July 2023
AAT is systematically working through the problems with its Q2022 assessment software, with some progress being made. But there is still more to put right.
In an exclusive interview with PQ magazine, AAT CEO Sarah Beale (pictured) said that she believes the issues with the mouse curser âjumpingâ have been largely resolved, with âa few exceptionsâ.
The AAT has seen encouraging signs in recent weeks, and there are early indications that the problems with loading and submitting assessments is improving. Beale explained most assessments were being submitted successful, but that the system wasnât showing that at the sitterâs end. Obviously, itâs distressing for students to leave their assessment unclear about whether they have submitted.
The biggest issue to put right is with the Management Accounting Techniques (MATS) assessment at Level 3. Beale admitted there is no immediate fix here.
She revealed that after making improvements AAT had rigorously tested and ran lots of assessments, only for some of the glitches to reappear. Beale said there is no magic wand to fix these problems, as the assessments are complex and continually available. However, the number of incidents is falling.
She has also appointed a new technology director, Michael Perillo. He and his team have been liaising closely with colleges to see the problems first-hand.
Beale thanked both students and the training providers for their patience, and stressed that she understood that the current level of service âwas not good enoughâ.
Meanwhile, Q2022 has been heavily praised by tutors for providing students with the perfectlaunch-pad into a modern-day accountancy career.
