT to take advantage of the financial calculator since it was perfectly legal to do so at that time, and my score was being measured against others who could use the same financial calculator if they chose to do so.
Here's the issue as I see it now...
It is not necessarily unfair to disallow the use of a financial calculator, as long as:
A) NOBODY taking this exam is allowed to use a financial calculator.
B) This exam is no longer scored using the same benchmarks used when financial calculators were allowed.
In regards to Item A: Since there is a very real and obvious lack of consistency in the enforcement of the 4-function calculator rule amongst the various testing centers, fairness IS severely affected and the exam can no longer be considered "STANDARDIZED".
In regards to item B: DSST has some explaining to do. Something is very wrong if a person taking the exam now, without the use of a financial calculator, is measured against those of us who COULD use the calculator.
This is an extremely serious issue which must be addressed and remedied by DSST immediately.
I would cry foul if I were not allowed the use of a financial calculator whilst Joe Schmoe is allowed to use one at the test center 10 miles up the road. Where is the "standardization" in that?
I think you guys are right to be indignant about this. Fairness should be inherent in this system of standardized exams. Without fairness, the system fails entirely and fails ALL OF US entirely.
Snazzlefrag