Overview
- From March, the ACCA will allow online sittings only in exceptional cases, returning most assessments to test centers.
- Chief executive Helen Brand said cheating tools have outpaced safeguards and described AI’s impact as a tipping point.
- Remote exams were introduced during the pandemic to keep qualifications moving when lockdowns closed in‑person venues.
- Other professional bodies are taking different paths, with the ICAEW noting rising cheating yet still allowing some online exams.
- Regulators have warned about widespread exam misconduct, and past cases have drawn heavy penalties including EY’s $100m US fine.