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Hi,
I have been having some trouble preparing to take the BT exam. Earlier in the year ACCA had said that we could not use Macs for the on-demand CBEs, but that they could be used for session CBEs. I am using a MacBook Pro and so I purchased a computer with Windows 7 on it. The system’s requirements PDF produced by ACCA said that Windows 7 was compatible, however, when I completed the systems’ check I was informed that it was not compatible. I was then given a list of operating systems that were compatible by ProctorU. One of the systems listed was Mac OS. I then contacted ACCA and asked if I could use Windows 7 or Mac, and was informed that Windows 7 is “strictly prohibited for exam delivery” and that I could use Mac.
I am nervous to book my exam if previously ACCA said that Mac could not be used and is still saying on their website that Windows 7 can be used.
Has anyone else used Mac for an on-demand CBE? If so, did all go well?
Thanks for any responses.
As you say, it clearly states here https://www.accaglobal.com/ie/en/student/exam-entry-and-administration/computer-based-exams/on-demand-cbes/remote-on-demand-cbe-info.html “Please note that exams cannot be run on a Mac.”
Could it have been that the person who advised you otherwise thought you were enquiring about SESSION CBE? (Was it a call? Or do you have an email chain?)
I have made my own enquiry to ACCA but in the meantime you might want to go back to ACCA yourself and point out the apparent discrepancy.
Hi,
Thank you for the response.
I communicated with ACCA in email and do have the email chain.
I have now discovered that the answers I was given in the email from ACCA was a direct copy of the systems requirements PDF for the session CBEs, not for the on-demand CBEs. I specifically asked about the on-demand CBEs in my email.
I am reluctant to just go and purchase another computer, having already purchased one which ACCA had said would work and does not.
Thank you for looking into this. I will try to contact ACCA again.
This was my original message to ACCA:
Hi,
I am preparing to take an on-demand CBE via remote invigilation. The systems requirements PDF produced by ACCA says that we can use Windows 7. However, when I complete a systems check with ProctorU, it says that Windows 7 is not supported and lists several alternative systems including Mac.
Does Windows 7 work, and/or can I use Mac instead?
Thank you for any help,
This was ACCA’s reply:
Hello,
Thanks for contacting us.
We hope that you are doing well.
Please prefer the below details regarding the operating system platforms which supports the system while taking the exam:-
Operating System Windows 10 (64-bit) (excluding ‘S Mode’) Windows 8.1 (64-bit) (all editions except ‘RT’) Mac OS 10.13 and above (excluding beta versions).
Note
• Windows Operating Systems must pass Genuine Windows Validation.
• Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 7 are strictly prohibited for exam delivery.
• All Linux/Unix based Operating Systems are strictly prohibited.Please also note that exams must only be run on desktop PCs or full-size laptop computers excluding Macs.
Also find the attached pdf for system specification in the attachment section of this mail.
We wish all the best for your exam.
If you need any further help, please contact us again.
Thanks,
Dishant
ACCA
Connect IndiaI then replied (but have not heard back yet):
Hi,
Thank you for your previous response.
I would like to confirm that I can use Mac for an on-demand CBE. I have previously heard that you can only use Mac when taking the session CBEs. Is this the case, or can I use it for the on-demand CBEs?
Thank you
Thank you for the further information.
I have just run the test myself https://go.proctoru.com/testitout
I don’t have Mac but I do have Windows 7 – and it does indeed tell me that 8 is minimum. I will add info to my enquiries to ACCA.Hi,
I have received a response from ACCA re the use of Mac in the on-demand CBEs.
” Hello,
” Thanks for contacting us.
” Unfortunately, MAC’s are not allowed as the software for the remotely invigilated exam is not compatible with that type of device.
” If you do not meet the system requirements, it will not be possible to take a remote on-demand CBE with that device.
” Before booking an exam you will be directed to check whether your device meets the technical specifications required to install and run the ACCA exam software.
” I would therefore advise you to contact the British Council, with whom you booked the exam under, and request to cancel or reschedule the exam until such times as you have met the technical specifications to undertake the remotely invigilated on-demand exams.
” The telephone number for the British Council is +44 161 957 7755.
” For access to past exam papers, study guides and syllabuses for the ACCA examinations, please refer to the below link:
http://www.accaglobal.com/uk/en/student/exam-support-resources.html
” I hope that you will find this information useful for your revision and I wish you the best of luck on your future exams.
” If you need any further help, please contact us again.
Thanks,
Greig
ACCA
Connect ”I have found in previous exchanges that when my questions have been responded to by ACCA Connect India, my questions are not answered. But when it is transferred back to the UK they are immediately answered.
Ok – so everything now confirms NO to a MAC. The outstanding query is the conflict between Windows 7 (per ACCA Guide) vs Windows 8 (per ProctorU). I will send a further enquiry now.
Hi Christy
As you appear to be in the UK, I think my best advice to you at this stage is to sit at a CBE centre when available. I do not yet have any explanation for the apparent contradiction but been told that Windows 10 is recommended. I’ll post again if I receive any further update.
Kim
Hi Mr Smith,
Thank you for your help.
I am looking into either sitting the exam at a centre when they open or purchasing a computer with Windows 10.
Thank you again for you help,
Christy
Hi Mrs Smith, (Sorry for using the wrong title previously)
It dawned on me yesterday that maybe ACCA was just a bit disorganised and gave the PDF for the ACCA exam system requirements and not a PDF for the ProctorU system requirements. I.E. They linked to a PDF that they would give to exam centres running their ACCA exam program instead of the PDF we needed telling us what type of computer was required to run the invigilation software. This might then be causing more confusion in ACCA’s own staff who don’t seem to understand and keep getting confused with the different systems (on-demand vs session).
I still think that they need to sort out the PDF though. Other students could have their money and time wasted too.
I have written to ACCA to tell them about the problem in the PDF but have had no response and I have also written an ACCA Learning Community post about the problem but to no avail as the PDF remains unchanged.
Hi Christy
I managed to get some acknowledgement that the 2nd page of the pdf needs to be deleted and this has now been forwarded to the relevant department. I am on holiday next week but I will check on my return to confirm that it has.
I think everyone is a bit confused!
Hi Christy!
I have checked and the pdf has now been updated – so THANK YOU for having raised the issue!
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